23andMe&#8217;s new <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-update-connects-many-african-american-customers-to-southern-roots">African American Genetic Groups feature</a> leans heavily on science, but it also relies on the well-crafted writing of Jalen Robinson, a third-year medical student at Morehouse School of Medicine who worked over the summer as an intern with the 23andMe Research Equity and Partnership team and helped build this feature. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="536" height="695" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Jalen-R-e1729182003758.png" alt="23andMe intern and Morehouse College of Medicine student Jalen Robinson." class="wp-image-33409" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Jalen-R-e1729182003758.png 536w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Jalen-R-e1729182003758-231x300.png 231w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 536px) 100vw, 536px" /></figure>



Robinson, from Newton, Georgia, a rural community of 600, knows a lot about what places like his own hometown and others like it have to offer. Proud of where he comes from, he&#8217;s also motivated to give back and decided to go to medical school partly because he saw how the lack of access to healthcare in his community had affected the lives of friends and family members who died of preventable diseases. Becoming a doctor allows him to improve access to medical care in rural and underserved communities in the South.



His work on the African American Genetic Groups feature isn&#8217;t about healthcare but about recognizing these communities&#8217; cultural, political, and historical importance.



We sat down with Jalen to hear a little about what he learned during this project and what he hopes customers will use this feature.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-medical-school">Why Medical School</h2>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>You were motivated to attend medical school because you saw how a lack of access to healthcare in rural communities like yours costs lives. It&#8217;s not a parallel, but many small communities feel forgotten. Would helping people reconnect with their roots help people seeking to make these connections and communities?&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



Absolutely! I believe that helping people reconnect with their roots can be incredibly powerful for both individuals and communities. Growing up in a small town, I&#8217;ve experienced the deep pride and identity tied to shared history and values. Fostering these connections empowers residents to advocate for better healthcare and resources.



When people understand and feel more connected to their roots, they often become more engaged in their community&#8217;s well-being. This can lead to increased support for local healthcare initiatives, participation in outreach programs, or even a return home to contribute to the growth of their communities.



Ultimately, I hope this reconnection fosters a stronger sense of community ownership and collaboration. By working together, communities can identify their needs and develop solutions, ensuring everyone feels heard and has access to the care they deserve. Beyond improving health outcomes, this renewal can enhance the community spirit, creating a cycle of support and growth.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-researching-african-american-genetic-groups">Researching African American Genetic Groups</h2>



<ol start="2" class="wp-block-list">
<li>You wrote up the descriptions of these broader African American Genetic Groups. Did you learn anything you didn&#8217;t already know or were surprised during your research?</li>
</ol>



Yes, I definitely learned a lot, which surprised me during my research. Growing up in southwest Georgia, I was unaware of the variety of genetic groups present in Georgia and throughout the southeastern United States. I didn’t realize how historical migration patterns have shaped genetic variations or how significant the influence of different regions and ancestral backgrounds has shaped the current genetic landscape.



During my research, I was particularly struck by the lasting impact that African Americans have had on culture, food, dance, music, language, and more. My purpose for this content section was to acknowledge the history of slavery and its role in the migration of African Americans to these areas while primarily highlighting the contributions and unique aspects of African Americans within these different groups. 



As I explored each genetic group, I was amazed by the rich histories associated with them. I discovered various languages, cuisines, and pastimes that reflect this heritage. Learning how African ancestry is celebrated through numerous parades, festivals, and events was inspiring. Additionally, I found that people can experience this history firsthand by visiting museums and historical societies dedicated to preserving and sharing these stories.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-african-american-experience">The African American Experience</h2>



<ol start="3" class="wp-block-list">
<li>One of the fascinating aspects of DNA is that beyond just telling you about genetic predispositions or your ancestral background, it can reveal historical events, migration, and, as 23andMe&#8217;s Steven Micheletti has shown with his published work, the impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade. What aspect of America&#8217;s history do you think this new feature reveals?</li>
</ol>



One of the most significant aspects this new feature reveals is the complex nature of the African American experience throughout history. By tracing genetic connections and migration patterns, we gain insight into the lasting impact of historical events like the Transatlantic Slave Trade and how they shaped family lineages and communities. 



This feature encourages uncomfortable conversations about events often overlooked in history. It allows us to confront the realities of slavery and understand how African Americans migrated to various regions within the U.S.



Moreover, it highlights the resilience of African Americans and their substantial contributions to communities. Their lasting impact is evident today in culture, language, food, music, and celebrations that honor African ancestry. Additionally, this feature gives individuals previously unaware of their ancestral lineage the chance to explore the genetic groups they are matched with, fostering a greater understanding and a deeper connection to their heritage. This newfound knowledge can empower people to celebrate their roots and fully engage with their cultural identity.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-insights-from-23andme">Insights from 23andMe</h2>



<ol start="4" class="wp-block-list">
<li>You&#8217;ve used 23andMe, what did you learn most helpful for you?</li>
</ol>



Using 23andMe has been incredibly insightful for me. One of the most helpful aspects has been the ability to trace my ancestry and understand the diverse genetic backgrounds that contribute to my heritage. 



As an African American male, I knew my roots traced back to Africa, but it was exciting to pinpoint specific countries and see the percentage of my ancestry from each. I also found learning about my European, Indigenous American, and Caribbean ancestry composition fascinating. Discovering the specific genetic groups I’m connected to added even more depth to my understanding of my heritage.



I recently received my results, which showed a high probability of my ancestry being linked to African Americans from Mitchell and Baker Counties. This made sense, given my family&#8217;s long history in Baker County. 



