Painting Your Soul

I was just skimming CNN's technology & science section and I came across an AWESOME article of a scientist/artist who will take your DNA fingerprint and put it on canvas! How cool is that?!? OK, you might not think it's that cool, but 2 science nerds couldn't ask for anything more!

Check these out:




It would be so cool to have your DNA hanging above your bed!
Not only is it orange, but it even has the appropriate molecular weight markers on the ends! Every scientist knows you have to have standards and controls... :)
This is an even COOLER idea!
You can put you and your spouse's DNA next to each other! You can have them individual or have them emphasize areas that are similar.

This is just too nerdy to pass up!


While this is really cool, it will have to wait a while. The company that does it, DNA11, charges $400 for an 18"x24" of just one person's DNA, and the 24"x72" of both of our DNA is about $1000.
It's pretty simple how they do it. If you've ever seen a CSI episode, or been implemented in a crime where they had DNA evidence, it should be familiar. They send you a kit that contains a Q-Tip you swab your mouth with, you send it back, then they extract the DNA. They then cut it with things called restriction enzymes that cut at specific parts in the DNA, then run it on a gel that separates things by molecular weight (size). Since each person it unique, when the entire genome is looked at, there won't be any 2 alike.
Maybe in 20 years you can expect this as a birthday present from us...or maybe we'll just send you a picture of ours... :P