In the largest and most diverse genetic study of sickle cell trait, researchers from 23andMe, the National Institutes of Health, and Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine published findings linking the trait to increased risk for certain blood clots.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-blood-clotting-risks">Blood Clotting Risks</h2>



The study, published just as we begin National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, validated the association of sickle cell trait with blood clots. But to put this risk into context,<a href="https://ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/doi/10.1182/bloodadvances.2024014252/517723/Ancestry-Independent-Risk-of-Venous"> the study</a>, which included data from more than four million people who consented to participate in research, found that people with a genetic variant known as Factor V Leiden are at a higher risk for developing harmful blood clots or<a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/hereditary-thrombophilia/"> venous thrombosis (VTE)</a> compared to those who are carriers of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/sickle-cell/sickle-cell-trait/index.html">sickle cell trait</a>.  



The study also looked at different types of blood clots, like deep vein thrombosis, which forms in a deep vein, like in the legs, and pulmonary emboli, which are caused by blood clots that travel to the lungs. This study validated the association between having sickle cell trait and developing pulmonary emboli. It did not find an association with developing deep vein thrombosis. The research also confirmed the association between Factor V Leiden and pulmonary emboli and deep vein thrombosis.



“This study, therefore, provides important insights about patterns of venous blood clots and suggests a unique mechanism of blood clotting in people with sickle cell trait,” said Rakhi Naik, M.D. M.H.S., clinical director for the Division of Hematology at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, who co-led the study. “Knowing the risks of blood clots in people with sickle cell trait is important for situations such as surgeries or hospitalizations, which add to the risk of developing serious blood clots.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancestry-independent-risks">Ancestry-Independent Risks</h2>



The findings published in the <a href="https://ashpublications.org/bloodadvances/article/doi/10.1182/bloodadvances.2024014252/517723/Ancestry-Independent-Risk-of-Venous">journal Blood Advances</a> are significant because the number and diversity of research participants allowed scientists to calculate “ancestry-independent” odds ratios for the risk of blood clotting among those with sickle cell trait.



More than 200,000 of the four million research participants were of African ancestry, 590,000 were of Latino ancestry, three million were of European ancestry, 150,000 were of East Asian ancestry, and 41,000 were of South Asian ancestry.



Although the trait is most common among people of African ancestry, with an estimated eight to 10 percent of African Americans having sickle cell trait, it can also affect Latinos, South Asians, and people with ancestry from southern Europe and the Middle East. More than 100 million people worldwide have sickle cell trait.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-importance-of-diversity-in-genetic-research">The Importance of Diversity in Genetic Research</h2>



Vence Bonham Jr., J.D., who co-led the study and serves as&nbsp;acting Deputy Director of the<a href="https://www.genome.gov/"> National Human Genome Research Institute</a> (NHGRI) at the<a href="https://www.nih.gov/">&nbsp; National Institutes of Health</a>, United States, said The study offers another example of the importance of using a diverse population in genetic research.



Bonham has led sickle cell disease research at the NHGRI and pushed for broader inclusion of underrepresented groups in genomics research. He’s also led the<a href="https://www.genome.gov/research-at-nhgri/Projects/Democratizing-Education"> Democratizing Education for Sickle Cell Disease Gene Therapy Project</a>, offering resources for those with sickle cell disease to better understand treatment options. In 2018, Naik and Bonham published a systematic review examining the health complications associated with sickle cell trait. This&nbsp;current study expands on that previous work by measuring the risk of developing blood clots.



“Because sickle cell trait is often associated with people who identify as Black or African&nbsp; American, it is not widely studied in other populations, which has created an information gap that may lead to unintended harm for those with sickle cell trait,” Bonham said. “In particular, the racialization of sickle cell trait has resulted in poor estimations of health risks. The results of our study will help clinicians properly contextualize the&nbsp; risk of blood clots amongst people with sickle cell trait without unintended bias.”



Too often, the blood clotting risks associated with sickle cell trait are assumed to be relevant only to people of African ancestry. In contrast, the risks associated with Factor V Leiden are thought to only be relevant to those of European ancestry, said Julie Granka, PhD, a Principal Scientist at 23andMe and a co-author of the paper.



That kind of bias can also lead to harmful assumptions about blood clotting.