However, I was surprised to find a 99 percent probability match to the Savannah River Basin African Americans genetic group, which includes Edgefield, Aiken, and Saluda counties in South Carolina, near the Savannah River that forms much of the South Carolina-Georgia border. I didn’t know of any ancestors from that area, so this discovery opened up new avenues for tracing my roots and exploring whether my ancestors might have migrated to Baker County.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-some-surprises">Some Surprises</h2>



<ol start="5" class="wp-block-list">
<li>You also recently reviewed your ancestry results with Steven. What stood out as the most exciting thing for you and your family?</li>
</ol>



In addition to understanding my ancestry composition and specific genetic group connections, the health reports were the most exciting aspects for my family and me. My paternal family has a history of various cancers, while my maternal family has a history of diabetes and cataracts. I’ve always been curious about my risk for specific health issues.



The health report revealed that I had no variants detected for certain types of cancers 23andme tests for, which was reassuring. However, it noted that I am at elevated risk for Type 2 diabetes, something I was already aware of. Interestingly, I also had two variants detected for age-related macular degeneration, which indicates a slightly increased risk of developing that disorder. Additionally, I carry one of the two genetic variants tested for APOL1-related chronic kidney disease.



Before the health report, I was unaware of these findings and didn’t know I was at risk for these conditions. With this knowledge, I am empowered to take proactive steps and consult with my medical providers on ways to reduce the risk of developing them.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-others-might-learn">What Others Might Learn</h2>



<ol start="6" class="wp-block-list">
<li>What do you hope customers take away from using this new feature?</li>
</ol>



I hope customers gain a greater sense of identity and belonging using this new feature. I want them to learn more about their ancestral composition, discover where their ancestors originated from, and understand any potential health risks they may face. 



This knowledge can empower them to connect more deeply with their heritage and make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

A map showing all the African American Genetic Groups

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

Working on 23andMe’s African American Genetic Groups Project

A group of people enslaved to the Confederate General Thomas Drayton, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, in May 1862.

New 23andMe Update Connects Many African American Customers to Southern Roots

A new study by scientists in New Zealand determined that genetics has a much more significant impact on the risk of developing gout than previously thought.



Led by researchers at the University of Otago in New Zealand, the study published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-024-01921-5">Nature Genetics</a> used data from more than 2.6 million people with about 75 percent of that data from 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ending-the-stigma">Ending the Stigma</h2>



While diet and lifestyle play a role, genetics have an outside influence on whether a person will develop <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/gout/">gout</a>, this painful form of arthritis caused by the build-up of uric acid.



“Gout is a chronic disease with a genetic basis and is not the fault of the sufferer – the myth that gout is caused by lifestyle or diet needs to be busted,” said Professor Tony Merriman of Otago’s Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and the leading author of the paper.



Once associated with the gluttonous indulgence of someone like King Henry VIII, the researchers said they hoped that their study would illuminate the complicated biology of the disease and dispel some of the stigma around gout.



“This widespread myth causes shame in people with gout, making some people more likely to suffer in silence and not go and see the doctor to get a preventive drug that lowers urate in the blood and will prevent their pain,” Merriman said.&nbsp; 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-and-environment">Genes and Environment </h2>



As with many diseases, many factors influence the risk of developing gout. 



“People need to understand that while specific dietary factors — such as eating red meat — can trigger gout attacks, the fundamental&nbsp;cause&nbsp;is high urate levels, crystals in the joints, and an immune system primed to ‘attack’ the crystals – genetics plays an important role in all of these processes.”



The study identified 377 variants associated with gout, and 148 of those associations were identified for the first time. 



Many of these genetic variants are in or near gene regions involved in regulating urate levels and the mechanisms by which elevated uric acid in the blood, something called hyperuricemia, progresses to inflammation in the joints with gout. The study also identified several genes in the immune response associated with gout.



You can read the complete study in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-024-01921-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Genetics here</a>.

New Genetic Research on Gout

In the largest genetic study of its kind to date, 23andMe scientists have identified variants associated with an increased risk of developing Long COVID and also established a genetic link between the potentially debilitating condition and other chronic conditions such as depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia.



Published in the preprint server for health scientists known as <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.07.24315052v1">MedRxiv</a>, the study suggests that genetic differences in how the body&#8217;s immune system recognizes and responds to the virus likely influence the chances of developing Long COVID. Among the strongest genetic associations was in the region of the HLA-DRB1 gene, which plays a critical role in the body&#8217;s immune response.



&#8220;Long COVID&#8217;s rising burden and impact highlights the urgent need to better understand its pathophysiology. Our study marks a significant step toward unraveling the genetic underpinnings of Long COVID where we report that the immune function may play an important role in developing the condition,” said Ninad Chaudhary, PhD, a postdoctoral fellow at 23andMe and a co-author of the study.&nbsp; “Along with identifying robust evidence that individual genetic variants contribute to the risk of Long COVID, we also identify potential causal effects of genetic predisposition to depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, and fibromyalgia with the development of Long COVID. This provides opportunities to identify at-risk individuals and new avenues of investigation for investigating treatments that may address the impact of Long Covid.&#8221;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-long-covid">What is Long COVID?</h2>



The <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/covid/long-term-effects/index.html">US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines Long COVID</a> as being a chronic condition lasting three months or more after an initial infection COVID-19.



Individuals suffering from Long COVID present with a wide range of more than 200 symptoms, but among the most common are brain fog, fatigue, and shortness of breath. Estimates suggest that worldwide, as many as 65 million people endure Long COVID.



A little over 7 percent of people infected with COVID-19 will develop Long COVID, while more than half of those with severe cases will develop the lingering condition. Projecting over the millions of individuals worldwide who&#8217;ve been infected or are yet to be re-infected, the public health impact of Long COVID is likely to linger for years to come. Understanding the underlying biology and associations may help scientists understand how to treat the condition better.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-response-and-blood-type">Immune Response and Blood Type</h2>



In addition to the HLA finding, 23andMe scientists also focused on the role of the ABO gene, which determines a person&#8217;s blood type. The role of the ABO gene has been previously identified by 23andMe scientists and others for its role in the severity of COVID-19 in some individuals. In this study, the scientists suggest that blood type or ABO variation may also influence the likelihood of developing Long COVID.&nbsp;



The ABO blood group also has a role in immune response as well as influences the factors that affect the coagulation of blood. This, in turn, may explain why it is associated with both acute COVID-19 and Long COVID cases. The blood types determined by the ABO gene are also linked to blood clotting and inflammation, both hallmarks of Long COVID.



