[DIYbio] Re: Ideas for What to Test for in an Introductory PCR/Gel Workshop

Although you implied testing saliva, another idea is testing
common foods for bad things.   The below comes to mind;
I bet many will be surprised to know there is very likely to
be cockroach DNA in their kitchen turmeric. 

Quote
Ref: "FDA Draft Risk Profile: Pathogens and Filth in Spices" 2013

Types of Pathogens and Filth Adulteration Found in Spices

Microbial pathogens that have been found in spices include
Salmonella , Bacillus spp.  (including Bacillus cereus ),
Clostridium perfringens , Cronobacter spp., Shigella , and
Staphylococcus aureus . Filth adulterants found in spices
include insects (live and dead whole insects and insect
parts), excrement (animal, bird, and insect), hair (human,
rodent, bat, cow, sheep, dog, cat and others), and other
materials (decomposed parts, bird barbs, bird barbules, bird
feathers, stones, twigs, staples, wood slivers, plastic,
synthetic fibers, and rubber bands). 
 
Foodborne Illness Outbreaks from Microbial Contaminants in Spices

During the period 1973-2010, fourteen reported illness
outbreaks were attributed to consumption of
pathogen-contaminated spice. Countries reporting outbreaks
includeNew Zealand, Norway, Serbia, United Kingdom, and the
United States1946 reported human illnesses, 128
hospitalizations and two deaths.

End Quote

## Jonathan Cline
## jcline@ieee.org
## Mobile: +1-805-617-0223
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On Friday, February 7, 2014 7:58:33 AM UTC-8, xox wrote:

Hey everyone!

I am considering ideas for an introductoy PCR/Gel workshop - what could we test for?  I remember being part of such a class/workshop a bit back - we sampled our saliva and tested for some gene that some people have, I can't remember which (though it might have been the "bitter taste gene" listed below).

I like using saliva and the simple premise of testing for the presence of x gene, as it simplifies the DNA extraction and the overall concept so we can focus on the tools and concepts of PCR and Gel-running.  

Possible topics?

I thought at first of the so-called human mendelian traits, like the classic ones you learn in high school to talk about basic genetics (tongue-rolling, widow's peak, etc) though it seems many of these are generally bogus and/or don't have worthwhile gene to home in on anyway.  The two I did come up with were:

1. ABO Blood Type - I guess we could take a pinprick blood sample and proceed with that?

2. TAS2R38 - a "bitter taste receptor" that some have

What are everyone thoughts?  What are some good subjects for an introductory pcr/gel session, and what human genes are of interest to test?  Any comments from people with ideas, who've been part of such introductory classes or have any related things to say are welcome.  Shouts out from the biohackers in Vancouver

erik