
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="504" height="469" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/23andmelabs.png" alt="Image announcing 23andMe Labs showing phone screen results for Biological Age, Lipoprotein(a), and Women's Health Pannel" class="wp-image-33709" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/23andmelabs.png 504w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/23andmelabs-300x279.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 504px) 100vw, 504px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-a-more-complete-picture-of-your-health-with-dna-amp-blood-tests">Get a More Complete Picture of Your Health with DNA &amp; Blood Tests</h2>



<p>Your genetics are only half the story—23andMe is bringing you a more complete picture. Our genetic insights reveal what you may be predisposed to, and now we offer blood testing<sup data-fn="645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4" class="fn"><a id="645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4-link" href="#645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4">1</a></sup> to show what’s happening in your body right now. By combining both, we’re giving you a more complete, real-time view of your health, so you can make more informed decisions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-types-of-blood-tests-does-23andme-offer">What Types of Blood Tests Does 23andMe Offer?</h2>



<p>There are eight panels to choose from, depending on what you&#8217;re looking to track or understand better:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-optimization"><strong>Health Optimization</strong></h3>



<p>Perfect for tracking your progress toward health goals and spotting areas where you might need to make adjustments.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Biological Age Panel:<sup data-fn="49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272" class="fn"><a id="49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272-link" href="#49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272">2</a></sup> Find out your biological age and see which areas of your health could use some extra attention.</li>



<li>Essential Vitamin Panel: Discover any nutrient imbalances so you can focus on what’s missing in your diet and wellness routine.</li>



<li>Essential Heart Health Panel: Check in on your heart health with important measurements related to cholesterol and blood sugar.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-proactive-monitoring-nbsp"><strong>Proactive Monitoring</strong>&nbsp;</h3>



<p>These panels focus on measuring biomarkers linked to conditions that might be identified in your genetic results<sup data-fn="62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8" class="fn"><a id="62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8-link" href="#62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8">3</a></sup>*** or family history.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-7.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33725"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33727"/></figure>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-9.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33728"/></figure>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Advanced Cardiovascular Panel: Get a more comprehensive look at your heart disease risk with additional specialized markers like ApoB and Lp(a), which are not typically checked.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Related genetic reports: <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/coronary-artery-disease/">Coronary Artery Disease</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/triglycerides/">Triglycerides</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/ldl-cholesterol/">LDL Cholesterol</a>, and more.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Thyroid Function Test: Measures TSH levels to help detect thyroid issues, which might explain symptoms like low energy or slow metabolism.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Related genetic reports: <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/hashimotos-disease">Hashimoto’s Disease</a>.</li>
</ul>
</li>



<li>Liver &amp; Metabolic Health Panel: Assesses markers related to liver function, cholesterol, and blood sugar to give a clear picture of your metabolism.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Related genetic reports: <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/alpha-1-antitrypsin-deficiency/">Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/">Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes/">Type 2 Diabetes</a>, and others.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-annual-check-ups"><strong>Annual Check-ups</strong></h3>



<p>These are the things you should check in on at least once a year for a consistent health snapshot. We include both commonly monitored biomarkers and some that are not typically included in check-ups.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-2.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33715"/></figure>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Men’s Health Panel: A specialized blood test for men, and people assigned male at birth, including testosterone levels.</li>



<li>Women’s Health Panel: A specialized test for women, and people assigned female at birth, covering important factors like thyroid health.</li>
</ul>



<p><em>Note that customers will only see a maximum of one of these two panels depending on their account settings.&nbsp;</em></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-spotlight-on-biological-age">Spotlight on Biological Age</h3>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="96" height="96" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33713"/></figure>



<p>If you’re a member of 23andMe+ Total Health™, you can already access the Biological Age feature and can see how it changes with your regular, twice a year blood testing. Now other 23andMe customers are able to purchase the lab test that powers this feature and see their biological age as well. Your biological age is a measure of how your physical health compares to your calendar age. It’s determined using a machine learning model that looks at 13 key biomarkers to estimate how these factors impact your overall health and longevity.</p>



<p>Why does this matter? Because it can give you more insight than just checking if individual biomarkers fall within the “healthy” range. Even if a specific biomarker looks good on its own, how it interacts with others could reveal areas where your health isn’t as optimal as it could be. If your biological age is higher than your actual age, it might be a sign that certain aspects of your health need attention.</p>



<p>Learning about your biological age is a powerful way to understand your overall health and longevity. By understanding which biomarkers are affecting your biological age, you can make more informed decisions about what areas of your health to focus on for the future. You can also monitor your biological age over time as your biomarkers change. Unlike other ways of measuring biological age, we choose this biomarker-based method because your biomarkers change relatively quickly in response to healthy changes you make, letting you see the impact of those changes on your overall health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unlock-more-of-your-health-today">Unlock More of Your Health Today</h2>



<p>At 23andMe, we believe that knowing both your genetic and current health status is the key to making smarter, more proactive decisions about your well-being. By offering these blood tests, we’re making it easier than ever for you to stay on top of your health—today and for the years to come!</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-lab-work-works-for-23andme-customers">How lab work works for 23andMe customers</h3>



<p>Yes! Eligible customers can now order one of eight different blood test packages directly from 23andMe. If you’re a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium</a>™ member you can order tests at a 20% discount. And if you&#8217;re a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/">23andMe+ Total Health</a>™ member you already have access to comprehensive blood testing twice a year, but you can now order additional tests at a 50% discount. Here&#8217;s how it works:</p>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Pick a Package: Choose the one that matches your health concerns or what you&#8217;re curious to learn about.</li>



<li>Clinical Review: A member of the clinical team will review your order and send it to the lab (usually within one business day).</li>



