Scientists have deciphered the three-dimensional structure of the human genome, paving the way for new insights into genomic function and expanding our understanding of how cellular DNA folds at scales that dwarf the double helix.

Scientists have long disputed the genetic basis of altruism.  The concept of kin selection suggests altruistic behaviors favor the survival of close relatives of the affected individual, and thus survival of many of the same genes.  Thus familial altruism is actually genetic self interest.  In the 1930′s J.B.S. Haldane said that, “I would lay down my life for two brothers or eight cousins.” According to this logic, your life is worth one identical twin, two siblings, four nieces or nephews, or eight cousins in terms of genetic code (assuming siblings are on average 50% identical by descent, nephews 25%, and cousins 12.5%.)

But this is a severe miscalculation.   We are actually much more closely related.  Now

Brothers actually share on average approximately 50% of the DNA which varies between human beings plus the 99.9% shared by all human beings.

that the human genome has been decoded, it turns out that all human beings share 99.9% of the same DNA.  This fact makes true altruism less of a puzzle.  Acts of brotherhood make sense since all mankind are brothers.

All mankind are related since all men trace their ‘Y’ chromosome to a common male ancestor or genetic “Adam.”  Similarly all women trace their mitochondrial DNA to a single female ancestor or genetic “Eve.”

It is very powerful evidence of how alike we really are.  Perhaps this positive realization could be promoted to reinforce our already existing societal beliefs in equality and help overcome racism and prejudice.