“Our findings demonstrate that sickle cell trait is present in people of many different ancestries and confers similar risks for blood clotting,” Granka said. “This study can provide clinicians with valuable information for guidance for individuals who have sickle cell trait &#8212; both across ancestries, as well as in comparison to Factor V Leiden, where more guidance exists.”&nbsp;



The new research also replicates some of the health risks associated with having sickle cell trait found in other studies, specifically the association with pulmonary emboli.



The size and scale of this study, compared to past research that included data from just a few thousand individuals, allowed researchers to provide more precise risk estimates within different populations. Moving forward with this ongoing work, the researchers are currently looking at the risk of blood clots for sickle cell trait carriers during pregnancy.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-raising-awareness-of-sickle-cell-trait">Raising Awareness of Sickle Cell Trait</h2>



Having sickle cell trait means that a person has one copy of the HbS variant in the HBB gene. Unlike sickle cell anemia—a serious condition caused by having two copies of the HbS variant—people who carry just one copy of HbS do not usually have any health problems and are not at risk of developing sickle cell anemia.&nbsp;



Further research and clinical guidance are still needed to better understand the potential health risks and complications someone with sickle cell trait may experience. Knowing whether you have sickle cell trait is essential for family planning. If a person with sickle cell trait has a child with a partner who also has a variant in their HBB gene, each of their children has a 25 percent chance of having sickle cell disease.&nbsp;



Independent of this collaboration, 23andMe has collaborated on a<a href="https://www.23andme.com/sickle-cell/https:/www.23andme.com/sickle-cell-awareness-program/"> Sickle Cell Carrier Status Awareness Program</a> with the Morehouse College of Medicine, the<a href="https://www.sicklecellga.org/"> Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia</a>,<a href="https://www.sc101.org/"> Sickle Cell 101</a>, and the<a href="https://www.btsscycle.org/"> Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle</a> Foundation. The work includes promoting awareness of sickle cell disease and offering resources for individuals with sickle cell trait and disease.



Dr. Lametra Scott, founder of Breaking the SSickle Cell Cycle and sickle cell advocate, shared about the study: &#8220;The increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary embolism (PE) in sickle cell trait (SCT) underscores the importance of learning one&#8217;s SCT status and the value the Sickle Cell Carrier Awareness Program brings to the community.&#8221;



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



Knowing whether you have sickle cell trait is a crucial first step in family planning.



23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service includes a<a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/sickle-cell-anemia/"> Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status report.</a>* This allows participants to learn their carrier status. 23andMe’s report provides extensive information about what it means to be a sickle cell trait carrier.



In addition, 23andMe worked with the non-profit Sickle Cell 101 to offer those with questions about the condition the opportunity to seek additional information and counseling after receiving results on the largest global online platform for sickle cell education, awareness, and research.



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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 or anything about the health of your fetus, or your newborn child’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. 



The Sickle Cell Anemia Carrier Status report is indicated for the detection of the HbS variant in the HBB gene. The report can tell you if you have two copies of the tested variant, and if you are at risk of developing symptoms of sickle cell anemia, but does not describe your overall risk of developing symptoms. The test is most relevant for people of African descent. It is also relevant for people of Middle Eastern and South Asian descent, as well as people from the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and parts of Central and South America.



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

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

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

New Genetic Research on Sickle Cell Trait

In the hunt for new medications where the odds are stacked against you, where fewer than one in ten drug programs succeed, you need an edge.



A new study by <a href="https://therapeutics.23andme.com/">23andMe’s Therapeutics</a> and Research teams builds upon<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07316-0"> previous research</a>, indicating that human genetic data offers that kind of advantage and doubles or triples the success rate of drug development. 



If you add improved gene mapping to your toolbox, as 23andMe has done for this study, the success rate improves by four or five times. Moreover, the <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/the-power-of-large-genetic-datasets">sheer scale </a>of the 23andMe data ensures that genetic insights linking a drug target to disease are available for 60 percent more drug targets than from other resources. 