<li>Schedule a Visit: Book an appointment at a nearby patient service center to get your blood drawn.</li>



<li>Get Your Results: Once your results are ready, we’ll send them to you, along with personalized analysis from the clinical team.</li>
</ol>



<p></p>


<ol class="wp-block-footnotes"><li id="645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4">Blood testing services are available to eligible customers over 18 years of age after completion of an intake questionnaire that must be reviewed, approved and ordered by a third-party clinician. Lab services are for in-person blood testing at a Quest patient service center. Not available in NY, NJ, RI, OK, HI, PR <a href="#645eb3f9-a555-4680-a51f-b5aea9afc9d4-link" aria-label="Jump to footnote reference 1">↩︎</a></li><li id="49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272">The information provided in the Biological Age feature is intended for informational use only, has not been reviewed by a clinician, and is not intended to provide medical advice. <a href="#49876356-bcd9-47ab-8897-b5f8cc5f1272-link" aria-label="Jump to footnote reference 2">↩︎</a></li><li id="62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8">The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks and reporting carrier status. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child&#8217;s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. <strong>Warnings &amp; Limitations:</strong> The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of 44 variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The report describes if a person&#8217;s genetic result is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer and may be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and potentially other cancers. The variants included in this report do not represent the majority of the BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in people of most ethnicities. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. This report is for over-the-counter use by adults over the age of 18, and provides genetic information to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk and carrier status report, visit <a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/"><strong>23andme.com/test-info/</strong></a> <a href="#62790943-88ec-47aa-87b0-cf8f5093a8f8-link" aria-label="Jump to footnote reference 3">↩︎</a></li></ol>

Image announcing 23andMe Labs showing phone screen results for Biological Age, Lipoprotein(a), and Women's Health Pannel

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

23andMe is Expanding Access to Blood Testing Including Biological Age


<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-post-has-been-updated-it-was-originally-published-on-august-8-2024"><em>This post has been updated. It was originally published on August 8, 2024.</em></h6>



<p>On August 8th, 2024, 23andMe launched a new large-scale study looking at the genetics behind why GLP-1 weight loss drugs work for some of us but not others and whether genetics play a role for those who experience side effects.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-big-data">Big Data</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="234" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Data-Screen-300x234.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30871" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Data-Screen-300x234.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Data-Screen.jpg 531w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



<p>Because of the massive scale of the 23andMe research database, our scientists believe we can quickly scale this study and leverage the millions of people who have consented to participate in 23andMe research to gain insights into these widely used medications. Our goal is to recruit 10,000 research participants for this study.</p>



<p>“Leveraging the world’s largest genetic and phenotypic database for research, we aim to study real-world evidence of GLP-1 efficacy to discover genetic predictors of response to treatment,” said Michael Holmes, MD &amp; Ph.D., 23andMe Principal Scientist for Research Innovation, who’ll be overseeing this research. “Identifying genetic predictors through leveraging discoveries from the 23andMe Research Cohort consisting of millions of individuals facilitates precision medicine by deriving a genetically predicted treatment response personalized to each individual”, he added. “We expect this to accelerate precision medicine in the burgeoning field of weight loss medicines.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glp-1-availability">GLP-1 Availability</h2>



<p>In conjunction with this study, 23andMe’s telehealth platform, Lemonaid Health, provides a weight loss membership program. This program includes prescription GLP-1 medication and clinical consultations. <a href="https://www.lemonaidhealth.com/services/weight-loss">Learn more about the Lemonaid weight loss membership here.</a></p>



<p>The weight loss management service fits within 23andMe’s broader strategy of delivering services to improve people’s health through prevention. The hope is that the GLP-1 research study will deepen our understanding of the efficacy of GLP-1s for weight loss.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-weight">Genetic Weight</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="297" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-300x297.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-25105" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-300x297.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-768x760.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-1024x1013.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report-880x871.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Genetic-Weight-report.jpg 1154w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



<p>For several years, scientists at 23andMe have<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/weight-loss-study"> studied weight loss</a> and related issues, such as how a person’s genetics affect their response to<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-explores-dietary-habit-and-health-outcomes"> diet</a> and<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/step-it-up-for-research"> exercise</a>. In 2017, the company began offering customers a<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-releases-first-of-its-kind-genetic-weight-report"> Genetic Weight Report</a> powered by 23andMe research that looks at hundreds of genetic variants to provide a genetic predisposition to weighting more or less than average. This report complements the Saturated Fat &amp; Weight Report, which offers personalized insights about the effects of saturated fat intake on weight and provides motivation to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/tipping-scales-participants-make-healthy-dietary-changes-response-direct-consumer-genetic-test-results">make healthy dietary changes</a>. In addition to these reports, 23andMe+ Premium members can see their Genetic Weight Type and see what healthy actions may be more impactful on their weight.</p>



<p>Many people struggle with maintaining a healthy weight. More than two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, leading to many downstream adverse health outcomes, according to<a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity"> data from the National Institutes of Health</a>. Many of these people have tried and struggled to lose weight either through diet or exercise, which partly explains the recent surge in popularity of GLP-1s. One in eight adults in the US report using a GLP-1 drug for weight loss, diabetes, or heart disease, according to<a href="https://www.kff.org/health-costs/press-release/poll-1-in-8-adults-say-theyve-taken-a-glp-1-drug-including-4-in-10-of-those-with-diabetes-and-1-in-4-of-those-with-heart-disease/"> a poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-growing-use-of-glp-1s">The Growing Use of GLP-1s</h2>



