Tracking Your Genetic Heritage with DNA Testing
Even though most scientists consider mapping the human genome one of the greatest advances in human history, its significance was easily lost on most people, namely me. I mean, I think it’s cool and all, but I don’t think I have a firm grasp on what it all means. We had a vague inkling of a not-too-distant sci-fi future in which we could genetically-engineer designer babies, but in the meantime, only scientists really toasted the success. Common old b*tches like me don’t really get it. I have found some sites that will help you understand the future of genetics. It will help you sound smart at parties; I promise.
Did you know that using a simple at-home saliva test, countless sites can test your DNA to give you revealing information about your personal genetic heritage? Maybe you’ve always suspected you have an ancestor from a wildly different part of the world. Maybe you have certain physical features that you didn’t associate with the race to which you assume you belong. Maybe you’ve always secretly hoped you might have some royal blood running through your veins. Believe it or not, these are exactly the kinds of questions DNA genealogy testing could answer for you.
All of the sites listed below (and certainly any legitimate DNA ancestry sites) keep your genetic information completely confidential. Don’t worry, they aren’t about to forward their results to your health insurance company.
One of the most reputable services out there is 23andme.com. In addition to providing similar ancestral information, 23andme testing also includes information that may be relevant to your day-to-day concerns. For example, it uses your genetic markers to determine your susceptibility to certain conditions and diseases. If another family member takes the test along with you, you can compare the genes that you share. Finally, on a weirder note, 23andme has on record the genetic information of a wide range of celebrities and historical figures such as Marie Antoinette, Jesse James, and, bizarrely, Jimmy Buffet. (Ever wanted to know just how far you and Jimmy Buffet go back? Now’s your chance to find out.)
Genebase offers a very similar product, but one aspect that sets it apart and well worth considering is its Surname Project. For those whose interest tends toward the genealogy side of things, the Surname project enables you to determine the specific lineage of “Mr. Smith” to which you belong. By aggregating the information of everyone who uses the site and has the same surname, users can find (even meet!) genetic cousins across the street or across the globe.
If this doesn’t make you the most interesting person at your friend’s dinner party, I don’t know what will. Well, perhaps maybe your eccentric friend Rhonda, who insists on wearing her bra on the outside.
