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Newest fair attraction: DNA on a stick
U researchers see the State Fair as an ideal place to find families for a study on the genetic makeup of children, but some wonder if it's an appropriate venue.
State fairgoers wait in long lines for purple shoulder bags and two-bit yardsticks. But will they donate their children's fingernail clippings or blood droplets for free ride tickets and a string backpack?
Genetic researchers at the University of Minnesota hope the answer is yes. During the first week of the fair, researchers will invite 500 children and their parents to answer health questions, agree to height, weight and blood pressure measurements and provide DNA samples.
The ultimate goal of the "Gopher Kids'' study is to map the genetic makeup of normal, healthy children — and thereby identify the genetic defects that predict chronic diseases and health problems.
"If we know what's normal, then we know where to look for abnormality," said Logan Spector, lead researcher.
But step one is just testing out the fair as a recruiting site.
Continue www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/100232899.html?elr=KArks:DCiUnP::DicaE_oaEaD_2EPyUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