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="489" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Genetic-Driven-Drug-Discovery-1024x489.png" alt="An illustration of genetic driven drug discovery from GWAS to Clinical Trials." class="wp-image-33337" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Genetic-Driven-Drug-Discovery-1024x489.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Genetic-Driven-Drug-Discovery-300x143.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Genetic-Driven-Drug-Discovery-768x367.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Genetic-Driven-Drug-Discovery-880x420.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Genetic-Driven-Drug-Discovery-1180x564.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Traditional drug development is risky, time-consuming, and costly.<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54849-w"> Ninety percent</a> of drugs fail. All those failures add time and money to the process. That means that getting a drug approved costs, on average,<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/2762311"> about $1 billion</a> and takes more than a decade. Only about 50 new drugs are approved in an average year by the FDA. There were<a href="https://www.fda.gov/drugs/novel-drug-approvals-fda/novel-drug-approvals-2023"> 55 in 2023</a>, and so far this year, there have been 24. This is despite the billions spent each year by pharmaceutical companies on research and development for new medications.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-massive-opportunity">A Massive Opportunity</h2>



Previous work has pointed to human genetics as one way to reverse this trend, and several companies are now relying on human genetics as a starting point for drug target discovery. We now show unequivocally that using human genetic data at scale could radically change the hunt for new drugs, helping to get new medicine to people who need it faster and more efficiently. 



&#8220;There&#8217;s still a massive amount of value left utilizing human genetics for <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/drug-discovery-explained">drug development</a>,&#8221; said Adam Auton, Ph.D., Vice President of Human Genetics at 23andMe and a study co-author. &#8220;We&#8217;ve just scratched the surface, and the scale of the 23andMe dataset allows us to draw links between genes and disease that aren’t possible to find anywhere else. 23andMe continues to invest in new capabilities and computational approaches such as integrating artificial intelligence and machine learning into our discovery pipeline.&#8221;



The new study, released on<a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.06.17.24309059v1"> MedRxiv</a>, a preprint server for health scientists, offers a peek behind the curtain into 23andMe&#8217;s massive and powerful therapeutic research database. In this post, we hope to highlight some of its critical findings and illustrate how using human genetic data can support drug target discovery, target validation, and target de-risking in the drug development process.



“Traditional approaches to drug development are often a gamble, where nine out of ten programs fail. But with the scale and precision of 23andMe’s human genetic data, we&#8217;re changing the odds,&#8221; said Xin Wang, PhD, a 23andMe Therapeutics Senior Scientist and the lead author of the study. 



&#8220;Our study demonstrates that leveraging genetics can double or triple success rates and, when combined with advanced gene mapping, improve success by up to fivefold. Our methods ensure we&#8217;re targeting diseases more accurately and efficiently, bringing life-saving treatments to patients faster.&#8221;



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<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-size-amp-scale-why-big-is-better">Size &amp; Scale: Why Big is Better</h2>



23andMe has the world&#8217;s largest genetic and phenotypic database for therapeutic research. It&#8217;s vital to grasp the power of a resource of that scale.



For this study, 23andMe scientists used de-identified data from more than 7.5 million individuals who consented to participate in research. For perspective, that research cohort is almost twice the size of the combined total of all the major public biobanks worldwide.  Most of these biobanks number in the tens of thousands, while the largest are between 500,000 and one million. 23andMe has more than 15 million customers with genotype and phenotype information. More than 80 percent of 23andMe customers consent to participate in research and have contributed over 4 billion health and trait data points, including disease diagnosis, medication use, medication side effects, lifestyle, diet, and family health history.



Overall, the combined phenotypic and genetic data available for life sciences research from 23andMe is an order of magnitude larger than any other cohort.



The size and scale of 23andMe&#8217;s drug discovery database are critically important because they capture much more diversity. Having a diverse research database is essential for equity and because having enough data from people of different ethnicities helps discern genetic variants causing disease across these populations. Sometimes, a variant is more common in one population than in another. Including people of diverse ethnicities offers more potential to identify targets not easily identified in a more homogenous dataset.



Bigger is better because as the size of 23andMe&#8217;s database grows and as we apply new technologies like AI and machine learning to this massive dataset, researchers can find more genetic associations, leading to more potential drug targets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gene-mapping-and-more-targets">Gene Mapping and More Targets</h2>



For example, the total number of target-indication pairs is 60 percent greater with 23andMe&#8217;s dataset than from public biobank data. A target-indication pair is the pairing of a specific condition or disease, known as ‘an indication,’ to a specific protein or biological ‘target.’ Identifying these target-indication pairs is an essential first step in drug discovery and development. As part of this study, 23andMe scientists found about 1,050 target-indication pairs for medically relevant conditions related to more than 41 disease categories, including different cancers, metabolic conditions, neurological conditions, and autoimmune diseases.



