Strong Bones Gene Normal Person Strong Bones Chromosome Pair 12 The DNA of an extended Connecticut family has yielded a possible target for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, according to Yale scientists who reported their findings in May. Members of this family carry a genetic mutation that causes high bone density…

High-Risk for Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s Gene Normal Person High-Risk for Alzheimer’s Chromosome Pair 14 Chromosome Pair 14 A family of Finnish descent with very-early-onset Alzheimer's disease has been identified. Genetic analysis of this family suggested a locus on Chromosome Pair 14 between D14S52 and D14S55. The early age at onset of the disease suggests…

Metabolism Gene Normal Person Fast Metabolism Chromosome Pair 2 A gene controlling the production of glucagon has been found on Chromosome Pair 2. Glucagon is a hormone produced by the pancreas. It works to raise the concentration of glucose and fat in the bloodstream.

Eye-Color Gene Brown Eyes Blue Eyes Chromosome Pair 15 A particular region on Chromosome Pair 15 plays a major role in eye color. Within this region, there are two genes that control the amount of melanin (a brown protein) present in your eyes. And of course, less melanin leads to blue eyes instead of brown!

Foot-Size Gene Normal Feet Small Feet Chromosome Pair 4 A genetic disorder affecting Chromosome Pair 4 has been associated with small feet, among other more serious symptoms. It is unclear, but most scientists agree that a trait like foot size would be polygenic.

Asthma Gene No Asthma Asthma Chromosome Pair 5 Chromosome Pair 5 There are more than five chromosomal regions linked with asthma. The relative roles of genes at these locations are not clear, but genes on Chromosome Pair 5 are promising areas for investigation. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes the lining of a person's airways to swell, tighten and inflame when exposed to different irritants or triggers.

The Thrill-Seeking Gene Normal Person Thrill-Seeker Chromosome Pair 11 Chromosome Pair 11 A 1998 study by UCLA discovered a gene associated with thrill-seeking located on Chromosome Pair 11. The gene seems to code for dopamine receptors that absorb the types of “pleasure chemicals” usually released during high-risk activities.

Diabetes Gene Normal Person Type 1 Diabetes Chromosome Pair 7 About 10 locations in the human genome have now been found that seem to confer susceptibility to Type 1 diabetes. Among these is the gene for glucokinase (GCK), an enzyme that is key to glucose metabolism, which helps modulate insulin secretion, found on Chromosome Pair 7.

Lactose-Intolerance Gene Normal Person Lactose Intolerant Chromosome Pair 20 Chromosome Pair 20 Lactose intolerance is a disorder whereby a person cannot digest lactose, which is a common compound found in dairy products. No milk, no cheese, and worst of all, no ice cream. Scientists are not exactly sure what genes cause lactose intolerance… so help them out!

Skin-Color Gene Light Skin Dark Skin Chromosome Pair 16 There are likely multiple genes that control skin color. But there is a gene which controls the cells that produce melanin called MC1R. It directs the synthesis of the melanocortin-stimulating hormone receptor, and is found on Chromosome Pair 16. MC1R is therefore a major contributor to skin color.

Long-Legs Gene Normal Person Long Legs Chromosome Pair 10 Height is polygenic. There are many, many genes that decide how tall you are. But some of those genes, particularly those that control leg length, may be found on Chromosome Pair 10…