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Emily Farthing

Freelancer writer and editor

The best thing about my job is helping to make science accessible to everyone. My goal is to spark curiosity and encourage people to explore and learn more about our fascinating world.

Content by author

Image showing a piece of paper with a DNA sequence written on it, an electrophoresis photo and a restriction map.

How do you map a genome?

There are two main ways to map a genome: genetic mapping and physical mapping. They’re used to identify and record the location of genes and the distances between genes on a chromosome.

Methods and Technology
A sandfly (Phlebotomus papatasi) in the process of ingesting a bloodmeal. Sandflies are responsible for the spread of the Leishmania parasite species that cause the disease Leishmaniasis.

How is genomics being used to tackle leishmania?

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by protozoan parasites called Leishmanias, which are transmitted to humans by the bite of infected sandflies.

Health and Disease
image of dna profiling

What DNA is profiling used for?

Looking at unique patterns in different people’s DNA – known as DNA profiling – can help to solve crime and link biological relatives.

Methods and Technology
Depiction of a map where gene locations have been identified.

What is genome mapping?

Genome mapping is used to identify and record the location of genes and the distances between genes on a chromosome. 

Methods and Technology