Just look at one of these conditions, asthma, to illustrate the power of size and scale. 23andMe has data for more than three million individuals within its asthma cohort — this includes those with asthma and those without the condition who are used as controls. From that cohort, researchers identified 652 significant genetic associations for asthma. For comparison, a <a href="https://www.cell.com/cell-genomics/pdf/S2666-979X(22)00165-3.pdf">2022 meta-analysis by researchers at the Broad Institute </a>included about 1.6 million individuals and identified 49 novel genetic associations among a total of 179 genetic associations found. 



The 652 significant genetic associations found for asthma is an example of one of more than 1,050 target-indication pairs for a medically relevant condition. In all, 23andMe scientists found more than 140,000 significant genetic associations for different common and rare conditions. That amounts to an average of 130 different genetic associations for each condition. In addition, those associations point to 15,007 genes associated with therapeutically relevant conditions, including 1,355 genes associated with conditions that scientists had not previously identified in public genetic studies. That amounts to about 5.9 to 18.8 novel indications per genetic association.



By adding gene mapping, scientists can more easily identify the likely causal gene for a genetic association and determine the mechanism for how a specific gene is related to a disease or condition. 23andMe researchers found that improved gene mapping methods from human genetic associations also improve relative success by four or five times. 



This is a potent tool for scientists who want more power in their work and offers a head start for those hunting for higher-confidence potential drug targets.



&#8220;The scale of the data enables me to perform studies in an afternoon at 23andMe that would have taken years in my previous academic life,&#8221; Auton once said about the research database.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-gene-to-drug">From Gene to Drug</h2>



Traditional target-based drug discovery often doesn’t follow a direct path like a game of chutes and ladders. There are many dead ends, much trial and error, that might force researchers to scrap one target and start with another.



With a target identified, researchers can search for a compound that will hit that target. They then must test whether it is safe and effective. It must adequately bind to a specific disease-causing target in the body and trigger the correct response without affecting other parts of the body. If the drug has no effect or triggers an adverse reaction, the effort returns to square one. Each step in the process— from identifying the right target to finding a molecule or drug that will properly bind to that target to determining if that drug elicits the right response— is a potential point of failure.



However, using human genetic data offers an edge at each point, improving the potential for success. We’ve shown how human genetics dramatically boost the identification of a potential target; it can also enhance the chances of success at further steps in the process.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disease-subtypes">Disease Subtypes</h2>



But leveraging human genetic data isn’t just about boosting potential targets; it can also help in identifying disease subtypes and safety signals and identifying individuals best to recruit for clinical trials. Human genetic data can be used to identify disease subtypes, which may include different symptoms and progression and may also respond differently to a therapeutic. In addition, human genetic data can be used to identify safety signals, giving researchers more confidence that targeting a gene is safe. For example, with this large dataset, 23andMe researchers can identify individuals with a loss of function variant. Knowing that turning off that specific gene is not deleterious is incredibly important for drug development. Finally, researchers can use genetic data to help identify individuals for clinical trial recruitment who are most likely to respond to a therapeutic, further improving the chances for clinical trial success.



A drug target for an indication is not an actual target; it’s a potential target. Researchers must do additional work to determine if it is the right target for a specific condition. Making that determination is another crucial step that can be enhanced using human genetic data in gene mapping. Gene mapping is vital for understanding whether a potential target is relevant to a specific condition.



23andMe’s massive research data allows scientists to create a gene-mapping algorithm that, in turn, can improve the likelihood of clinical success of a drug target by four or five times, according to 23andMe’s new study. As part of this research, 23andMe scientists mapped 416 unique gene-trait associations, genes linked explicitly to about 190 different diseases or conditions.



Mapping a variant or drug target indication to a nearby gene is called “variant-to-gene mapping.” This “variant-to-gene mapping” helps researchers determine the most likely causal gene from a genetic association. Mapping that out involves using functional data—information on protein and molecular structures, data on biochemical interactions, and other data— to understand the link between a potential drug target and a specific health condition. 