<p>GLP-1s, or glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, are a class of medications that mimic the GLP-1 hormone released during digestion. Their role is to prompt the body to produce insulin, which, in turn, reduces blood sugar. The hormone also interacts with the brain and reduces appetite. Along with aiding in weight loss, the drugs have proven effective for treating chronic conditions like <a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-oral-glp-1-treatment-type-2-diabetes">type 2 diabetes</a> and<a href="https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or"> heart disease</a>. There is even early evidence that GLP-1s may help with<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2312323"> Parkinson’s disease</a>,<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36870080/"> arthritis</a>,<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2817996"> Alzheimer’s</a>, and<a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2404881"> sleep apnea</a>.</p>



<p>While the drugs can be<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-02996-7"> highly effective for some people</a>, they are not effective for everyone. GLP-1s also carry a risk for side effects that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In rare cases, they can lead to more severe side effects such as pancreatitis, kidney problems, bowel obstruction, or allergic reactions. 23andMe’s scientists want to understand why and explore potential genetic associations related to the drug&#8217;s efficacy and some of these side effects. The research will follow participants over time to know how these medications work.</p>



<p>The GLP-1 Medications Survey is available to 23andMe customers who have consented to participate in Research. If you are interested in participating, please <a href="https://you.23andme.com/research/surveys/glp1_medications">complete the survey here.</a></p>


23andMe Launches Genetic Study of GLP-1s


<p>This Black History Month, we’re expanding our Historical Matches<sup>SM</sup> feature to include 16 new historical African and African American individuals from the U.S. and Mexico. Their genomes were sequenced as part of two powerful studies that demonstrate how ancient DNA can help shed light on the lives of individuals who were left out of the historical record.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-of-three-african-individuals-in-colonial-mexico">The Story of Three African Individuals in Colonial Mexico</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33704" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-1024x576.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-300x169.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-768x432.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-880x495.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico-1180x664.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/african_colonial_mexico.png 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Three individuals were buried in a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32359431/">16th century mass grave in Mexico City</a>. Through ancient DNA and anthropological analysis, researchers identified them as first-generation Africans who were likely forcibly transported to Mexico as part of the transatlantic slave trade. Their DNA revealed close ties to present-day Central-Western African populations. Further analysis showed that one individual was infected with hepatitis B, while another may have suffered from yaws, a bacterial infection affecting the skin, bones, and joints.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-story-of-catoctin-furnace-ironworkers">The Story of Catoctin Furnace Ironworkers</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33703" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-1024x576.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-300x169.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-768x432.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-880x495.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace-1180x664.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/catoctin_furnace.png 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>We’ve also expanded the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37535739/">Catoctin Furnace Ironworkers</a> group, which now includes all 22 African Americans whose genomes were analyzed in our 2022 study where we introduced the technology that drives our Historical Matches feature, which is available to all 23andMe+ Premium members. In addition to the nine previously included individuals, we just added 13 more African Americans who were likely enslaved at the site. Their DNA isn’t as well preserved, meaning genetic matches to them should be interpreted with some caution. But we felt it was important to include them—to acknowledge their lives and their contributions to early American history.</p>



<p>We hope that these new updates to the Historical Matches feature highlight how ancient DNA can help us to restore the memory of individuals whose history may previously have been overlooked.</p>


Reclaiming Lost Connections: How Historical Matches Sheds Light on Forgotten Lives


<p>In the latest update to 23andMe’s Ancestry Composition report, we’ve added 50 new Genetic Groups in Canada, connecting customers to both early British/Irish settlers as well as early French settlers, and 170 new Genetic Groups in the US connecting customers to early German settlers, Cajuns, Pennsylvania Dutch, and other groups with French &amp; German ancestry.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="772" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-1024x772.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33699" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-1024x772.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-300x226.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-768x579.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-880x663.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada-1180x890.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/US_Canada.png 1369w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The update affects around 17 percent of all customers who tested on our <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a>, and even more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium members</a> will see any distant Genetic Group connections they may have to these regions.</p>



<p>We previously released <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/are-you-genetically-connected-to-early-colonial-americans">early British &amp; Irish American Genetic Groups</a>, helping customers connect back many generations to communities within the United States. With this update we&#8217;ve expanded that to include early British &amp; Irish Canadian Genetic Groups, but also expanded our connections to additional European diasporas including early French and German settlers in the United States and Canada. These groups helped to shape these countries from French Canadians maintaining a distinct culture in Quebec to German Americans helping to establish many of Milwaukee&#8217;s famous breweries.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-composition-update">Ancestry Composition Update</h2>



<p>23andMe’s Ancestry Composition report is a living analysis that improves as we add new reference data. Underlying our Ancestry reports are powerful algorithms and analytical tools developed by 23andMe population geneticists and engineers to offer our customers more insights into their ancestral origins.</p>



<p>Recently, we’ve updated results for people with connections to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/genetic-groups-south-asia">South Asia</a>, Greece and the Balkans, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots">African Americans</a>, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-genetic-groups-for-japan-and-scandinavia">Japan, and Scandinavia</a> for instance.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-out-more">Find out more</h2>



<p>Curious if you’re connected? Discover 23andMe’s<a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">&nbsp; Ancestry Service and more</a>.</p>



<p>If you are a 23andMe customer with the <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a>, V5, you can see your results in your Ancestry Composition report.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcKT5V7Zf1iux5cZ63RxhzIaXbqU3gSpE8NjEdPTE6aozWvpbjmJ4N3seGlflVg0xFIlJsWlxoOIgq50D5Vs_9uwf8okOu9MeM6pZs1PPnNyGgkQ1Jv7Wnliyoiu7jb9oYXJ5IFEA?key=lvfyoxTzJk20aNZDmzWJYMYf" alt=""/></figure>



<p>Below are the lists of Genetic Groups 23andMe has added as part of this update</p>



<p>New Genetic Groups in the United States&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Cajun</li>