The scientists working on this study also identified several new associations in or near the genes BPTF, C17orf58, and KPNA2. Researchers believe these genes&#8217; role in susceptibility to Long COVID is also related to the defense system against viruses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-chronic-conditions-associated-with-long-covid">Chronic Conditions Associated with Long COVID</h2>



This study also found strong genetic correlations between Long COVID and several other chronic conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and depression. The researchers found that people with genetic predispositions toward these chronic conditions were more likely to develop Long COVID after a COVID-19 infection.



For researchers, the link between these chronic conditions could provide clues to the underlying biology why Long COVID develops in some people and not others. For example, immune dysregulation and impaired cellular function, which may play a role in Long COVID, are often hallmarks of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.&nbsp;



Other studies have shown how depression affects immune function and the body&#8217;s ability to fight off infections. The genetic link between depression and Long COVID may support the idea that immune system dysfunction plays a central role in the development of Long COVID.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-future-research-and-treatment">Implications for Future Research and Treatment</h2>



By identifying new genetic associations for Long COVID and possible biological pathways, the research could help other scientists search for treatments. For example, existing medicines used to treat depression might have clinical utility in treating Long COVID if well-powered randomized controlled trials of these medicines in the Long COVID setting were to substantiate this hypothesis.



In addition, the research may help identify those at most risk for Long COVID, who could benefit from better monitoring post infection or better treatment options.



Ultimately, the genetic insights from this study provide a foundation for future research that could lead to improved care and outcomes for Long COVID patients. As we continue to learn more about the condition, we hope that we will soon have better tools to prevent and treat the long-term effects of COVID-19, bringing relief to the millions of people affected by this condition worldwide.



This <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.10.07.24315052v1">study</a> is part of a series being conducted by 23andMe scientists since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, and it was made possible by 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research.

A logo for 23andMe's COVID-19 Research Study

Genetic Associations with Long COVID

You&#8217;re more than just your genetics; insights from DNA testing can help add dimensions to your family history, ancestors, and sometimes distant connections to populations worldwide.



When exploring those connections, you need a trusted guide like 23andMe. 23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service offers the most comprehensive genetic ancestry breakdown on the market, with more than 3,500 geographic regions, reports on traits, Neanderthal Ancestry, your Ancestry Timeline, ancient maternal and paternal lineages, and more. The Ancestry Service also offers access to our pioneering DNA Relative Finder tool, 23andMe&#8217;s automatic family tree builder, and more than 30 trait reports, with insights into hair and eye color, taste preferences, and facial characteristics.



In this post, we&#8217;ll tell you a little about what you can learn using the 23andMe Ancestry Service.&nbsp; Oh, and in case you didn&#8217;t know, 23andMe is also the only DNA ancestry service that allows you to upgrade to include FDA-authorized health reports anytime.



So, let&#8217;s look at 23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service. And just a heads up before you dive in, it also happens to be a great time to do so. Now through October 15, 2024, we have our lowest price of the year on the 23andMe Ancestry Service for customers in the United States at just $59. Learn more <a href="https://www.23andme.com/">here</a>.



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



Like everything at 23andMe, it all starts with science and a touch of wonder.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1008" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/71Su-aPJvtL._AC_SL1500_-1024x1008.jpg" alt="An image of a customers Ancestry composition on a mobile phone," class="wp-image-33273" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/71Su-aPJvtL._AC_SL1500_-1024x1008.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/71Su-aPJvtL._AC_SL1500_-300x295.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/71Su-aPJvtL._AC_SL1500_-768x756.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/71Su-aPJvtL._AC_SL1500_-880x867.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/71Su-aPJvtL._AC_SL1500_-1180x1162.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/71Su-aPJvtL._AC_SL1500_.jpg 1500w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Here&#8217;s a fascinating fact: your DNA is not just a blueprint for what makes you you; it&#8217;s also a record of your ancestors&#8217; geographic origins.



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/ancestry-composition-guide/">23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Composition</a> helps you visualize your ancestral origins. 23andMe compares thousands of sections of DNA across your genome to an ever-expanding library of reference populations. Then, we use those comparisons to assign a closely matching reference population for each of those sections of your DNA, and then we tally them up. That allows our Ancestry Composition tool to break down the percentages of your DNA that link to different populations from Asia, Europe, the Americas, or Africa.



We arrange this breakdown into a hierarchy. At the top is the continent level, which is then broken down into the region, country, and local levels. That breakdown is all plotted on a map to help you visualize where your DNA is from.&nbsp;



The Ancestry Composition report also shows specific Genetic Groups you match with, which may reveal connections to specific cultural, ethnic, or linguistic groups such as Germany’s historically Swabian-speaking communities, people from Italy’s Monregalese region, the Maya peoples of Mesoamerica, Native Americans from the Pacific Northwest, the Ashanti people from what is now Ghana, historical Sephardic Jewish communities of northeastern Mexico, and so much more.&nbsp;



Over the last few years, 23andMe has updated the granularity of results for customers with ancestral lines from around the world. Read about our recent updates here:<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-genetic-groups-for-japan-and-scandinavia"> Japan &amp; Scandinavia</a>,<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/germanic-europe-genetic-groups"> Germanic Europe</a>,<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-improves-ancestry-results-for-people-with-south-american-levantine-sephardic-and-mizrahi-genetic-ancestry"> South America, and the Levant</a>,<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/ancestry-reports/african-ethnolinguistic-groups/"> African ancestry</a>,<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/ancestry-reports/ancestry-composition-update-china/"> Chinese ancestry,</a><a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-adds-more-detail-for-indigenous-caribbean-ancestry"> Indigenous Caribbean ancestry,</a><a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-adds-more-detail-for-spanish-and-portuguese-ancestry"> Spanish and Portuguese ancestry,</a><a href="https://blog.23andme.com/ancestry-reports/indigenous-genetic-ancestry/"> Indigenous American ancestry</a>, and<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-adds-more-detail-for-customers-with-british-and-irish-ancestry"> British and Irish ancestry</a>.



