Invisible Histories

A random selection from recent headline stories involving DNA.

• Harrowing story (thankfully with a happy ending) of a couple’s search for and reunion with their infant daughter, lost during the Haiti quake.
• Certainly not what comes to mind as a yeti. Aren’t they supposed to be Bigfoot-sized, with copious amounts of scraggly fur?
• Although recently confirmed via DNA, this “new” species of lizard has been living in the Philippines and known to the local tribespeople for some time. Actual text to herpetologist Rafe Brown from his students when they stumbled across the six-foot long, yellow-speckled lizard in the mountains:  ”ZOMG!!1!!”
• Scientists in China battle obesity by targeting the fat gene. In related news, word today is that stalled work by the international team of scientists conducting similar research on the procrastination gene will resume…as soon as they’re done upgrading their chop shops in Mafia Wars.

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Dear NBC,

In light of today’s announcement that you are renewing “Who Do You Think You Are” for a second season, I would like to draw your attention to a glaring flaw in this year’s programming:  no Finnish-Americans. While you ponder how this terrible oversight could possibly have occurred, to correct it I humbly recommend a short list of famous Finnish-Americans for next year’s program. Any one of them could make a compelling subject as they trace their Suomi roots:  actress Pamela Anderson (um, okay, perhaps “compelling” isn’t the best word to use in her case; moving right along…), author Jean Auel, international philanthropist and honorary American Santa Claus, actor Matt Damon, director Rennie Harlin, musician Jorma Kaukonen, actress Christine Lahti, actress Jessica Lange, director David Lynch, Olympic athlete Dan O’Brien, “Simpsons” producer Bonnie Pietila, conductor Esa-Pekka Salonen, Vampira (admittedly this one might be difficult considering she’s no longer alive but then again, this is Vampira we’re talking about), and actress Renée Zellweger. I think the latter would make for particularly fetching production value as she chases the reindeer herds beneath the glow of the Northern Lights, following in the path of her maternal Sámi ancestors. But hey, that’s just me.

And by the way, love your show. Except for that whole lack-of-Finns thing.

Laura

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Update 4/6: Mike brings up famous sportscaster Dick Enberg, Finnish-American through both his mother and father. Would you like to help us get a writing and/or calling campaign started to promote a Finn-American for next year’s program? Here’s the contact info for WDYTYA producer Lisa Kudrow’s Is or Isn’t Entertainment –

8391 beverly blvd #125

los angeles, ca 90048

(310) 854-0972

info@isorisnt.com

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While the 2008 genetic map of Europe/Euroopan geneetinen kartta simply showed Finland as a stark outlier compared to other European countries, the genetic atlas recently created by Finland’s Institute for Molecular Medicine provides a look at the complexity of genetic differences within Finland itself. The work was overseen by the late geneticist Leena Peltonen-Palotie and based on analysis of over 40,000 DNA samples. Some commentary here (Suomeksi) and here (English). 2008 article “Correlation between Genetic and Geographic Structure in Europe” here. [h/t Raija, Jennifer and Marja]

Tags: DNA, News
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