Baby Swaps, Crime Scenes, and DNA Testing Additional Information

Published by Franklin Watts/Scholastic, 2001.

Every cell in the human body contains something called DNA, the blueprint that contains all the information that makes your body different from everyone else’s. Unless you have an identical twin, no one on earth has the same DNA that you do. This comes in handy in solving crimes, because while smart criminals might be able to avoid leaving actual fingerprints, it is nearly impossible not to leave behind some DNA (it’s in your sweat, tears, dead skin cells, etc.). Learn how scientists and law enforcement work together to use this information to track down dangerous criminals. This book tells how and shares some interesting stories of real crimes that DNA evidence has helped solve.

Published by Chelsea House, 2002.

Every living thing is made up of cells, yet plants and animals and humans are obviously very different. The secret to the differences—and the similarities—is in DNA. Explore the mysteries of DNA and find out how scientists are working to unravel them. Learn about amino acids, RNA, and the structure of DNA; discover how heredity works; and find out about mutations and genetic disorders. The Human Genome Project, DNA fingerprinting, and genetic engineering are also discussed.

Published by Enslow Publishers, 2001.

The Science Projects books by Robert Gardner are packed with dozens of step-by-step experiments and activities you can perform yourself. Each one includes an introduction to a particular subject, safety hints, a list of scientific equipment suppliers, and an index. Gardner also marks the experiments he thinks would make good science fair projects. This book is about genetics, the science of heredity. Experiments include: “Making your Own Family Tree”; “Eye Color and Genes”; “A Three-Dimensional Model of DNA”; and “Cloning, Food, and Humans.”