The identical pairs of changes show that the mutations are being passed on because it’s unlikely to have two identical nearby mutations without inheriting them from the parent.

This has been basically common sense (simply because damaged DNA would be replicated in a damaged state) for a while but it’s nice to have data. Never know of people’s germ cells and therefore children are being affected until you do the tests.

Yup you’re totally right. Talked to a girl recently who’s mom was exposed to agent orange in Hawaii and is wondering if she’s facing effects now. DNA damage isn’t just in an individual, it could cause changes in entire societies or even species.