Just how the chessmen landed in Scotland is unknown. Since their unearthing, there have been numerous stories and speculation about how they came to the island of Uig, as well as tales surrounding the details of their discovery. While the definitive origin of these pieces is still up for debate, the leading theories trace them to either Iceland or Norway based on both these regions’ access to ivory, as well as the art style more common at the time of their creation. Most of the chessmen are carved from walrus tusks, with a few pieces carved from whale’s teeth.

They are small, but appropriately sized for a chessboard. The tallest piece is no more than four inches in height while the shortest pawn stands at about an inch and a half.

The design of each of these figurines leaves no two pieces looking identical, while still sharing common characteristics that indicate their varying roles in the game of chess. Some theorize that this might mean there was more than one artist who contributed to the Lewis Chessmen, but there are also plenty who think one designer crafted them all.

The king pieces all sit on intricately designed thrones, each one gripping a sword that rests flat across his lap. Their faces portray a straight-forward stoicism and are wearing robes designed for a king at war.

Like the king pieces, the queens also all sit on thrones of a similar design. All eight wear veils underneath their crowns, are posed with their chins resting in their right hands and have a look of worry or concern as they watch the consequences of battle play out before then. Seven of the bishop pieces are seated on thrones, while the remaining nine opt to stand. They all wear a bishop’s headdress called mitres, and carry a staff called a crozier. Some carry a Bible or make a sign of blessing with their free hand, others grip their staff with both hands. The existence of the bishops, as well as the way they wear their mitres, is one of the most compelling arguments for the dating of the Lewis Chessmen. Before the year 1150, Bishops wore their mitres sideways rather than facing forward, and there is also no surviving record of bishops represented in the game of chess before the 12th century.

 The knights sit atop fierce horses, ready to ride into battle. They wear helmets and are well   armed, carrying both individually and uniquely patterned shields, a spear at their sides, and a sword tied to their armor. The horses themselves have Icelandic characteristics such as a short, stocky frame and shaggy hair.

The last major character pieces are the warders and berserkers, the foot soldiers of the battle. They also carry swords and shields to protect themselves. All except one wears a helmet. There are a few unique shapes to their helmets, some more conic while a couple don a more rounded top. Their shields are individually patterned once again, but some carry their shields in front of their bodies instead of holding them at their side. Four of the berserkers bite their shields, as we can see their teeth chomp down over the top of them, conveying their expression of violent rage. These are perhaps some of the best-known pieces of the Lewis Chessmen, as they were likely designed as an homage to Norse barbarity and ferociousness.

The pawns are the only pieces that aren’t expressive, having a more cylindrical or gravestone-like shape. However, a couple of them have geometric and ornamental designs.

While not very impressive in feature, the pawns remain some of the most elusive pieces to be documented. To this day, there are still many pawns missing as well as four major game pieces that have never been found. There is speculation that they went missing during the initial finding of the chessmen in 1831, but it is also just as likely that they were never included when the rest of the pieces were originally concealed.

Today, the original Lewis Chessmen are on display at the British Museum in London as well as the National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh and are viewed by millions of people every year.

The post Meet the Lewis Chessmen appeared first on Sara Winokur.

Take the FlyBus (or rent a car) from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik 101 (downtown). This is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s bars, restaurants, cafés, museums, and galleries. Very walkable. Explore your surroundings and take a stroll along the harbor or Tjornin Pond. To keep costs down (as hotels can be quite expensive), an Airbnb with a kitchen might be more budget-friendly. There are several small markets in the area (Ginger, etc.) Wine and alcohol are sold separately at the Vinbudin.

Day 2  

Either via car, or with one of the many tour companies that offer day tours, take the Golden Circle Tour. This includes the expansive waterfall Gullfoss, the still-erupting geyser named Geysir (yes, this is where we get the word), and Thingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates meet. This was the site of Iceland’s earliest parliament over a thousand years ago, as Thingvellir literally means Assembly Fields. For the more adventurous, don a dry suit and snorkel between the two plates, although you will have to arrange for this in Reykjavik.

Day 3   

Back in Reykjavik, visit the National Museum for a historical perspective of Iceland, The Settlement Museum to view ancient Viking longhouses,  and the Kjarval Museum (Kjarvalsstaðir) to view the incredible talent of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, one of the most prolific and important Icelandic artists. In the evening, a 40-minute drive takes you to the Fakasel Icelandic Horse Show where you can dine while watching these incredible creatures (they have 5 gaits, including the tölt which is unique to this breed.)

