[systemstops]

Race is a social construct, but one loosely based on biological reality. As we unravel the mystery of human origins using ancient DNA, we are starting to get a better understanding of the how different groups came to be.

The idea what we are a homogenous species with no biologically important distinctions between groups - which became popular in the postwar period - is coming to end. But, we are also not returning to racial essentialism of the past. The new narrative of human differences will be far more complicated.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-025-02117-1

[carabiner]

Related: A New DNA Test Can ID a Suspect's Race, But Police Won't Touch It

> Tony Clayton, a black man and a prosecutor who tried one of the Baton Rouge murder cases, concedes the benefits of the test: "Had it not been for Frudakis, we would still be looking for the white guy in the white pickup." Nevertheless, Clayton says he dislikes anything that implies we don't all "bleed the same blood." He adds, "If I could push a button and make this technology disappear, I would."

https://www.wired.com/2007/12/ps-dna/

[genewitch]

He could push a bunch of buttons and draft legislation to prevent it from being used in Louisiana.

I'm sure they'll use it whenever possible, regardless of his quote.