23andMe customers can see their<a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/ancestry_composition_hd/"> Ancestry Composition here</a>.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-timeline">Ancestry Timeline</h2>



23andMe&#8217;s ancestry reports sometimes reveal surprises. You might find hidden African or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, for instance. But 23andMe&#8217;s ancestry reports often augment what many of us already know about our heritage.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="1208" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ancestry-Timeline.jpg" alt="An image of 23andMe's Ancestry Timeline Feature on a mobile phone." class="wp-image-33323" style="width:295px;height:auto" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ancestry-Timeline.jpg 750w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ancestry-Timeline-186x300.jpg 186w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ancestry-Timeline-636x1024.jpg 636w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ancestry-Timeline-546x880.jpg 546w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Ancestry-Timeline-733x1180.jpg 733w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



Information gleaned from 23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service can sharply illuminate family lore passed down from those who came before. For instance, the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/#toc-timeline">Ancestry Timeline feature</a> uses statistical methodologies to estimate how many generations ago your most recent ancestor from a specific population likely lived. The Ancestry Timeline allows customers to go back seven or more generations to discover how their unique ancestral tapestry was woven together.



So, it might indicate how recently your ancestor lived and who had 100 percent Nigerian, Spanish, or Portuguese ancestry. This can sometimes clarify our family histories, offering a more vivid connection to past generations.



In addition, connecting to at least one parent using 23andMe can tell you what ancestry you inherited from your mother and what came from your father. For instance, you can see whether a small percentage of Italian ancestry comes from your mother&#8217;s or your father&#8217;s side.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-tree">Family Tree</h2>



23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service also includes a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/ancestry/a-family-tree/">Family Tree</a> that automatically builds a tree highlighting your close DNA relationships that are part of DNA Relatives.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="195" height="300" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Family-Tree-Mobile-195x300.jpg" alt="An image of 23andMe's Family Tree on a mobile phone." class="wp-image-33291" style="width:286px;height:auto" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Family-Tree-Mobile-195x300.jpg 195w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Family-Tree-Mobile-768x1179.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Family-Tree-Mobile-667x1024.jpg 667w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Family-Tree-Mobile-573x880.jpg 573w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Family-Tree-Mobile-769x1180.jpg 769w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Family-Tree-Mobile.jpg 946w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 195px) 100vw, 195px" /></figure>



Customers can also manually add people who are not 23andMe customers or are not part of 23andMe DNA Relatives. It&#8217;s easy, convenient, and just a click away. To start your Family Tree, opt into DNA Relatives. This allows you to see and be seen by your genetic relatives on 23andMe. Then, the Family Tree’s algorithm populates a tree in one go with your predicted genetic relatives, so you can get a head start figuring out whether cousins and other relatives are on your mom’s or dad’s side of the family.



With an updated algorithm, 23andMe&#8217;s Family Tree predicts connections to your genetic relatives, so you don&#8217;t have to start from scratch. It&#8217;s a simple way for customers to explore their family ties, whether they are relatives they already know about or new ones. The hope is that the tool&#8217;s simplicity will help customers understand different family connections.



The joy of using 23andMe’s Ancestry Service is that it can introduce people to new relatives. With the simple Family Tree feature, you can see how these DNA relatives relate to you and where they are on your Family Tree.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dna-relatives">DNA Relatives</h2>



23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service connects people.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="957" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61EhXFDmQL._AC_SL1500_-957x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33274" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61EhXFDmQL._AC_SL1500_-957x1024.jpg 957w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61EhXFDmQL._AC_SL1500_-280x300.jpg 280w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61EhXFDmQL._AC_SL1500_-768x822.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61EhXFDmQL._AC_SL1500_-822x880.jpg 822w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61EhXFDmQL._AC_SL1500_-1102x1180.jpg 1102w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61EhXFDmQL._AC_SL1500_.jpg 1121w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 957px) 100vw, 957px" /></figure>



Along with discovering more about their heritage, 23andMe offers customers the opportunity to choose to connect with other<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/#toc-family"> customers with whom they share DNA</a>.



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/#dnarelatives">23andMe&#8217;s DNA Relatives</a> tool looks at overlapping chromosome segments to help customers find or connect with close and distant relatives. For customers who choose to participate in DNA Relatives, it is optional; you must opt in to participate and can opt out of participating at any time. You can use it to help find new relatives in their family or reconnect with cousins.



The tool — which our scientists continue refining and improving— helps customers find new relatives and see how they are genetically connected. DNA Relatives allows customers to sort their relatives based on location, family names, how closely they are related, or the number of DNA segments they share. For DNA Relatives with whom you are sharing, you can also learn more about your genetic relationship by seeing a prediction of how you are related — such as via a second great-grandfather or great-grandmother.&nbsp;&nbsp;



If customers choose to participate in DNA Relatives, they can begin a conversation to learn together about their shared family histories.



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



Adding another dimension to those family connections, 23andMe also offers customers a chance to trace their maternal — and, in some cases, paternal — haplogroups.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="396" height="698" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Haplogroup-Image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33324" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Haplogroup-Image.png 396w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Haplogroup-Image-170x300.png 170w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 396px) 100vw, 396px" /></figure>



We say ‘some cases’ because the paternal haplogroup report only applies to genetically male people (individuals with a Y chromosome) or females whose close paternal male relatives (such as a father or brother) have tested on 23andMe. This is because paternal haplogroup assignments are made by tracing a person’s Y chromosome, which genetically female people do not inherit. That’s why the paternal haplogroup assignments are only available for some customers.



As our ancestors branched off into groups that migrated first throughout Africa and then out of Africa, genetic variants arose in those diverse groups, allowing us to trace lineages that descended from a common ancestor.