Day 4  

Head out towards the Snaefellsness peninsula. Icelandic horse riding is available at Breidivík. Near Arnarstapi, a coastal trail leads to Hellner, or a tour of the Snæfellsjökull glacier can be arranged. This volcano last erupted in 200 A.D. and is the setting of Jules Verne’s ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth.’ Drive along the north coast of Snaefellness and spend the night in Stykkishhólmur, a charming town of colorful houses and delicious seafood.

Day 5  

In the morning, take the Baldur ferry to Flatey Island for the day (or spend the night if you chose). This is a small island with a rich history and sheep and puffins galore. The church’s interior is painted with scenes of the island’s life, created by a Spanish painter, Baltasar Samper, in the 1960s. The island also inhabits the oldest and smallest library in Iceland, established in 1864. This library was once home to the Flatey Book, the largest of medieval Icelandic manuscripts.

Day 6 

On your return to Reykjavik, visit Langjökull to explore tunnels and caves, or go snowmobiling. A visit to Iceland’s Nobel Prize in Literature Halldor Laxness’ home and museum at Gljúfrasteinn can also be arranged. 

Day 7  

Explore the many stores and galleries along Laugavegur, Bankastræti, and Austurstræti or bathe in the Blue Lagoon before heading back to Keflavik airport and home.

Want to learn more and explore the best of Iceland in 7 days? Listen to my Travel Tales with Mike Siegel on Stitcher or on the Apple podcasts now.

The post Iceland in 7 Days appeared first on Sara Winokur.

Take the FlyBus (or rent a car) from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik 101 (downtown). This is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s bars, restaurants, cafés, museums and galleries. Very walkable. Explore your surroundings and take a stroll along the harbor or Tjornin Pond. To keep costs down (as hotels can be quite expensive), and airbnb with a kitchen might be more budget friendly. There are several small markets in the area (Ginger, etc.) Wine and alcohol are sold separately at the Vinbudin.

Day 2  

Either via car or with one of the many tour companies that offer day tours, take the Golden Circle Tour. This includes the expansive waterfall Gullfoss, the still-erupting geyser named Geysir (yes, this is where we get the word), and Thingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates meet. This was the site of Iceland’s earliest parliament over a thousand years ago, as Thingvellir literally means Assembly Fields. For the more adventurous, don a dry suit and snorkel between the two plates, although you will have to arrange for this in Reykjavik.

Day 3   

Back in Reykjavik, visit the National Museum for a historical perspective of Iceland, The Settlement Museum to view ancient Viking longhouses, and the Kjarval Museum (Kjarvalsstaðir) to view the incredible talent of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, one of the most prolific and important Icelandic artists. In the evening, a 40-minute drive takes you to the Fakasel Icelandic Horse Show where you can dine while watching these incredible creatures (they have 5 gaits, including the tölt which is unique to this breed.)

South Iceland option: 

Day 4 

On your way out of Reykjavik, stop in at Earth Cooking in Hveragerði to eat foods cooked by geothermal steam! Visit the quaint old fishing towns of Eyrabakki and Stokkseyri before taking the car ferry out to the Westmann Islands, where the Eldfell volcano erupted in 1973, evacuating the town. Now it is a thriving fishing village. In 1624, Barbary pirates raided the islands and took 400 Icelanders as slaves back to Algeria. 

Stay the night on the Westman Islands.

Day 5  

Spend the day enjoying the beauty and history of the Westman Islands. Boat trips along the island’s cliffs are awesome, as is the museum at the volcano site.

Day 6 

Return to the mainland and continue east. Many beautiful waterfalls are located along the southern expanse of fertile land here. From Reykjavik, the first two you will encounter are Skógafoss and the magnificent Seljalandsfoss (which you can walk behind). Hike inland from Skogar to Porsmork, a verdant inland valley. If arranged ahead of time, basic overnight facilities are available.

Day 7 

Heading east, stop at the Reynisfjara Beach with its black sand, enormous columns of basalt, and massive waves crashing into the shore. Be careful! Unsuspecting travelers with their backs to the waves have been swept out to sea here. Continue on to Skatafell, where you can go ice climbing or simply view the massive glacier.

Day 8  

This day should be set aside for the magnificent Jökulsárlon Ice Lagoon, where a zodiac tour can be taken amongst the calving glacier. A James Bond scene was once filmed here. One can either choose to go snowmobiling on the Vatnjökull glacier or spend the night in Hofn and stock up on essentials.

