Abstract: Systems and methods for identifying and tracking individuals and samples are disclosed. The system includes a sample container, an individual's identification sample portion coupled to the sample container and means for identifying the individual's identification sample portion. The individual's identification sample portion may be configured to accept fingerprints, human iris scan, human eye color, facial recognition photo and/or DNA. A method is disclosed for using the system for identifying and tracking a sample from an individual. The method includes placing the sample from the individual in a sample container, obtaining and placing an individual's identification sample on an individual's identification sample portion coupled to the sample container, and identifying the individual's identification sample using appropriate instruments to identify the sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use in genetic trait classification involving at least two genes associated with a genetic trait are described. In one illustrative method, a value for use in classifying an individual into one of a plurality of trait classes associated with the genetic trait is calculated.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primers and probes for detecting Ancestry informative marker (AIMs) polynucleotides that contain a single nucleotide polymorphism or that contain an insertion or deletion, are provided, as are methods of using the oligonucleotide primers and probes to draw an inference as to a trait of an individual. The trait can be, for example, biogeographical ancestry, a pigmentation trait, responsiveness to a drug, or susceptibility to a disease. Also provided are methods of determining the proportional ancestry of an individual. Reagents and kits also are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for inferring a genetic pigmentation trait of a human subject from a nucleic acid sample or a polypeptide sample of the subject, and compositions for practicing such methods. The methods of the invention are based, in part, on the identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that, alone or in combination, allow an inference to be drawn as to a genetic pigmentation trait such as hair shade, hair color, eye shade, or eye color, and further allow an inference to be drawn as to race. A method of the invention can be performed, for example, by identifying in a nucleic acid sample at least one pigmentation-related haplotype allele of at least one pigmentation gene, and preferably a combination of pigmentation-related haplotypes alleles.

Abstract: Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and combinations of SNPs that allow an inference as to whether a cancer patient is likely to respond or not respond to paclitaxel (Taxol®) are provided. Also provided are methods of determining a whether a cancer patient should be treated with paclitaxel.

Abstract: Software methods for identifying associations between genetic information and particular genetic traits are described. A candidate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) combination is selected from a plurality of candidate SNP combinations for a gene associated with (or suspected to be associated with) a genetic trait. Haplotype data associated with this candidate SNP combination are read for a plurality of individuals and grouped into a positive-responding group and a negative-responding group based on whether a predetermined trait criteria for an individual is met. A statistical analysis on the grouped haplotype data is performed to obtain a statistical measurement associated with the candidate SNP combination. The acts of selecting, reading, grouping, and performing are repeated as necessary to identify the candidate SNP combination having the optimal statistical measurement (if one exists). In one approach, all possible SNP combinations are selected and statistically analyzed.