Houston Matters
Swabbed and Found: An Adopted Man’s DNA Journey to Discover His Family Tree
Posted on · In his new book, Houston meteorologist Frank Billingsley tells the story of using DNA to track down his birth parents.
Tag: dna
Houston Matters
Researching Your Family History Through DNA Testing
Posted on · We’ve all seen commercials for services that will test your DNA and tell you about your family heritage. But you might not have known there’s one such service based here in Houston. It’s called Family Tree DNA, and we find out how it works — and what makes it different from other such services — […]
Full Show
A Conversation with Rep. Kevin Brady: Thursday’s Show (January 19, 2017)
Posted on · Congressman Kevin Brady represents Texas' 8th congressional district, which begins at The Woodlands and stretches north along Interstate 45 through portions of Montgomery and Walker Counties. The Republican has held the position since 1997. On this edition of Houston Matters, Rep. Brady, who serves as the chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, joins […]
Houston Matters
Molecular Autopsies: The Ethical Challenges of Using DNA to Determine Cause of Death
Posted on · If you've seen a few crime shows, you know that when someone dies, an autopsy is often conducted to determine the cause. But sometimes that's not enough. Now, with advances in genetics, some medical examiners are turning to something called a "molecular autopsy." To find out what that means – and to learn about the […]
Full Show
Polling Places and the GE-Baker Hughes Merger: Tuesday’s Show (November 8, 2016)
Posted on · It’s Election Day…finally! On today’s edition of Houston Matters, we check in on several polling places around Greater Houston with our colleagues from News 88.7. Then, we discuss some lingering election issues with Houston Chronicle editorial writer Joe Holley, and News 88.7’s News Director Dave Fehling. Also this hour…
Houston Matters
How Plant DNA Can Provide Clues for Law Enforcement
Posted on · Two recent studies conducted at Sam Houston State University highlight developments in the field of forensic botany. One uses marijuana DNA to link drug supplies; another uses pollen DNA to aid in forensic investigations. Paige Phelps talks with forensic geneticist Dr. David Gangitano about forensic botany and how the study of plant DNA can be […]
Houston Matters
Michael Morton: An Innocent Man’s 25-Year Journey from Prison to Peace
Posted on · In 1986, Michael Morton's wife, Christine, was murdered in their home just outside Austin, while he was away at work. Morton quickly became the prime suspect in the case and was eventually convicted of the murder, despite not much physical evidence. He was sentenced to life in prison. Nearly 25 years later, after attorneys from […]
Houston Matters
Is Houston’s Crime Lab Improving?
Posted on · The Houston Forensic Science Center â Houstonâs crime lab â is being overseen these days by an independent board, which hired Dr. Daniel Garner to run it. Garner formerly managed the forensics lab for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. On this edition of Houston Matters, weâll talk with Dr. Garner and chairman […]
Houston Matters
Does Texas Have the Nation’s Worst Criminal Justice System?
Posted on · The Innocence Project, the non-profit legal justice organization, has used DNA evidence to so far exonerate 311 people nationwide who were convicted of crimes they did not commit. One of the organizationâs co-founders, criminal defense attorney Barry Scheck, spoke Nov. 18 at Houstonâs Progressive Forum. Houston Mattersâ Michael Hagerty talked with Scheck who says Texas […]
News
Anniversary of First DNA Conviction
Posted on · A noted doctor and a noted lawyer are sharing their memories of the first time DNA evidence was allowed in a criminal trial in Houston. That landmark trial happened 20 years ago this week, as Jim Bell reports.