Day 9 

Drive back to Reykjavik and visit the exhibit on the Eyjafyallajokull volcano eruption in 2010. If you plan on spending more than 10 days in Iceland, here’s my blog on Iceland in 14-21 days.

North Iceland option:

Day 4  

Drive (5 hours)  or fly (40 minutes) from Reykjavik to Akureyri.  Spend the day exploring the charming town of Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city with a population of ~ 20,000 people. Akureyri sits at the bottom of a beautiful fjord and has terrific shops and restaurants.

Day 5 

Drive to the Myvatn Nature Baths and soak in the geothermal waters. On the way, stop at the awe-inspiring Godafoss waterfall and marvel at the power of nature.

After Myvatn, a 1 hour or so drive further north will take you to the powerful Dettifoss waterfall. 

Day 6  

Drive to Husavik and take a whale watching tour. This is a charming town known as the whale watching capital of Iceland. Nearby is the stunning GeoSea, with its geothermal infinity pools overlooking a fjord. Relax and have a bite to eat and a beer while soaking in the warm waters.

Day 7  

Take a drive up the winding coastline road to Siglufjordur for the day. Siglufjörður is famous for its Herring Festival which is held every year in August, and for its Herring Museum.  Þjóðlagahátíðin á Siglufirði is a music festival which is held every year in July. It is also the town where the Icelandic series ‘Trapped’ was filmed.

Day 8  

Take a small plane or the ferry north to Grimsey Island, which straddles the Arctic Circle. You can have your photo taken (a bit corny) if you’re so inclined. Lots of puffins and a beautiful orange lighthouse.

Day 9 

Take the morning ferry out the Hrisey Island for a walkabout and to view seabirds. Careful not to get too close to the artic tern nests, though, unless you want terns divebombing down upon you. Eat at the café there and then drive back to Reykjavik.

Day 10  

Explore the many stores and galleries along Laugavegur, Bankastræti and Austurstræti or bathe in the Blue Lagoon before heading back to Keflavik airport and home.

Want to hear more about my experiences in Iceland? Listen to my Travel Tales with Mike Siegel now.

The post Iceland in 10 Days appeared first on Sara Winokur.

Day 1  

Take the FlyBus (or rent a car) from Keflavik airport to Reykjavik 101 (downtown). This is where you’ll find the majority of the city’s bars, restaurants, cafés, museums, and galleries. Very walkable. Explore your surroundings and take a stroll along the harbor or Tjornin Pond. To keep costs down (as hotels can be quite expensive), an Airbnb with a kitchen might be more budget-friendly. There are several small markets in the area (Ginger, etc.) Wine and alcohol are sold separately at the Vinbudin. Find more general tips on Iceland travel here.

Day 2  

Either via car or with one of the many tour companies that offer day tours, take the Golden Circle Tour. This includes the expansive waterfall Gullfoss, the still-erupting geyser named Geysir (yes, this is where we get the word), and Thingvellir National Park where the North American and Eurasian Tectonic Plates meet. This was the site of Iceland’s earliest parliament over a thousand years ago, as Thingvellir literally means Assembly Fields. For the more adventurous, don a dry suit and snorkel between the two plates, although you will have to arrange for this in Reykjavik.

Day 3   

Back in Reykjavik, visit the National Museum for a historical perspective of Iceland, The Settlement Museum to view ancient Viking longhouses, and the Kjarval Museum (Kjarvalsstaðir) to view the incredible talent of Jóhannes Sveinsson Kjarval, one of the most prolific and important Icelandic artists. In the evening, a 40-minute drive takes you to the Fakasel Icelandic Horse Show where you can dine while watching these incredible creatures (they have 5 gaits, including the tölt which is unique to this breed.)

South Iceland: 

Day 4 

On your way out of Reykjavik, stop in at Earth Cooking in Hveragerði to eat foods cooked by geothermal steam! Visit the quaint old fishing towns of Eyrabakki and Stokkseyri before taking the car ferry out to the Westmann Islands, where the Eldfell volcano erupted in 1973, evacuating the town. Now it is a thriving fishing village. In 1624, Barbary pirates raided the islands and took 400 Icelanders as slaves back to Algeria. Spend the night on the Westmann Islands.

Day 5  

Spend the day enjoying the beauty and history of the Westman Islands. Boat trips along the island’s cliffs are awesome, as is the museum at the volcano site.