<li>Pennsylvania Dutch</li>



<li>Great Plains Early German Americans</li>



<li>Lower Missouri River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li>Lower Ohio River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li>North Central Appalachians and Ohio Valley Early German Americans</li>



<li>Southeastern Early German Americans</li>



<li>Southern Great Lakes Early German Americans</li>



<li>Upper Midwest Early German Americans</li>



<li>Upper Mississippi River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li>Upper Missouri River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li>Wisconsin River Basin Early German Americans</li>



<li><strong>Plus 158 more local Genetic Groups connected to those with German and French ancestry in the U.S.</strong></li>
</ul>



<p>New Genetic Groups in Canada</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>French Canadian</li>



<li>Acadia</li>



<li>Annapolis Valley Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Atlantic Canada Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Bonavista Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Bras d&#8217;Or Lake Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Cape Breton County Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Eastern Conception Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Eastern Northumberland Strait Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Eastern Prince Edward Island Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Georgian Bay and North Channel Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Halifax Region Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Inverness County Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Kawartha Lakes Region Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake Erie Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake Huron Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake Ontario Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake Simcoe Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lake St. Clair Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Long Range Mountains Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Lower Ottawa River Basin Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Manitoulin Island Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Maritime Provinces Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Miramichi Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Mississippi-Rideau River Basin Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>New Brunswick Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Newfoundland South Coast Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>North Shore Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Northeastern Lake Erie Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Northeastern Lake Ontario Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Northern Avalon Peninsula Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Notre Dame Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Nottawasaga Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Nova Scotia Peninsula Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Prince Edward Island Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Saint John and the Fundy Shore Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Saint John River Valley Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Southeast Region Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Southern Avalon Peninsula Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Southern Nova Scotia Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Southwest Miramichi River Valley Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>St. Georges Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>St. Lawrence River Basin Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Trinity Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Western Conception Bay Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Western Prince Edward Island Early British/Irish Canadians</li>



<li>Greater Montreal Early French Canadians</li>



<li>Greater Quebec City Early French Canadians</li>



<li>Notre Dame Mountains Early French Canadians</li>



<li>Saguenay-St. Lawrence River Basin Early French Canadians</li>
</ul>


An image of a traditional masts ship like the Mayflower.

More Detailed Genetic Groups in the US and Canada


<p>As we <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/dna-testing-african-ancestry-health-research-23andme">said last week</a> 23andMe offers some of the most detailed and comprehensive ancestry insights for people of African descent. This is possible because 23andMe has the largest genetic cohort of research participants with African ancestry in the world, and we prioritize diversification through efforts like the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/global-genetics/">Global Genetics Project</a>, and previous projects like the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/africa-project/">African Genetics Project</a> and the <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/african-american-sequencing-project">African American Sequencing Project</a>. That focus on diversity and the contribution of many 23andMe research participants over more than a decade, has unlocked key discoveries and enabled our team to provide the most ancestry detail in Africa and the most detail for the African diaspora of any DNA testing company.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-composition-tracing-roots-in-africa">Ancestry Composition: Tracing Roots in Africa</h2>



<p>As a result of the brutal <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/transatlantic-slave-trade-paper">transatlantic slave trade</a> many Black Americans are disconnected from their ancestral homelands. Discovering <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/learning-about-yourself-with-23andme">genetic connections to regions in Africa</a> can offer <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-helps-customer-connect-to-west-africa">powerful hints to your earlier ancestry</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>23andMe offers 12 broad <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-african-east-asian-details">reference populations</a> in Africa for your Ancestry Composition breakdown and over 150 detailed African regions pinpointed to the country or state level.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="768" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001.jpg" alt="Image of a sample ancestry dna result showing Sub-Saharan African regions on 23andme" class="wp-image-26486" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001-300x225.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001-768x576.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/AC-33-Africa.001-880x660.jpg 880w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Additionally, you may find matches to 25 African <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/african-ethnolinguistic-groups">ethnolinguistic groups</a> and tribes in Africa, including matches to groups such as the Yoruba, Igbo, Kongo, Mende, Kikuyu, and Zulu peoples</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfNmZtHJrxCGL_ObwaB0JM2G_tecZt5uBOLkki1aAmAYlij5u1cBZEAZJxx9ChGxkQ30-B7I6kHRcP28DeEbrFDLzrN2urhZ93L6u5V41uc1mLZjCf1b5VbNMXrDDcoKtKHKUY?key=Opm82dkXgXhyK_OGIrF9GbZI" alt="" style="width:500px"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-connections-in-america">Keeping Connections in America</h2>



<p>During the Great Migration, more than six million Black Americans left the South in search of economic opportunities and a reprieve from the repression of Jim Crow laws and racial violence. Via shared genetics we are able to help you identify and maintain these pre-migration connections to more than <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots">200 African American Genetic Groups</a> in the United States, such as Virginia Tidewater, Southern Plains African Americans, Pee Dee River Gullah, and Avoyelles Parish Creoles.&nbsp;</p>



<p class="has-text-align-center" style="font-size:0.9rem"><a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/working-on-23andmes-african-american-genetic-groups-project"><em>Learn more about Jalen Robinson, a student at Morehouse School of Medicine and Research Diversity intern at 23andMe, who helped develop the African American Genetic Groups</em></a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcjxnbrI7BxLOwtJc8fpV4-TEzSZMiPUeWjEYRz4IE-KAeHegYIW6SryPaUXUkeV5WlrziiaQIzCE8XCTKqgHTFwfynjuoHazjtNdXmncMyc1qZ2xLGyn-0Z0kqTvqc2AHlT5dL?key=Opm82dkXgXhyK_OGIrF9GbZI" alt="" style="width:500px"/></figure>



