Mitochondrial DNA's Surprising Variability Could Complicate Forensic and Genealogical Analyses

If this proves to be true, it could again end the use of mitochondrial DNA for genealogy:

The mitochondrial genome–long thought to be nearly identical in every cell in the human body–actually varies to a surprising degree, according to new research by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) scientists. The research shows that different forms of the mitochondrial genome can be present in different organs from the same individual, and that these forms probably arise during embryonic development.

You can read more in Health News Digest at http://tinyurl.com/yadktpy