Day 6 

Return to the mainland and continue east. Many beautiful waterfalls are located along the southern expanse of fertile land here. From Reykjavik, the first two you will encounter are Skógafoss and the magnificent Seljalandsfoss (which you can walk behind). 

At Skogar and hike inland from Skogar to Porsmork, a verdant inland valley. If arranged ahead of time, basic overnight facilities are available.

Day 7 

Heading east, stop at the Reynisfjara Beach with its black sand, enormous columns of basalt, and massive waves crashing into the shore. Be careful! Unsuspecting travelers with their backs to the waves have been swept out to sea here. Continue on to Skatafell, where you can go ice climbing or simply view the massive glacier.

Day 8  

This day should be set aside for the magnificent Jökulsárlon Ice Lagoon, where a zodiac tour can be taken amongst the calving glacier. A James Bond scene was once filmed here. One can either choose to go snowmobiling on the Vatnjökull glacier or spend the night in Hofn and stock up on essentials.

Eastfjords:

Day 9  

Drive to the town of Djúpivogur and take a boat trip out to Papey Island (reservation required) where you will be met with a flock of seabirds and remains of an old settlement of friars.

Day 10  

Drive to the charming town of Seydisfjordur through a stunning valley. It’s a long drive but stunning. Stay the night. This photo was taken in July at 1 am!

North Iceland:

Day 11  

Drive to the Myvatn Nature Baths and soak in the geothermal waters. After Myvatn, a 1 hour or so drive further north will take you to the powerful Dettifoss waterfall. On the way to Akureyri, stop at the awe-inspiring Godafoss waterfall and marvel at the power of nature.

Day 12  

Drive to Husavik and take a whale watching tour. This is a charming town known as the whale-watching capital of Iceland. Nearby is the stunning GeoSea, with its geothermal infinity pools overlooking a fjord. Relax and have a bite to eat and a beer while soaking in the warm waters.

Day 13 

Spend the day exploring the charming town of Akureyri, Iceland’s second-largest city with a population of ~ 20,000 people. Akureyri sits at the bottom of a beautiful fjord and has terrific shops and restaurants.

Day 14  

Take a drive up the winding coastline road to Siglufjordur for the day. Siglufjörður is famous for its Herring Festival which is held every year in August, and for its Herring Museum.  Þjóðlagahátíðin á Siglufirði is a music festival which is held every year in July. It is also the town where the Icelandic series ‘Trapped’ was filmed.

Day 15  

Take a small plane or the ferry north to Grimsey Island, which straddles the Arctic Circle. You can have your photo taken (a bit corny) if you’re so inclined. Lots of puffins and a beautiful orange lighthouse.

Day 16 

Take the morning ferry out the Hrisey Island for a walkabout and to view seabirds. Careful not to get too close to the arctic tern nests, though, unless you want terns divebombing down upon you. 

Westfjords:

Day 17-19 

Drive to the Westfjords, the least explored (touristed) region of Iceland. Visit the Arctic Fox Center, the Latrabjarg sea cliff which stretches 8.75 mi and 1,447 ft. This majestic cliff’s claim to fame is that it is the westernmost point in Europe and hosts Iceland’s greatest concentration of seabirds. You can return the car in the largest town on the Westfjords, Isafjordur (amazing fish stew!), and fly back to Reykjavik or drive back down.

Day 20  

Explore the many stores and galleries along Laugavegur, Bankastræti, and Austurstræti or bathe in the Blue Lagoon before heading back to Keflavik airport and home.

Want to hear more about Iceland and how to plan your next trip to the north with breath-taking views no matter where you are? Listen to my Travel Tales with Mike Siegel on Stitcher or on the Apple podcasts now.

The post Iceland in 14-21 Days appeared first on Sara Winokur.

2)         Mid-June through mid-August are by far the busiest tourist seasons. So, if you want to avoid the crowds, go in May, early June, late August or September.

3)         Iceland lies just below the Arctic circle. Therefore, the sun does not set until midnight in the summer, and winter days can get as little as 4 hours of sunlight a day. 

4)         Puffin season is from early April until September. Whale watching follows the same.

5)         Ice cave tours and Jökulsárlon boat tours operate generally from April through October.

6)         PLEASE respect nature! Stay on trails and do not create your own. Pack it in, pack it out when hiking. Do not leave trash or tissue paper anywhere. And be careful with those selfies. Guiderails are often non-existent.