<p>We are also able to identify connections to&nbsp; <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-adds-more-detail-for-afro-caribbean-ancestry">19 Afro-Caribbean Genetic Groups</a>, including Jamaican, Afro-Puerto Rican, Afro-Dominican, Garifuna, St. Lucian and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-haplogroups">Haplogroups</h2>



<p>Moving further back into your history, 23andMe “haplogroup” reports reveal clues about the ancient origins of your maternal and paternal lines. A genetic signature of your maternal line can be traced back through time by analyzing a small circular loop of DNA housed in your cells’ mitochondria—your mitochondrial DNA—which you inherited from your mother, who inherited it from her mother, and so on. Similarly, your paternal line can be traced by analyzing your Y chromosome DNA if you are male, or by connecting with a close paternal male relative who also tested on 23andMe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Haplogroups can be linked to geographic regions and historical populations, showing how your ancestors moved and settled over tens of thousands of years. Looking at the haplogroup family tree of all humans is one way that scientists were able to determine that modern humans originated within Africa.</p>



<p>Here is an example of where the maternal lineage (or <a href="https://discover.23andme.com/haplogroup/L1-maternal">mitochondrial haplogroup) known as L1&nbsp; linked to speakers of the Bantu language family in Sub-Saharan Africa.</a></p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="249" height="245" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/L1_image-e1739299538780.png" alt="Image of L1 haplogroup migration patterns in sub-sarharan Africa" class="wp-image-33689" style="width:500px"/></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-historical-matches">Historical Matches</h2>



<p>In early 2024, 23andMe introduced an exciting feature, powered by groundbreaking research, called Historical Matches<sup>SM</sup> that connects 23andMe+ Premium members to historical and ancient DNA relatives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Scientists have sequenced the genomes of many ancient and historical individuals from around the world. Now, using custom, peer-reviewed methods developed by 23andMe scientists in partnership with leading ancient DNA experts, we can identify sections of your DNA that you share with these people who lived long ago.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This feature includes historical and ancient profiles from West Africa, Southern Africa, and East Africa, as well as individuals of African descent buried at <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/historical-dna-connection-to-early-enslaved-and-free-african-americans">Catoctin Iron Furnace</a> in Maryland in the 17th and 18th centuries. More profiles of historical and ancient individuals are added over time.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="720" height="719" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33692" style="width:500px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image.png 720w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/image-574x574.png 574w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px" /></figure>



<p class="has-text-align-center"><a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-connects-living-family-to-enslaved-african-american-from-historic-site"><em>Read about living relatives finding their connection to Catoctin Iron Furnace&nbsp;</em></a></p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-relatives">DNA relatives</h3>



<p>Genetic information can also connect you to more recent history, if you choose, by allowing you to find and connect to your DNA relatives. Many people have been able to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/thomas-finds-family-and-then-his-valentine">connect with newfound family</a> helping to complete a picture of their recent family history.</p>



<p>However, we recognize not everyone is interested in making these connections, which is why we give you full control to decide how your information is used and with whom it is shared. You must explicitly opt in to participate in the DNA Relatives feature. We will not share your genetic data without your explicit consent.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-discovering-a-rich-tapestry-of-ancestry">Discovering a Rich Tapestry of Ancestry</h2>



<p>23andMe offers a comprehensive and powerful toolkit for exploring your African ancestry, from deep genetic connections to specific regions and ethnic groups, to uncovering ancient lineages and historical matches. Whether you’re tracing your roots to the African continent or connecting with recent relatives, our data and research innovations give you an unparalleled view into your heritage. By prioritizing diversity and expanding our genetic research, we’re committed to helping you rediscover and reconnect with your history, no matter how far back it stretches.</p>


Image of a sample ancestry dna result showing Sub-Saharan African regions on 23andme

Uncovering African Ancestry: A Deep Dive into Your Roots with 23andMe


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-celebrating-black-history-month-with-ancestry-health-and-research">Celebrating Black History Month with Ancestry, Health, and Research</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-1024x724.png" alt="A map showing all the African American Genetic Groups" class="wp-image-33413" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-1024x724.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-300x212.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-768x543.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-880x622.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7-1180x834.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/211ea60f-83a4-473b-85d4-008430a36ed7.png 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>As we kick off this Black History Month, it&#8217;s a powerful time to reflect on how science and technology can deepen our understanding of ancestry, improve health outcomes, and empower communities. Over the years, 23andMe has made an effort to ensure our product and research are relevant to those of African descent and we continue to make improvements in both what we deliver to our Black and African American customers and how we engage with those communities. Let&#8217;s take a look at how DNA testing can provide a deeper connection to your ancestral history, empower you with knowledge about health risks that disproportionately affect the Black and African American communities, and offer new opportunities for scientific research.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-uncovering-african-heritage-with-23andme">Ancestry: Uncovering African Heritage with 23andMe</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-groups-across-africa-and-the-americas"><strong>Genetic Groups Across Africa and the Americas</strong></h3>



<p>23andMe offers some of the most detailed and comprehensive ancestry insights for people of African descent, helping you trace your roots back to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/african-ethnolinguistic-groups">African ethnolinguistic groups</a> like the Yoruba, Igbo, Kongo, Mende, Kikuyu, and more. We also offer the ability to pinpoint over 150 regions across Africa, down to the country and even more local levels.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="627" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-1024x627.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33675" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-1024x627.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-300x184.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-768x471.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-880x539.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic-1180x723.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Kongo_Mbundu_african_ethnolinguistic.png 1234w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>In the Americas the service also highlights over <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots">200 Genetic Groups</a>, including those tied to the Gullah, Creole, and other communities in the United States as well as 19 <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-adds-more-detail-for-afro-caribbean-ancestry">Afro-Caribbean Genetic Groups</a>.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="605" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-1024x605.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33676" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-1024x605.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-300x177.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-768x454.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-880x520.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican-1180x697.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/afro-puerto_rican.png 1229w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracing-maternal-and-paternal-lineages"><strong>Tracing Maternal and Paternal Lineages</strong></h3>



