I was musing this morning on the most sacred of thrones while reading a history almanac compiled by a British author (No lite reading for me on the can). The small affectation was about the discovery of genes (DNA) and how they can be used to determine characteristics of people and other animals. This reminded me of an article I read in National Geographic while waiting in a doctor's office regarding the female Pharoh Hatshepsut. They were trying to determine, using DNA if she was related to other pharohs, and how closely.
This got me to thinking (here comes the musing part) about the possibility and maybe the probability of looking at the DNA of famous and important people in history and seeing if anyone alive matches that DNA. This could be a quick way to see if a person has the 'right stuff'.
Now, I know what you're thinking...that's invasive and private information..blah, blah, blah. People give up their DNA all the time and do not even know it. Every 'anonymous' blood test is potential for DNA to be collected and catalogued. In addition, there is the existing criminal database that is ubiquitous on every cop show on TV. What if there is someone out there with the same DNA (or darn close) as Albert Einstein or Michael Stipe or Barry Sanders or, God forbid, Adolf himself. Shouldn't we know this? Wouldn't we want to know this?
Makes you think...I know I was as I was donating some DNA to the US sewer system...
