Radiolab

Re: Karen Keegan. Two tests I would have liked to see - A comparison between Karen's two DNA samples with that of her parents, and the same test of her children relative to their grandparents.

Scott,

The doctors did compare the son's DNA to Karen's mother and two brother, though unfortunately Karen's father had passed away by that time. And they did find that the sons were related to her larger family. To my knowledge, they never compared Karen's second set of DNA to the family, I believe beceause they felt the twin explanation was pretty clear and they didn't want to keep poking and prodding Karen.

Soren.

I'm transgendered. I wonder if anyone has explored the idea that perhaps transgendered people could be chimeras. Could I actually have the DNA of both a man and a woman in me? Has anyone heard of research into this?

TGAlison: It's not likely but certainly possible. Chimerism includes a number of specific intersexual conditions and a simple DNA test will check. I'm curious: what parts do you think are those of your never-born fraternal sister? Or brother?

TG is even less specific than "chimerism," because it's not a medical diagnosis, but a social rubric, and rather a broad one at that. There are all sorts of medical conditions that can encourage gender identity issues - adrenal hyperplasia, androgen sensitivity, hermaphoditism. And there are people who just like to play dress-up who call themselves TG.

Now hermaphroditism can be a symptom of chimerism, but you can be certain through DNA testing. One generally sees skin abnormalities in cases of chimerism. They follow what are called "Blaschko's Lines." And certainly other intersexual components occur, like testes in some women, ovaries in men, or ovotestes, and the like...

where can we see pictures of the Geep?

I'd love to listen to this show, but I can't find the audio link anywhere, even though the show was a week ago. Could someone post it, or be so kind as to tell me how to find it? (Apologies in advance if it is obvious and I am somehow missing it.)

Blake,

Unfortunately, there's a little time lag between the show going on the radio and being available on the website or through podcast. But it will be up in the next couple weeks and we'll post a blog when it's ready.

Sorry for the wait.

Another great Radio Lab episode. Keep up the good work. Radio Lab is up there with This American Life as one of my top shows.

The Karen Keegan segment was especially good and quite moving.

Great Show! I always look forward to the new episodes. I am a little confused about the link to the jewelry website.... Is that a mistake? Just curious - I wanted to see who was selling Pegasus wings.....

Thanks!

Snacky O