<p>Additionally, 23andMe is the only leading DNA testing service that offers detailed information on both your maternal and paternal lineages through haplogroups, connecting you with ancient peoples and places. You can even learn if you share an ancient maternal line ancestor with famous historical figures such as Nelson Mandela, Pharaoh Rameses III of Egypt, and more.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-health-empowering-communities-with-genetic-insights">Health: Empowering Communities with Genetic Insights</h2>



<p>Health is a critical area where genetic testing can make a real difference, and 23andMe is committed to providing reports of value to Black and African American communities. We offer over 110 health reports, many of which focus on conditions that, while they can affect anyone, disproportionately affect these communities.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-key-health-reports-for-black-and-african-american-communities"><strong>Some Key Health Reports for Black and African American Communities</strong></h3>



<p>These are just some of the reports that provide personalized insights based on your DNA.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia">Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status report</a> </li>



<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/chronic-kidney-disease/">Chronic Kidney Disease (APOL1-Related) Genetic Health Risk report</a> </li>



<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/preeclampsia/">Preeclampsia Polygenic Risk Score report</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes/">Type 2 Diabetes Polygenic Risk Score report</a> </li>
</ul>



<p>With this knowledge, you can take steps to manage your health more effectively. Personalized suggestions offer tools to help you prevent, monitor, or manage these health risks, ensuring that you’re not only aware of potential issues but also equipped to take control of your well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-advancing-health-equity-through-participation">Research: Advancing Health Equity Through Participation</h2>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-disparities-in-genetic-research"><strong>Addressing Disparities in Genetic Research</strong></h3>



<p>23andMe is proactively building a more representative community of researchers and participants to improve research equity and health outcomes for Black Americans. There are several initiatives that focus on diseases that disproportionately impact people of African descent:</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-initiatives-within-the-black-community"><strong>Key Initiatives Within the Black Community</strong></h3>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell/"><strong>Sickle Cell Carrier Status Awareness</strong></a><strong> — </strong>In collaboration with various academic and advocacy organizations—including <a href="https://www.sicklecellga.org/">Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia</a>, <a href="https://www.btsscycle.org/">Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle</a>, and <a href="https://www.msm.edu/">Morehouse School of Medicine</a>— this program empowers people to learn their sickle cell carrier status, promotes sickle cell disease awareness, and offers resources to those with sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.</li>



<li><strong>Research on Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) </strong>— A <a href="https://ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/8/21/5710/517723/Ancestry-independent-risk-of-venous">collaborative study</a> with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, published in <em>Blood Advances</em> and involving 4 million research participants, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-genetic-research-on-sickle-cell-trait">revealed</a> that sickle cell trait (SCT) increases the risk of pulmonary embolism but not deep vein thrombosis. This suggests a unique clotting mechanism in SCT individuals. The findings, consistent across genetic backgrounds, may improve medical advice. We are now investigating SCT&#8217;s potential link to blood clots during pregnancy.</li>



<li><strong>Representation in Sarcoidosis Research Study — </strong>Helped increase the likelihood that potential sarcoidosis treatments can be effective in people with African ancestry, and other underrepresented groups, in partnership with the Foundation for Sarcoidosis Research and the Bernie Mac Foundation.</li>



<li><strong>BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Report Updates — </strong>Bringing awareness and access to our updated report, which now accounts for 30-40% of cancer-related BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in African Americans, in collaboration with AfroPink®.</li>



<li><a href="https://www.23andme.com/genetic-insights-into-colorectal-cancer-black-community/"><strong>Genetic Insights into Colorectal Cancer in the Black Community</strong></a><strong> — </strong>A study aimed at<strong> </strong>bringing our Black and African American customers a genetic report on their chances of developing colorectal cancer in partnership with the <a href="https://colorectalcancer.org/">Colorectal Cancer Alliance</a>.<strong>  </strong></li>
</ul>



<p>These efforts are about more than just furthering research; they’re about making sure we build long-term, ongoing partnerships within Black community to improve access to genetic health information, participation in genetics research, and improve overall health outcomes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-building-on-progress">Building on Progress</h2>



<p>Throughout this Black History Month, we&#8217;ll return to dive deeper and celebrate the ancestry, health, and research work being done at 23andMe that impacts people of African descent. We’ll take a deeper dive into heritage, taking proactive steps towards better health, or contributing to groundbreaking research that can improve outcomes for generations to come.</p>



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<p><em>The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include both reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports which are based on 23andMe research and have not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks and reporting carrier status. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child&#8217;s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. Warnings &amp; Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of 44 variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The report describes if a person&#8217;s genetic result is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer and may be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and potentially other cancers. The variants included in this report do not represent the majority of the BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in people of most ethnicities. This report does not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in this report does not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. This report is for over-the-counter use by adults over the age of 18, and provides genetic information to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding each genetic health risk and carrier status report, visit </em><a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/"><em>23andme.com/test-info/</em></a></p>


An image to represent African Americans participating in 23andMe's colorectal cancer research.