Maternal<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-and-you/23andmes-updated-maternal-haplogroup-report/"> haplogroups</a>, traced through users’ mitochondrial DNA, follow a customer&#8217;s maternal line and paternal haplogroups follow the path of the paternal line. Those haplogroups can offer customers insight into their place in the human story and, in some cases, meaningful<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/#toc-map"> insight into their heritage</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-neanderthal-ancestry-report">Neanderthal Ancestry Report</h2>



23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service doesn&#8217;t just help you add to your family story. It connects you to the human story, including your genetic connection to our ancient human cousins, the Neanderthals.



Even though Neanderthals vanished about 40,000 years ago, their DNA lives on in us. 23andMe’s Neanderthal Ancestry report can show you how much your ancestry traces back to Neanderthals using SNPs across all your autosomes and X chromosome(s).



Looking back can be both fun and enlightening because your DNA offers a biological record that can reveal ancestral connections to a time when modern humans first migrated from Africa and encountered our early human cousins, the Neanderthals.



Using advanced science, our team of population geneticists, engineers, and designers built a fun and engaging feature. The Neanderthal Ancestry Report also shows whether you have more or fewer Neanderthal variants than other 23andMe customers and what traits could be influenced by your Neanderthal DNA variants, such as your likelihood of feeling angry when hungry or “hangry.”



Scientists still uncover what these early connections mean, the traits we may carry because of those encounters, and what other ancient human DNA may still linger in our genome.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-traits">Traits</h2>



Exploring your DNA offers deeper insight into more than just your ancestral origins and DNA relatives. It can also tell you about different traits that make you, you.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="957" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61AULupuf2L._AC_SL1500_-957x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33276" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61AULupuf2L._AC_SL1500_-957x1024.jpg 957w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61AULupuf2L._AC_SL1500_-280x300.jpg 280w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61AULupuf2L._AC_SL1500_-768x822.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61AULupuf2L._AC_SL1500_-822x880.jpg 822w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61AULupuf2L._AC_SL1500_-1103x1180.jpg 1103w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/61AULupuf2L._AC_SL1500_.jpg 1125w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 957px) 100vw, 957px" /></figure>



The Ancestry Service includes more than 30 Traits Reports. Our Traits Reports are a fun way to explore how your DNA makes you unique, from your food preferences, like whether you enjoy salty versus sweet snacks, to physical features, like whether you are more or less likely to have cheek dimples, a unibrow, or freckles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-with-23andme-premium-nbsp">More with 23andMe+ Premium&nbsp;</h2>



23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service includes innovative and scientifically robust features, more than 3,500 geographic regions, interactive features and ways to explore your connections to DNA Relatives. 



The Ancestry Service also opens the door to exploring your genetics further. You can seamlessly upgrade to <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium</a>, for more additional ancestry features, like Historical MatchesSM, advanced DNA Relative filters, and access to more DNA Relatives. You get all that as well as more insights into your health.



Are you still waiting to be a customer? Find out more about 23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/"> here</a>, or <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium here.</a>

Explore 23andMe’s Ancestry Service

As our stress and anxiety ramp up, many of us turn to food for solace.



This kind of emotional eating is common. There isn’t a good estimate on the prevalence of emotional eating, but many 23andMe customers who consented to research say they’re “emotional eaters.” Data from the<a href="https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2013/highlights"> American Psychological Association</a> indicates that about 27 percent of adults in the United States report eating to manage stress often. When stressed, people reach for highly caloric fatty “comfort foods” or sweets.



Why we do this is complicated and involves several factors, including the promotion and availability of junk food or highly caloric food in our society. However, some of the reasons we reach for those foods during times of high emotion or stress have to do with our genetics.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="449" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Diet-Exercise-istock-1024x449.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-27549" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Diet-Exercise-istock-1024x449.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Diet-Exercise-istock-300x132.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Diet-Exercise-istock-768x337.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Diet-Exercise-istock-880x386.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Diet-Exercise-istock-1180x518.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Diet-Exercise-istock.jpg 1545w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-new-emotional-eating-wellness-report">The New Emotional Eating Wellness Report</h2>



23andMe+ Premium’s new Emotional Eating report* calculates one’s genetic likelihood of frequent emotional eating using a statistical model known as polygenic risk scores (PRS). The report uses an individual’s genetic results at many genetic markers, along with their genetic ancestry and birth sex, to estimate the likelihood of frequent emotional eating.&nbsp;



“Many people experience emotional eating from time to time, but when emotional eating becomes extreme, it can be a problem, causing weight gain and potentially contributing to health problems like high cholesterol and diabetes,” said Noura Abul-Husn, MD, PhD, Vice President of Genomic Health at 23andMe. “Knowing a person’s genetic likelihood for experiencing emotional eating can help them identify new strategies early on, like removing unhealthy foods from their pantries or finding enjoyable alternatives like going on a walk. We hope this report can help provide an added resource for those who may experience emotional eating.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-emotional-eating">More About Emotional Eating</h2>



Emotional eating is not a health or mental condition or something that is clinically diagnosed and treated. However,<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36904172/"> research</a> has found that mental health conditions, especially depression and anxiety, are major causes of emotional eating.



While emotional eating does not in itself lead to obesity, when the behavior becomes habitual, it is associated with obesity. For some who are using food to satiate an “emotional hunger” due to anxiety or stress, emotional eating makes them feel good at the moment. But it is often followed by guilt, shame, or even feeling physically uncomfortable.



A healthy lifestyle is the primary intervention, but counseling can also be essential to controlling emotional eating when it becomes a problem. Removing hard-to-resist food and understanding when reaching for food because of stress instead of hunger are good first steps to controlling emotional eating.



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



The Emotional Eating PRS report was developed by 23andMe scientists and clinical experts using data from 23andMe’s customers who consented to participate in research.