7)         Public transport is spotty in Iceland. No trains, and buses are infrequent. If you will not be taking day tours or multi-day tours with a company, you will have to rent a car. Most roads are accessible with a 2-wheel drive but several, especially in the highlands and in winter, require a 4-wheel drive.

8)         Although Icelanders are incredibly proud of their unique history and language, English is widely spoken as well.

9)         I would not recommend traveling the entire Ring Road unless you have a minimum of 12 days in Iceland. You could do it in 10 days but will be in the car quite a bit and while the scenery is gorgeous and otherworldly, you will miss many opportunities such as whale-watching, hiking, snowmobiling, glacier climbs, museums, etc!

10)       Take a horseback ride at some point, but do not call the Icelandic Horse a pony! Yes, they are small but full-grown.

For more advice on Iceland travel, what to expect, and must-see places, catch my Travel Tales with Mike Siegel now.

The post General Tips on Iceland Travel appeared first on Sara Winokur.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Los Angeles, California — For US vaccinated citizens who miss traveling to Europe and are ready to embark on their next adventure, Iceland is one of the few available destinations. Author and world-traveler Sara Winokur depicts Iceland vividly in her award-winning mystery thriller, DOUBLE BLIND: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders. The book, praised by Kirkus Review as “a riveting mystery tale with a compelling lead character”, dives deep into the culture, history, food, genetics, Viking settlements, and gorgeous landscapes of the Land of Fire and Ice.

As the world opens for travel again, and people wait to embark on their next vacation, a book like Double Blind is the escapism needed. Winokur is a geneticist and has researched diseases like Huntington’s disease and muscular dystrophy. Her unique blend of expertise means she is able to weave all these insights into her writing to captivate readers and adventure-seekers.

“I’ve been to Iceland many times and enjoyed each and every adventure there. Now that we can travel again, I hope my novel will inspire readers to travel and discover with their own eyes the rich culture and surreal landscape of this land,” says Sara Winokur, who was once given a pair of mittens by the first lady of Iceland.

DOUBLE BLIND: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders is an intense, bone-chilling crime thriller that will keep readers at the edge of their seats from page one. A young boy disappears in the chill of North Iceland. Twenty years later, a mysterious poem lands on the desk of his twin sister Brynja, a forensic geneticist who uses Iceland’s DNA database to solve crimes, rekindling hope her brother might be alive. As Brynja unravels clues, more poems arrive, each bearing dire consequences for those who receive them, from the local pastor, the prime minister’s secretary, to the guard of the medieval manuscript of Icelandic sagas may hold the answer. 

DOUBLE BLIND: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders is available in paperback and digital format on Amazon and other major retailers.

ISBN: 978-1733452809

Price: $12.99

About the Author:

Sara Winokur is an author, geneticist, and researcher and author. She has a master’s degree in cytogenetics and a Ph.D. in molecular genetics. Her research helped identify mutations underlying muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease, dwarfism, and a rare craniofacial syndrome. She continues to work as a consultant on potential therapies for genetic disease.

Sara is also a world-traveler and has visited all seven continents. Iceland is one of her favorite destinations. An ovarian cancer “thriver,” she resides in Southern California. She can be found at www.sarawinokur.com, and on the social media platforms Instagram sara_winokur and Facebook Sara Winokur, Author.

The post Travel Again: Iceland Is Open and Author of an Award-Winning Icelandic Thriller Is Your Guide appeared first on Sara Winokur.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Los Angeles, California: After a long and rewarding career as a scientist, Sara Winokur reinvents herself as an author with her debut mystery novel, Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders. Dubbed “a riveting mystery tale with a compelling lead character” by Kirkus Reviews, the book immerses the reader in the surreal landscapes and rich culture of Iceland.

“Because I’m so passionate about travel, culture, and landscapes, it can’t help but be a big part of my writing. When I wrote Double Blind, I tried to integrate the science of genetics and Icelandic culture with the story,” explains Sara Winokur.

Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders is a wild ride from rural farmsteads to icy fjords to the high-tech world of DNA forensics lead by a strong female character. 

Twenty years after a young boy disappears in the chill of North Iceland, a mysterious poem lands on the desk of his twin sister Brynja, a forensic geneticist, and rekindles her hopes that her brother might be alive. As Brynja unravels the clues, more poems arrive, each bearing dire consequences for those who receive them: the guard of the medieval manuscript of Icelandic sagas that possibly has the answer to her burning question, the prime minister’s secretary, the local pastor. Fighting the visual auras that have plagued her since childhood and now threaten everything she holds dear, Brynja must summon the strength to navigate the twisted labyrinth of the poet’s mind and confront the dark secret buried in her family’s past.