An Ongoing Commitment: The Power of DNA Testing for the African Diaspora


<p>In the latest update to 23andMe’s Ancestry Composition report, we’ve added finer detail for customers with South Asian ancestry, allowing them to trace their family connections back to 44 genetic groups corresponding to regions within India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Afghanistan.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="724" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/south_asia_country_2-1024x724.png" alt="Image showing the genetic groups in South Asia included in the 23andMe update" class="wp-image-33660" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/south_asia_country_2-1024x724.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/south_asia_country_2-300x212.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/south_asia_country_2-768x543.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/south_asia_country_2-880x622.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/south_asia_country_2-1180x834.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>The update affects the majority of customers with South Asian ancestry, and over one percent of all customers who tested on our <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a>.</p>



<p>South Asia is the most populous region in the world and also very diverse, home to several hundred languages and various different religious and cultural practices. Now, in addition to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/central-and-south-asia">six Ancestry Composition populations</a> in South Asia, customers can see if they are connected via shared ancestors to some of the diverse groups in the region.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-composition-update">Ancestry Composition Update</h2>



<p>23andMe’s Ancestry Composition report is a living analysis that improves as we add new reference data. Underlying our Ancestry reports are powerful algorithms and analytical tools developed by 23andMe population geneticists and engineers to offer our customers more insights into their ancestral origins.</p>



<p>Recently, we’ve updated results for people with connections to Greece and the Balkans, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/are-you-genetically-connected-to-early-colonial-americans">early colonial Americans</a>, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots">African Americans</a>, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-genetic-groups-for-japan-and-scandinavia">Japan, and Scandinavia</a> for instance.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-out-more">Find out more</h2>



<p>If you are a 23andMe customer with the <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">latest genotyping chip</a>, V5, you see your Ancestry Composition in your report.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="876" height="491" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ancestry-report-card.png" alt="Image of the 23andMe screen to view your ancestry report" class="wp-image-33661" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ancestry-report-card.png 876w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ancestry-report-card-300x168.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Ancestry-report-card-768x430.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 876px) 100vw, 876px" /></figure>



<p>Curious if you’re connected? Discover 23andMe’s<a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">&nbsp; Ancestry Service and more</a>.</p>



<p>Below are the lists of Genetic Groups 23andMe has added as part of this update&nbsp;</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Bengal Basin</li>



<li>Central Deccan Plateau</li>



<li>Central Himalayan Foothills</li>



<li>Chettinad</li>



<li>Coromandel Coast</li>



<li>Doaba</li>



<li>Ganges-Yamuna Doab</li>



<li>Goa and Kanara</li>



<li>Jhelum and Chenab River Basins</li>



<li>Karnataka Plateau and Andhra Plains</li>



<li>Kashmir</li>



<li>Kathiawar Peninsula</li>



<li>Kerala Plains</li>



<li>Khyber Pass</li>



<li>Konkan Coast</li>



<li>Krishna and Godavari Deltas</li>



<li>Kutch Peninsula</li>



<li>Lower Indus River Valley</li>



<li>Lower Narmada River Basin&nbsp;</li>



<li>Lower Tapti River Basin</li>



<li>Majha</li>



<li>Malabar Coast</li>



<li>Malwa Plains</li>



<li>North Gujarat Plains</li>



<li>North Sahyadri</li>



<li>Northeast Sri Lankan Coast</li>



<li>Northern Deccan Plateau and Middle Ganga Plain</li>



<li>Northern Kerala Backwaters</li>



<li>Northern Tamilnad Plains</li>



<li>Parsis in Western India</li>



<li>Punjab Plains</li>



<li>Rachna Doab</li>



<li>Sindh Sagar Doab&nbsp;</li>



<li>South Gujarat Plains</li>



<li>Southern Tamilnad Plains</li>



<li>Southwestern Coastal Plains</li>



<li>Southwestern Sri Lanka</li>



<li>Surma-Meghna River Basin</li>



<li>Tamilnad Uplands</li>



<li>Telengana Plateau</li>



<li>Tulu Nadu</li>



<li>Upper Kaveri River Basin</li>



<li>Upper Krishna and Tungabhadra Rivers</li>



<li>Western Himalayan Foothills</li>
</ul>


23andMe Adds More Detail for South Asian Ancestry


<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-new-moon-on-january-29th-ushers-in-the-chinese-new-year-symbolizing-the-end-of-winter-and-the-arrival-of-spring-in-china-to-celebrate-we-have-added-56-new-individuals-from-three-recent-studies-of-ancient-china-to-the-historical-matches-tm-feature-a-23andme-premium-membership-feature">The New Moon on January 29th ushers in the Chinese New Year, symbolizing the end of winter and the arrival of spring in China. To celebrate, we have added 56 new individuals from three recent studies of ancient China to the Historical Matches<sup>TM</sup> feature, a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium<sup><a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">® </a></sup>  membership </a>feature. </h5>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genomic-transformations-in-shandong-province-throughout-time"><strong>Genomic Transformations in Shandong Province Throughout Time</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/shandong-1024x576.png" alt="Photograph of city from Shandong Dynasty" class="wp-image-33655" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/shandong-1024x576.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/shandong-300x169.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/shandong-768x432.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/shandong-880x495.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/shandong-1180x664.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/shandong.png 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Shandong Dynasty city</figcaption></figure>



<p>Two of the newly added studies focus on the ancient inhabitants of Shandong Province, located in the easternmost reaches of the Yellow River Basin. This region is considered a cradle of ancient Chinese civilization, partly due to its role in the independent domestication of millet during the Neolithic Houli Period (circa 6500 – 5500 BCE). Around 4,000 years ago, Shandong transitioned into its dynastic era with the establishment of the legendary Xia dynasty (circa 2070 – 1600 BCE).</p>