A published<a href="https://permalinks.23andme.com/pdf/23_25-PRSMethodology.pdf"> white paper </a>fully details the science and methodology behind 23andMe’s PRS technology. While genetic factors may play a role, they do not account for all factors that could impact a person’s likelihood of experiencing emotional eating.



To learn more about the new Emotional Eating report and how to become a 23andMe+ Premium member, visit:<a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/"> https://www.23andme.com/membership/</a>.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



* The 23andMe Emotional Eating PRS report is based on a genetic model that includes data and insights from 23andMe consented research participants and incorporates more than 2,000 genetic variants to provide information on the likelihood of developing emotional eating. The report does not describe a person’s overall likelihood, does not account for lifestyle or family history and has not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration. The Emotional Eating PRS report is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions or determine any treatment.

The Genetics of Emotional Eating: Understanding Stress-Fueled Food Cravings

Your health isn&#8217;t about one test, one exam, or one doctor&#8217;s visit. Your health is the sum total of all that you do, all that you experience, all that you inherit, and all that makes you, you.



With that in mind, we created our most comprehensive offering yet. <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/?utm_source=23andme&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=US_th_brand_prs">23andMe+ Total Health&#8482;</a> is a longevity platform with the tools necessary to age to your fullest potential. With exome sequencing, blood biomarker analysis, Biological Age, and expert clinician oversight — Total Health helps you architect your healthiest life. It offers personalized, preventive care that is largely unavailable in today’s traditional healthcare system.



“Longevity isn’t about living more years,” said Noura Abul-Husn, MD, Ph.D. and Vice President of Genomic Health at 23andMe. “It’s about living more healthy years. And the key to doing that is within us.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-actionable-exome-sequencing">Actionable Exome Sequencing</h2>



Total Health begins with clinician-ordered exome sequencing* and interpretation of 100+ genes linked to more than 55 health conditions, including various types of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic, kidney, and neurological conditions. These include genes deemed the most &#8216;medically actionable&#8217; by the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics. The information from exome sequencing can be used for early detection or clinical interventions to help prevent or manage these conditions.



For most of 23andMe&#8217;s offerings, we use genotyping, a very efficient, fast, and accurate way to look at specific spots in the genome where differences influence health risks** and traits. In contrast, exome sequencing looks at the full sequence of sections of DNA. You can sequence a short piece, the entire genome, or parts of it, like the &#8220;exome.&#8221; The exome is the portion of the genome that provides the blueprint for protein creation and contains most of the known genetic variants that cause disease.&nbsp;



With exome sequencing, Total Health analyzes 200x more disease-causing variants than genotyping.**** These conditions are missed in traditional clinical settings and may be preventable with early detection.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-don-t-guess-test-with-biannual-blood-labs">Don’t Guess, Test with Biannual Blood Labs</h2>



Pairing genetic information with biannual blood testing gives Total Health members dynamic biomarker data to track changes over time. Without that kind of tracking, you&#8217;re often left guessing whether the actions you take have an impact. What’s more, with 70 percent of clinical decisions relying on blood tests and lab data, according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/csels/dls/strengthening-clinical-labs.html">Centers for Disease Control Division of Laboratory Systems</a>, it’s more important than ever to get it right.&nbsp;



Total Health&#8217;s blood panels examine more than 55 different biomarkers. These panels offer insight into blood sugar and cholesterol changes and look at kidney, liver, and thyroid function. For example, Total Health members learn their lipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels, which are rarely tested cholesterol markers related to heart disease. The labs also look at such things as hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), which is crucial in determining one&#8217;s risk of diabetes. Other biomarkers are analyzed to examine lipids, liver enzymes, electrolytes, and blood cells.



By including these tests twice yearly, Total Health members can track results and see leading indicators for cardiovascular disease, metabolic conditions, and more.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-biological-age-age-with-health">Biological Age: Age with Health</h2>



Your chronological or calendar age doesn&#8217;t necessarily reflect your body&#8217;s true health state, which is at the heart of Total Health’s Biological Age feature. A critical component in understanding longevity, Biological Age reveals your “true” age based on how your body functions.



Total Health members can use this feature to calculate their biological age using blood-based biomarkers. This feature reveals your age based on how your body functions, offering opportunities to take healthy actions. While you can&#8217;t change your birthdate, you can take steps to lower your biological age. Biannual blood tests, part of Total Health, help track that progress.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-total-health-with-a-clinician-by-your-side">Total Health with a Clinician by Your Side</h2>



Genetics provides the foundation for Total Health, and blood biomarkers and Biological Age add dynamic data to gauge current health progress. To maximize the effectiveness of this sophisticated health data, clinicians trained in genetics-informed care guide members on their health journey.



Total Health clinicians create an actionable health plan based on each member’s unique results and deliver it via in-depth virtual consultation. These clinicians can also be reached at any time via direct messaging.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-total-health-and-much-more">Total Health and Much More</h2>



Along with exome sequencing, blood biomarker analysis, Biological Age, and access to specially trained clinicians, Total Health members also have complete access to all health and ancestry reports, including 23andMe+ Premium&#8217;s advanced features and FDA-authorized health reports**. 



This includes access to pharmacogenetics reports, which analyze how genetics may impact the processing of certain medications*****. In addition, Total Health members receive polygenic risk score reports***, which use proprietary statistical models developed by 23andMe scientists to calculate the likelihood of developing breast, prostate, or colorectal cancer and other conditions such as high blood pressure, asthma, and anxiety.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23-chromosome-pairs-55-blood-biomarkers-200x-more-answers">23 Chromosome Pairs, 55 Blood Biomarkers, 200x More Answers</h2>



In 2023, 23andMe launched Total Health as the first of its health memberships to provide comprehensive health analysis. This month, we’re launching a refreshed Total Health with full capabilities and an easy upgrade path for current U.S. customers tested on our <a href="https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/218392668-Upgrading-to-23andMe-s-Newest-Chip-Version">V5 genotyping chip</a>. Learn more about longevity with Total Health <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/?utm_source=23andme&amp;utm_medium=blog&amp;utm_campaign=US_th_brand_prs">here</a>.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



* Exome Sequencing and blood testing services are available to eligible customers upon completion of the intake questionnaire, which must be reviewed, approved, and ordered by a third-party clinician. Exome Sequencing is analyzed by a CLIA—and CAP-accredited laboratory. Blood testing is completed by Quest Diagnostics. All telehealth services are provided under the Telehealth Terms and Consent to Telehealth.



