Turnstile

Researchers from the University of California in San Diego conducted a study in 2013 using genetic information from 2,000 individuals and their friends. They came to the conclusion that somehow we choose as our closest companions people with very similar DNA to our own. It goes way beyond gravitating towards people with similar ethnic or cultural backgrounds. The people we call our best friends often share 1% or more of our genome (fourth cousins or closer) though we’re usually not conscious of the connection. Alan Robinson and Walter Macfarlane met in grade school and have been best mates for sixty years. Walter never knew his father, and Alan was adopted. Separately they turned to DNA tests to learn more and discovered they share the same birth mother. “This is the best Christmas present I could ever imagine having,” says Alan. The bosom buddies – who were half brothers all along – have decided to spend retirement traveling together.