Julia Wandelt, who believed she was Madeleine McCann, harassed the McCann family for over two years through calls, messages, and in-person visits, despite DNA tests proving she is not Madeleine. She was convicted of harassment but not stalking, sentenced to six months in prison, and will likely be deported, while her co-accused Karen Spragg was acquitted.
Summer McKesson's use of a DNA test uncovered a medical mystery involving her genetic conditions and revealed a doctor, Dr. Peete, had used his own sperm for fertility treatments without consent, leading to decades of deception and the discovery of multiple half-siblings, raising ethical and legal concerns about fertility fraud in the US.
Summer McKesson's unexplained blood clots led her to discover she was genetically predisposed to Marfan syndrome and a clotting disorder, which were linked to her biological father, Dr. Charles Peete, who secretly used his own sperm for fertility treatments, revealing decades of medical deception and resulting in the discovery of multiple half-siblings.
A man abducted as a baby during Argentina's military dictatorship has been identified after 48 years through DNA testing, reuniting with his sister, thanks to the efforts of the Grandmothers of the Plaza de Mayo.
Billy Idol revealed he has a secret son, Brant, discovered through a DNA test, and expressed that he is now more present for his family, feeling in a better place in his life.
A DNA test called AvertD, approved by the FDA, claims to predict genetic risk of opioid addiction, but skeptics argue that it relies on unsound science and could lead to inappropriate prescribing or stigmatization of patients. The test analyzes 15 genetic markers and uses an algorithm to generate a risk score, but critics question its validity and potential biases. While the FDA approved the test with conditions and added warnings about its limitations, concerns remain about its real-world implications and impact on patient care.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been ordered by a court to submit to a DNA test in a lawsuit brought by a woman who claims to be his daughter. The ruling aims to establish or debunk her allegation of paternity, and comes after a prior agreement between her mother and Jones was sought to be invalidated. The woman's lawyer sees the court order as a "huge victory" and hopes it will bring her peace, while Jones's legal team argues that the woman's mother's husband at the time is legally presumed to be her father.
A judge has ordered Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to take a DNA test to determine whether he is the biological father of a 27-year-old woman, Alexandra Davis, who sued him last year. Davis claims she was conceived after her mother had a relationship with Jones in the mid-1990s and that an agreement was reached for financial support without publicly acknowledging Jones as her father. Jones, who bought the Cowboys in 1989 and is now 81 years old, is also facing a defamation lawsuit from Davis.
Former Van Halen singer Sammy Hagar discovers shocking family history on "Finding Your Roots," including ties to fruit mobsters in New York and a revelation that he is not genetically related to the Hagar family line. The episode also uncovers tragic events in his family's past, shedding light on his mother's upbringing and providing insight into why she married his violent father. Hagar expresses overwhelming excitement and plans to share the revelations with his sisters, while more family secrets are set to be revealed in future episodes of the show.
Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan with a rare form of dwarfism, was adopted by Michael and Kristine Barnett, who later accused her of being an adult and changed her legal birth year. In a documentary, Natalia takes a DNA test that suggests her biological age is close to 22, contradicting the Barnetts' claims. Testimony from her childhood dentist also supports her claim of being a child at the time. While DNA tests can provide insights into biological age and health, they do not definitively determine chronological age based on birth date.
US researchers have developed a new DNA test that can analyze proteins in the blood to detect 18 different types of early-stage cancers across major human organs with high accuracy. This multi-screening test has the potential to reshape cancer screening guidelines and become a standard part of routine check-ups, potentially leading to improved treatment and higher survival rates. The test, developed by the US biotech firm Novelna, outperforms previous methods and could help diagnose pre-cancerous and early-stage cancer before significant damage occurs, although further studies are needed to establish its effectiveness.
Scientists have developed a DNA test that can detect 18 early-stage cancers by analyzing proteins in the blood, potentially revolutionizing cancer detection. The test outperformed existing methods and showed high accuracy in identifying cancer types and their origins. While the findings are promising, further studies are needed to confirm the test's effectiveness on a larger scale. If successful, this test could significantly improve early cancer detection and reshape screening guidelines.
Luke Davies, a man who grew up identifying as white, took an at-home DNA test that revealed his biological father was multiracial. After discovering his mother had an affair with a Portuguese man while on vacation, Davies embarked on a journey to find his birth father. With the help of a genealogist, he tracked down his father, Carlos, and they had an emotional reunion. Davies has since embraced his multiracial identity and formed a closer bond with his newfound family, while also maintaining a strong connection with the father who raised him.
A lawsuit has been filed against a retired Boston fertility doctor, Dr. Merle Berger, by a woman who claims he secretly used his own sperm to impregnate her over 40 years ago. Sarah Depoian visited Dr. Berger's fertility clinic and was promised an anonymous donor's sperm for artificial insemination. However, her daughter, Carolyn Bester, discovered through a DNA test that Dr. Berger is her biological father. The lawsuit alleges deliberate misconduct and seeks damages for the harm caused. Dr. Berger denies the accusations, stating they have no legal or factual merit.
Comedian Tracy Morgan shocked fans by revealing on a podcast that he recently discovered he is related to rapper Nas after taking a DNA test. The surprising revelation came as a shock to Morgan, who already considered Nas a close friend. The full story will be shared on an upcoming episode of PBS' "Finding Your Roots." Morgan emphasized the importance of knowing one's heritage and expressed his emotional reaction to the discovery.