Welcome to DNA: Heredity and Beyond.  In addition to putting this site together to win a scholarship (we hope), we are leaving it as a record of how two high school students felt about the new developments in biotechnology.  These new developments promise to challenge many ideas about who we are and what makes us unique.  In addition many ethical problems which mankind has never had to deal with have suddenly materialized.
At this turning point in history, it is important to understand the science behind the technology.  An understanding of this new science and its ramifications by the general public may be the only thing that will allow this technology to continue, while continuing to respect the rights of each individual.  Consider this quote by Jeremy Rifkin:

"Once we decide to begin the process of human genetic engineering, there really is no logical place to stop.  If diabetes, sickle-cell disease, and cancer are to be cured by altering the genetic makeup of an individual, why not proceed to other 'disorders': myopia, color blindness, left handedness.  Indeed, what is to preclude a society from deciding that a certain skin color is a disorder?"
        The only way to keep the applications of genetic engineering in a proper balance is for society as a whole to establish a set of moral guidelines that govern the limits of this new technology.  Having these voluntary boundaries addressing situations before they arise is the only way to ensure that this technology does not get out of hand.
        Therefore, a major purpose of this site is to inform the general public about what forces normally control genetics, and what scientists are beginning to be able to do to use these forces to bend nature to the will of mankind.  Only an accurate understanding of these forces and this technology, coupled with an open mind will allow us to proceed into the future carefully and with respect for each other.

Why We Chose our Topic
        There are many reasons for choosing this topic.  Firstly, the topic is timely.  Although there are more new developments of late than ever before, genetics is not just a 1998 issue, or even a "'90's thing".  Sciences related to DNA will likely have a large influence for a long time to come.  In addition, there is enough misinformation floating about to scare people away from genetic science.  We hope that this site can counteract some of that misinformation by providing relevant facts to anyone who wants them.

About the Title
        The name of this site is DNA: Heredity and Beyond.  You may find yourself asking what the beyond is for, since DNA only governs inheritance.  The answer to this question lies in the fact that the genes that a person inherits often determine how that person will spend their life.  For instance, an inherited gene for cystic fibrosis…

What it Took
        There is a vast amount of books, articles, and web pages devoted to this subject.  We were very fortunate to be able to visit a real genetics lab at Texas A & M University where Dr. Piedrahita's staff informed us about their work.  Even though, Dr. Piedrahita was not able to stay long, his staff graciously took time to discuss their research with us.  We learned that they perform many experiments on DNA with enzymes to find cures for diseases such as Mad Cow Disease.  We were even allowed to agar-test the results of a restriction enzyme on DNA.  Even though we performed the test like beginners and made mistakes, the staff was patient.  Here are some pictures of our visit to the lab:
 
Matthew using a pipette to insert DNA into the agar.
Barrett holding the pipette and opening a tube with a solution containing DNA.
Another Picture of Matthew.
Another Picture of Barrett.