<p>In 2024, researchers published two genetic studies on the ancient inhabitants of Shandong Province to better understand the demographic shifts in the region over the past 6,000 years. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39146937/">The first study</a> analyzed the genomes of 69 individuals who lived in the region between the Late Neolithic period (circa 5,500 BCE) and the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 CE). <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39009303/">The second study</a> focused on 21 individuals who lived in Shandong between the Warring States Period (475 – 221 BCE) and the Jin (1115 – 1234 CE) and Yuan (1271 – 1368 CE) Dynasties.<br><br>These studies revealed that during the Dawenkou period (c. 4300 – 2500 BCE), populations related to Yellow River farmers from Central China (who themselves had some Southern Chinese-related ancestry) migrated to Shandong and intermingled with local groups. Later, during the Shang (c. 1600 – 1046 BCE) and Zhou (c. 1046 – 256 BCE) Dynasties, the region experienced an additional influx of ancestry from populations from the Central Plains. By the Han Dynasty, the ancestry of Shandong&#8217;s inhabitants began to resemble that of the present-day inhabitants of the region.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-ancient-city-of-chang-an-during-the-tang-dynasty"><strong>The Ancient City of Chang’an During the Tang Dynasty</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tang_dynasty_changan-1024x576.png" alt="Photo of the ancient city of Changan from the Tang Dynasty." class="wp-image-33654" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tang_dynasty_changan-1024x576.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tang_dynasty_changan-300x169.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tang_dynasty_changan-768x432.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tang_dynasty_changan-880x495.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tang_dynasty_changan-1180x664.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tang_dynasty_changan.png 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Ancient city of Changan from the Tang dynasty</figcaption></figure>



<p><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39567925/">The third study</a> we are featuring this month investigates the genetic impact of long distance trade along the Silk Road on the inhabitants of the ancient city of Chang’an (now known as Xi’an). Located at the eastern end of the Silk Road, Chang’an was one of the most influential cities in ancient China’s history. As the capital of several prominent dynasties, including the Qin (221 – 206 BCE), Western Han (206 BCE – 9 CE), and Tang (618 – 907 CE) Dynasties, Chang’an served as a political and cultural hub. Its key position at the end of the Silk Road meant that Chang’an played a central role in facilitating trade and the exchange of ideas between China, Central Asia, the Middle East and Europe. During the Tang dynasty, the city flourished, reaching a population of over one million at its peak</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-learn-more">Learn More</h2>



<p>You can learn more about these chapters in ancient China’s history and discover whether you share distant genetic connections with the newly added historical individuals from ancient China—or with hundreds of other historical individuals—through the Historical Matches<sup>TM</sup> feature, available with our <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+® Premium membership</a>.</p>


New Historical Matches Could Connect You to Ancient China


<h5 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-this-month-a-team-of-researchers-from-trinity-college-dublin-and-bournemouth-university-published-a-new-study-in-the-journal-nature-that-upends-our-understanding-of-women-s-roles-in-ancient-celtic-society-in-britain">This month, a team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin and Bournemouth University published <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39814899/">a new study in the journal Nature</a> that upends our understanding of women’s roles in ancient Celtic society in Britain.</h5>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Missing burials in Iron Age Britain</h2>



<p>Prior to the publication of this study, relatively little was known about the social structure of Iron Age populations in Britain due to the scarcity of human skeletal remains from this period. Researchers are uncertain why so few burials have survived from this period, but it is possible that it is related to how ancient Britons treated the dead. They may have placed burials in environments like bogs or wetlands, where bones are less likely to preserve, or practiced cremation, leaving limited remains behind.&nbsp;</p>



<p>This shortage of skeletal evidence has made it challenging to answer important questions about Iron Age social organization, such as how people moved within society after marriage. However this changed when archaeologists discovered a rare, well-preserved Iron Age cemetery in Dorset in southern England, where members of a tribe known as the Durotriges—a name preserved in the writings of Ptolemy, the 2<sup>nd</sup> century Greek geographer and astronomer—were buried.&nbsp;</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="500" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Coins-Celtic-HM-1024x500.png" alt="Photograph of front and back of coin from the Durotriges, circa 60 BC" class="wp-image-33651" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Coins-Celtic-HM-1024x500.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Coins-Celtic-HM-300x146.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Coins-Celtic-HM-768x375.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Coins-Celtic-HM-880x429.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Coins-Celtic-HM-1180x576.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Coin from the Durotriges, circa 60 BC</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Discovering a matrilocal society</h2>



<p>The research team sequenced the genomes of 55 individuals who were buried in this ancient cemetery—in addition to two other Durotrigian women who were buried nearby—in order to investigate the family structure of Celtic populations in southern Britain during the Late Iron Age.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They discovered that most of the people buried in the cemetery descended from a single maternal lineage that spanned generations. This discovery suggests that the society practiced matrilocality—where men moved to live with their wives&#8217; families. In human history, matrilocality is far less common than patrilocality, where women join their husbands’ families. Remarkably, this study uncovered the earliest known case of matrilocality among ancient Europeans.</p>



<p>When the researchers expanded their analysis to other ancient European sites with available ancient DNA, they found that similar patterns of matrilocality were observed only in other Celtic populations in Britain. This suggests that matrilocality may have been a distinctive feature of Iron Age Britons, setting them apart from other ancient European societies.</p>



<p>These findings align with Roman accounts of the unique and influential roles women held in Celtic Britain. For instance, Julius Caesar wrote about British women taking multiple husbands, while historical records highlight two prominent female leaders: Cartimandua, the warrior queen of the Brigantes, and Boudica of the Iceni, who led a revolt against Roman rule.</p>



<p>While matrilocal societies are not necessarily matriarchal (where women hold higher social status than men), such practices are more likely to occur in matrilocal systems than in patrilocal ones.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Learn More</h2>



<p>Interested in learning whether you share a genetic connection to this lineage of Celtic women? Thanks to Historical Matches<sup>SM</sup> our <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+® Premium membership</a> feature, you can find out if you share a genetic connection with the individuals whose DNA was sequenced as part of this study.</p>


Photograph of Dorset, England showing green hillsides at sunset.

Latest Posts — Page 11