20 secrets that you need to know about genealogy tests
Done: You are at least five Irish percent.
Whether because you caught an episode ofFind your rootsOn PBS or your friend discovered an email DNA test that they were half Tazan, you probably planned to take a genealogy test. These tests, which inform you of your genetic heritage can be a fascinating trip from self-discovery or a fun conversation for a cocktail. Anyway, there are more things below the surface of these DNA tests that you never knew it. Read on to find out what they are. And for more information on the powers of your genes learn how our correspondent usedDNA tests for losing weightAnd how experience has changed his life.
1 No, they are not as precise as they claim
Although genealogy test services like to appear as simple and rooted in clear sciences, the truth is that they have a short drop trace. Case in point:Inside the edition investigation If a set of triplets sends their DNA both 23andy and Ancestrydna. None of the services have been returned, even near the identical results for the identical brothers and sisters.
2 But they can reveal information about important health
Although it's fun to learn from your ancestors and ethnic history, these tests can also detect important health information and identify if you risk certain genetic diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or cancer. Breast. But proceed with caution. Although you can learn that you are genetically predisposed to a single nucleotide or SNP polymorphism (pronounced "SNIP" in the world of DNA tests), which is a variation of the DNA of an individual in relation to the usual basis of this position - it can be such a rare disease than the chance of you reallycontract It's still very low. Preferable to consult a health professional before panicking. And for greater health knowledge, consult the20 surprising habits that increase your risk of cancer.
3 They just have permission to give you some of this health information
In March 2018, the FDA gave permission to 23andy to provide clients with information on their risk of cancer - specifically, that they had some BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes mutations, which significantly increases the risk of breast cancer. or the ovary. It marked theFirst direct-to-consumer Genetic test of cancer risk.
4 You may not have the same ethnic makeup as your brother
While identical twins or triplets must have identical results, it is not true of all brothers and sisters, even if you are produced by the same parents. Ancestrydnato explain, "The DNA weters from each parent is completely random, then unless you are an identical twin, your DNA profile will not be exactly identical to that of a brother." For more knowledge about your own physiology, see these50 secret messages your body tries to tell you.
5 The key information comes from simple nucleotide polymorphisms
Genealogy testing companies are looking for your DNA for specific variations that vary from person to person (as opposed to the vast majority of our genome sequence, which is shared among all humans), called nucleotide polymorphisms simple, or SNP.
6 Each test has its own markers
DNA tests can execute the range with regard to the number of markers tested. Some look12, or 37, or 67 markers And can get very different results between them.
7 You do not compare yourself with your real ancestors
Obviously, there was no genetic test over the centuries centuries ago. Services like Ancestrydna compare your results to those of other people who took the test and looking for ancestors you could share on their online family trees.
8 Some DNA kits require a prescription
Although these kits make fun gifts or serve casual entertainment, some medically targeted kits require a prescription and are really expensive. For example, Fertilome, who can show if a person has a higher risk of fertility problems (in order to help them decide to freeze their eggs), costs $ 950.
9 Most people are a bit Irish
According to Ancestrydna, two out of three people who took his test found that they are at least 5% of Irish. It offers the example of a group of colleagues who had a contest to see who was the "most Irish". It has been foundthe winner grew up in Australia.
10 You can make money from your DNA
Some genetic test companies will link those who submit their DNA data with genetic researchers who will pay to use their information in studies. For example, genoosCan connect users With researchers who want to pay $ 50 to $ 250 for data used in their research.
11 They help catch criminals
The recent arrest of the man suspected of being the golden state killer was made by analyzing the DNA found on the scene of the murders and creating a false profile on the GeDMatch genealogy site. He finally connected the investigators to the parents of the killer and the suspected killer, Joseph James Deangelo, aged 72.
12 Everyone is not delighted with the ability to combat the crime of DNA tests
Critics fear that the use of DNA data in this way could be dangerous for the privacy of people - and the privacy of their loved ones. Like aThe user wrote, "My family members have consented to their data to use for genealogy but not for criminal investigations."
13 Some people try to forge results
Whether because of the pride of believing that they are of some ethnic origin when it turns out that they are not racist that makes them difficult to accept that they have a genetic context that they Prefer not to have - some that applied to don 'genetic tests as their results.
As a researcherrevealed, "I had little friends who want to impress girlfriends, someone who wanted to enter the Knights of Columbus, and I even had someone who tries to prove that he was part of the Amerindians to join a tribe. We will not change fraudulent reasons, and in addition, even if we did, these tests only give an indication. "
14 He can gather with brothers and sisters
DNA tests have been responsible for a number of long-time lost brothers and sisters. For example, apair of sisters Who had been separated for more than 50 years have been gathered after being connected via a 23andy test. In another case,A man connected with his half-sisterHe had never met, using Ancestrydna. And for more new news from the family, see the15 ways to train your brothers and sisters who you are.
15 Some tests provide information on fetal DNA
Tests called "Fetal DNA test without cells", offered by a number of pharmaceutical companies, allowing the expectations of moms to test the DNA of their fetuses simply by simply pulling their own blood. AsWired explains, "They present a future when we can easily scan for a range of genetic defects, the truly devastating to the non-serious, allowing parents and doctors to look beyond the organs of a baby, beyond his cells. DNA. "
16 There are DNA kits for dogs
A service calledEmbed Has been called "23andma for mutations" and allows owners to understand the race, genetic ancestry and potential health risks of their dog for animals. The service has recently been practiced in the reunification of a dog that hadbeen moved Due to Hurricane Harvey with his brother of the same reach. And for more new dogs, see the25 photos proving that dogs are the best colleagues.
17 They are a big entertainment company
Genealogy tests have been the central goal of no less than three major American shows in recent years, full celebrity.Who do you think, the Henry Louis Gates Jr. hosted (and also filled with celebrities)Find your rootsand more populistGenealogy Roadshow.
18 Some populations are overrepresented
Since the tests are based on other people who have submitted their DNA samples, many of these services tend to overreach those with European background (where they have been historically more popular) and have less too popular) and have less to shoot people with roots in the Middle East or Asia. Of course, as more people provide their information, more gaps will be fulfilled.
19 The industry arrives under surveillance
The sending of a cheek swab seems quite innocent, but some people have caused concerns about what DNA companies are doing with your most personal data. The last fall, Senator New York Chuck SchumerCalled for more control services, saying, "Here's what many consumers do not realize, that their sensitive information can be in the hands of unknown third parties ... there is no ban and many companies say that They can always sell your information to other companies. "
20 They also bring together twins
The identical twins followed each other with DNA tests. Last year, a woman whose parents have adopted a South Korean orphanagetrapped Its identical twin across 23andm.
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