** The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include reports that meet FDA requirements for genetic health risks and reports 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 to report and interpret genetic health risks and report 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. 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="http://23andme.com/test-info/">23andme.com/test-info/</a>



*** The 23andMe PRS reports are based on a genetic model that includes data and insights from 23andMe consented research and incorporates thousands of genetic variants to describe if a person has a certain likelihood of developing a condition but does not describe a person’s overall likelihood. The PRS reports do not account for lifestyle or family history and have not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration. The PRS reports are not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health or to be used to make medical decisions or determine any treatment.



Our SLCO1B1 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with the processing of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of simvastatin therapy. Our DPYD Pharmacogenetics report does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. Results for&nbsp; DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action.&nbsp; Warning: Test information should not be used to start, stop, or change any course of treatment and does not test for all possible variants that may affect metabolism or protein function. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional. Making changes to your current regimen can lead to harmful side effects or reduced intended benefits of your medication, therefore consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding Pharmacogenetic reports, visit <a href="http://www.23andme.com/test-info">www.23andme.com/test-info</a>.



****Our genotyping product detects 250 health-related variants in our Carrier Status and Genetic Health Risk reports. The Exome Sequencing reports detect 50,000+ hereditary disease-causing variants.



*****23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene, and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva to report and interpret information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic. Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with the metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy.

23andMe+ Total Health Equals More

Hikers found his body 30 years ago lodged in the ice, still clad in his leather pants, with a flint blade tucked into a wicker sheath, his copper ax, arrows, and bow strewn about him. Adorning his skin were 61 tattoos, and lodged into his left shoulder was the arrowhead that ultimately killed him.



He was nicknamed Ötzi the Iceman because of the location where his 5,300 year-old mummified body was found in the Tyrolean Alps along the border of Italy and Austria. Ötzi’s life and death have intrigued scientists since being found on September 19th, 1991. Recently, Ötzi’s genome offered additional insights into life in ancient Europe after researchers conducted a more<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666979X2300174X"> in-depth sequencing of his DNA</a> in 2023.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="225" height="300" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ricostruzione_di_Otzi-225x300.jpg" alt="An image of a life like model of Otzi on dislay at the Otzi museum in Bolzano Italy." class="wp-image-33345" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ricostruzione_di_Otzi-225x300.jpg 225w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ricostruzione_di_Otzi-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ricostruzione_di_Otzi-660x880.jpg 660w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ricostruzione_di_Otzi-885x1180.jpg 885w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Ricostruzione_di_Otzi.jpg 1024w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">A model of Otzi displayed at the Ötzi at museum in Bolzano, Italy. Photo by: Manuel Tassi (Mannivu)</figcaption></figure>



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



In honor of this new study and the 33rd anniversary of the Ötzi’s discovery, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">&nbsp;23andMe+ Premium</a> members using<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andmes-historic-matches"> “Historical Matches”</a> can now learn if they might be connected to Ötzi through their DNA. Ötzi’s genome indicates he likely had darker skin, brown eyes, and was balding and that he was genetically related to the waves of people who migrated into Europe from Anatolia during the Neolithic Period (starting around 7000 BCE) and brought with them their knowledge of farming.



Historical Matches allows members to determine if they are connected to Ötzi or Beethoven or one of more than 450 other lesser-known historical people across the globe. The technology works by identifying places in your genome where you share identical DNA, inherited from a shared ancestor—possibly one who lived long before you or your historical match—creating a new way to learn more about your connections to the past. 23andMe will continue to add figures like Ötzi as they are published, offering customers more opportunities to connect their stories to past epochs. 



“We are connecting you to real people from real places and times in history who had real lives,” said<a href="https://youtu.be/9pKN4WGvLq4?si=hYnLC6yONV9Nn1lC"> Éadaoin Harney, Ph.D., a 23andMe population geneticist</a> and an expert on ancient DNA who was instrumental in creating the Historical Matches feature. “These are real genetic connections, so we want to tell you the real stories of those individuals.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-otzi-s-genome">Ötzi’s Genome</h2>



Ötzi’s story ended with his death at the hands of another. But discovering his body and all he carried offers scientists a rare glimpse into the people who lived in Europe during the Copper Age (5000-2000 BCE). It’s rare to find a body so well preserved from that long ago–more than a thousand years before the ancient Egyptians began practicing mummification.



Ötzi’s genetic information also offers some surprises for scientists. His closest genetic relatives are not the present-day people of the Tyrolean area. Instead, he is most closely related to the inhabitants of Sardinia, an island off the coast of Italy. That’s not because Ötzi was Sardinian. Instead, it is because of the unique history of the inhabitants of this Mediterranean island, and early human migration.



There were three primary waves of early human settlers in Europe, early hunter-gatherers, farmers from Anatolia, and herders from the Eurasian Steppe. The first hunter-gatherers were the first to arrive in the region over 10,000 years ago. Later, during the Neolithic period (starting around 7000 BCE), farmers from Anatolia migrated into the area. This group mixed with the local hunter-gatherer population. Then, during the Bronze Age (around 3000–2500 BCE), herders from the Eurasian Steppe migrated into the region. They brought Indo-European languages with them. 



Over time, these three genetically distinct populations mixed. Most present-day European populations descend from all three groups. However, the final migration of Steppe herders didn’t make it as far as Sardinia.  Thus, the genetic makeup of present-day<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-020-14523-6#:~:text=These%20events%20are%20typically%20modeled,aDNA%20data%20from%20the%20island."> Sardinians most closely resembles that of the early European farmers</a>. 