According to BlueInk’s Notable Book review, “It’s enticing to compare this fine, galloping murder mystery to the late Swedish author Stieg Larsson’s Girl with the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, but that would be a disservice to Winokur’s compelling debut.”

Winokur says, “Reinventing myself from being a scientist to a novelist has been a huge challenge, but I’m so proud of the result. Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders is exactly the book I wanted to write.” 

Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders is available on pre-order in digital version on Amazon and will be officially released on March 31, 2020.

Paperback ISBN: 978-1-7334528-0-9

Pages: 271

E-book Price: $2.99

About The Author

Sara Winokur is a Ph.D. molecular geneticist and the author of the Icelandic mystery, Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders. She has worked on DNA analysis of human genetic diseases and was part of the team that discovered the genes associated with Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington’s Disease, and Dwarfism.

Dozens of her articles have been published in scientific journals. Her research has appeared in Human Molecular Genetics, Nature Genetics, and Cell Stem Cell. Sara remains a well-respected figure in the scientific community. You can learn more about her and her books on her website www.sarawinokur.com.

The post Renowned Geneticist Makes Her Debut as a Novelist appeared first on Sara Winokur.

But as with many things in life, good can rise from bad. In fact, I never would have re-invented myself as an author if cancer hadn’t blind-sighted me. I had written many scientific articles, but never a work of fiction. The first year after stepping back from the lab (I’ve since returned part-time), I focused on my health and recovery. The second year, I enjoyed the freedom of not working for the first time in my life. The third . . . well, the third year, I began to get a bit bored.

That was the year I dug deep and asked the question: What the hell do I do with the rest of my life? I could have gone back to the lab full-time but was invigorated by the freedom my diagnosis had given me. A new challenge lay ahead: I would write a novel. Not wanting to leave science behind, I decided to incorporated genetics into the plot in an accessible and engaging way. Genetics led me to Iceland, a country that is at the forefront in establishing DNA databases to decipher human disease. Once in Iceland, I fell in love with the country, its culture, food, and people. Weaving the country’s literary heritage and culture into the often controversial aspects of genetic databases, I felt a mystery brewing. Thus was born Double Blind: The Icelandic Manuscript Murders.

Today, I am cancer-free and grateful for each and every day. I do not have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. I tested negative for the hereditary BRCA1/2 gene mutations but have a note of caution for others. Several commercial, ‘at-home’ DNA testing services purport to analyze the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer by examining the BRCA1/2 gene. However, at least one of these companies analyzes just three of the most common mutations even though 1,000 mutations have been reported in these genes. It’s like spell checking three pages in a 1,000-page book. So, please. Don’t rely solely on these at-home kits! Someone who comes from a family of women with breast or ovarian cancer but tests negative for the mutations should not rely on these results alone. A more extensive test that sequences the entire gene is available for women with a family history of the disease.

The post To Infinity and Beyond: My Journey appeared first on Sara Winokur.

Geneticist Brynja Pálsdóttir mines the country’s controversial DNA database to crack the country’s toughest cases, none so puzzling as the disappearance of her young brother two decades earlier. Still wracked with guilt for losing sight of him that day, Brynja is stunned when a poem arrives with riddles as to his whereabouts. Along with her fiancé Ari Ketilsson, the prime minister, and her quirky childhood friend Stína, she deciphers the clues while trying in vain to suppress the visual auras that threaten her career as a forensic scientist. Not to mention her relationship with Ari.  

Soon, her search is thwarted by a series of threats—warnings drawn from a medieval manuscript of Icelandic sagas—delivered to those in her inner circle. One by one, the recipients fall ill and die: the manuscript guard, the prime minister’s secretary, the local pastor. Each warning is a poem. And the last is meant for her. She alone must summon the strength to navigate the twisted labyrinth of the poet’s mind and confront the dark secret buried in her family’s past.

The post Double Blind – Short Synopsis appeared first on Sara Winokur.

So why Bluetooth wireless? The name is based on the analogy that it would unite devices the way Harald Bluetooth united the warring tribes in Denmark and Norway into a single kingdom. The Scandinavian runes for H and B were merged to become the logo for Bluetooth wireless technology.

The post Bluetooth: A One-Thousand Year Legacy Part One appeared first on Sara Winokur.