Ötzi lived in Europe before the Steppe migration. His genetics led researchers to believe he likely belonged to one of the early European farming populations, which explains why he appears most genetically similar to present-day Sardinians.  



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



Many 23andMe customers will learn that they share a genetic connection to Ötzi via this shared ancient European farmer ancestry. 



Connected or not, we&#8217;ve all learned more about human history through the discovery of his body and what he left behind. You can now visit a<a href="https://www.iceman.it/en/the-iceman/"> museum in Bolzano, Italy, dedicated to Ötzi</a>. There, you can learn more about his life and the insights gleaned from the discovery of his body.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="197" height="300" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Phone_Historical-Matches-197x300.jpg" alt="A view of a Historical Match with a Viking Woman on an mobile phone screen." class="wp-image-32706" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Phone_Historical-Matches-197x300.jpg 197w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Phone_Historical-Matches.jpg 459w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 197px) 100vw, 197px" /></figure>



Access to Historical Matches is among the many compelling reasons to <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">join 23andMe+ Premium</a>.



 <a href="https://you.23andme.com/historical-matches/">Join 23andMe+</a> (requires 23andMe account).

Are You Related to Ötzi the Iceman?

September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month, which offers us another chance to highlight some of the work 23andMe and its collaborators have done over the years.



Earlier this month, researchers from 23andMe,<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nih.gov/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> the the National Institutes of Health</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine</a> published new data on the association between sickle cell trait and blood clots. The new findings highlight the importance of this ongoing research and our overall efforts to illuminate this condition.



At 23andMe, knowledge is power, and understanding risks offers people opportunities to mitigate them.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-awareness-and-research">Awareness and Research</h2>



But more than that, 23andMe also offers a unique research model that allows individuals to learn about their genetic likelihood of developing a condition and participate in innovative genetic research that could potentially find new treatments.



As part of our <a href="http://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sickle Cell Carrier Status Awareness Program</a>, 23andMe has collaborated with academics and advocacy organizations to increase <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/sickle-cell-awareness-2">understanding of sickle cell</a>. In addition, we’re providing resources for those with sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease. With the help of the<a href="https://www.sicklecellga.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia, Inc. (SCFG)</a>,<a href="https://www.btsscycle.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle</a>,<a href="https://www.sc101.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Sickle Cell 101</a>, and the<a href="https://www.msm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Morehouse School of Medicine</a>, we’re working with Black communities to promote awareness. 



We are not alone in this effort. Recently, the NBA, the WNBA, and Wilson Sporting Goods began the #IBall4SickleCell social media campaign to raise awareness. The groups participating in the effort are Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle, the American Red Cross of Tennessee, and New York Presbyterian’s Dalio Center for Health Justice. Learn more about sickle cell, the campaign, and how to help<a href="https://www.sicklecellball.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> here</a>. 



From all this work and research, we have learned much about sickle cell and the people it impacts most. However, much work is still needed to improve people’s understanding of sickle cell.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-on-sickle-cell-anemia-sickle-cell-trait">More on Sickle Cell Anemia, Sickle Cell Trait</h2>



Although many people have heard of sickle cell, often they do not know the difference between sickle cell trait and sickle cell anemia.



To have sickle cell anemia, one must inherit two copies of the HbS variant in the HBB gene—one copy from each biological parent. Typical signs and symptoms include anemia, pain episodes, and frequent infection.



People with just one copy of the HbS variant are called carriers. They’re also said to have <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/traits.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">sickle cell trait</a>. People with sickle cell trait are not expected to have sickle cell anemia. They typically do not experience any health complications. However, in rare cases, people with the sickle cell trait may experience some health impacts. Current research, including our study, is underway to understand better and spread awareness about the complications someone with SCT may experience.



Importantly, carriers can pass their variant on to their future children. If their partner has the HbS variant or another variant in the HBB gene, there’s a 25 percent chance that each child may have sickle cell anemia or a related blood disorder.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-23andme-s-sickle-cell-anemia-carrier-status-report">23andMe’s Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status Report**</h2>



23andMe’s<a target="_blank" href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia/" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status Report</a>, which meets FDA requirements for clinical and analytical validity, looks at the HbS variant in the HBB gene linked to sickle cell anemia.



Sickle cell anemia is the most severe form of sickle cell disease. Three hundred million people worldwide and one in 13 Black and African Americans in the United States have sickle cell trait, making them carriers for sickle cell anemia.



In addition to informing people if they have one copy of the HbS variant and are carriers for sickle cell anemia, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-updates-carrier-status-report-on-sickle-cell-anemia">23andMe’s report </a>can also tell individuals if they have two copies of the tested variant and if they are at risk of developing symptoms. However, the report does not describe one’s overall risk of developing symptoms. 



Because the HbS variant is more common in certain populations, the Sickle Cell Anemia report is most relevant to people of African, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent, as well as people from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and parts of Central and South America.



23andMe Health + Ancestry Service customers and 23andMe+ Premium members can see their <a target="_blank" href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/carrier.sickle_cell_anemia/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sickle Cell Anemia report here</a>.&nbsp;



Not yet a customer? Learn more about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/?_gl=1*11ns9j4*_ga*OTk4NDAyMjA3LjE3MTgzODA2MTg.*_ga_G330GF3ZFF*MTcyNTQxNDcyOS4xNjQuMS4xNzI1NDE0Nzk4LjAuMC4w" rel="noreferrer noopener">all that 23andMe offers here</a>.



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-note">Note:</h2>



**The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults to report carrier status and reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. The relevance of each report may vary based on ethnicity. 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’s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. We provide a single report for certain conditions that includes information on carrier status and genetic health risk. For important information and limitations regarding other genetic health risk reports and carrier status reports, click <a target="_blank" href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.

An illustration for 23andMe's Sickle Cell Carrier Statues Awareness Program.

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