Researchers use gene mapping to understand how a specific variant affects the function of a gene and its role in a disease or condition. Is it protective against a disease or condition, or is it causal? What happens if that gene expression is changed or turned on or off?



Rare variants offer another way of making these determinations because a rare variant precisely pinpoints causal genes at the point of a genetic association, something common variants don’t. In some cases, these rare variants might turn off gene expression, known as a “loss-of-function” variant. From a research standpoint, identifying these rare variants and understanding whether that loss of function is either deleterious or protective is incredibly powerful. Knowing that ahead of time gives researchers more confidence that targeting that variant is safe and or has the desired effect. One well-known example of this is a loss-of-function variant in the<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7447476/"> PCSK9 gene that</a> lowers the level of LDL in the blood. That information has been used to develop cholesterol-lowering medications.



So, identifying rare variants offers researchers a shortcut for focusing on targets with the most promise for success. In addition, 23andMe researchers use machine learning to discern patterns in the data, match genes to diseases using genetic associations, and suggest possible useful drug candidates that match the target variants. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-human-genetic-advantage">The Human Genetic Advantage</h2>



For this research, 23andMe scientists analyzed trillions of data points to illustrate the advantage of adding human genetics in efficiently identifying drug targets, de-risking the drug development process, and dramatically boosting the probability of success.



The new study just scratches the surface of what is possible with this data resource&#8217;s vast scale and diversity. It also hints at what is possible when artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques are applied to this powerful human genetic database for drug discovery. 



“In an industry where just one in ten drugs make it to patients, the potential impact from what we’re doing at 23andMe and what our scientists have demonstrated with this paper could be game-changing,” said Auton. “We believe that 23andMe can enable the broader biotech industry to bring new drugs to patients faster and more cheaply. ”

A New Era for Human Genetic Data in Drug Development

Bella doesn’t know how it started, but genetics has fascinated her since she was little.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="228" height="300" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bella-Photo-228x300.jpg" alt="A photo of Bella." class="wp-image-33300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bella-Photo-228x300.jpg 228w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bella-Photo-768x1009.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bella-Photo-779x1024.jpg 779w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bella-Photo-670x880.jpg 670w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bella-Photo-898x1180.jpg 898w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Bella-Photo.jpg 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 228px) 100vw, 228px" /></figure>



“I don’t know what triggered it; it just appealed to me,” said Bella, a 22-year-old college student with a passion for biology.



For Bella, genetics is like a giant puzzle, with scientists still trying to piece it together to reveal something about us as humans or why some people get sick, and others don’t. 



During the pandemic, she devoured details of how scientists used a small piece of messenger RNA, mRNA, to create a vaccine that would produce an immune response and antibodies against COVID-19. She also contemplates what might be possible in the future; as most people know, certain genetic variants can dramatically increase one’s risk for a disease. But Bella likes to imagine discovering genetic variants that might do the opposite and protect one against disease.



“There’s still so much more to discover,” she said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-gift-of-knowledge">A Gift of Knowledge</h2>



She soon learned that the same was true about her own genetics. Her mom gifted her a 23andMe Health + Ancestry kit for Christmas one year. Bella thought it was a perfect choice.



“It’s really easy to use and super detailed,” she said.



She was interested in her ancestry because she never knew much about her family tree. It turns out that she’s Turkish, Iranian and Italian. She was also interested in her health reports. She opted in to view the reports, went through a short tutorial, and opened up her reports, including her Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Status Report.*



“I found out I was a carrier of cystic fibrosis,” Bella said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-it-means-to-be-a-carrier">What it Means to Be a Carrier</h2>



Being a carrier does not typically impact your health, and it’s not unusual; depending on ethnicity, between one in 25 and one in 100 people in the United States are carriers for cystic fibrosis. But there is a chance that if you are a carrier and your partner is a carrier, you could have a<a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/cystic-fibrosis/"> child with cystic fibrosis</a>. P



eople with cystic fibrosis inherit variants in the CFTR gene from both parents. It is relatively rare; about 35,000 people in the United States have<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/cystic-fibrosis/about/"> cystic fibrosis, according to the CDC</a>. It’s a very serious condition affecting breathing and digestion. There is no cure, but new treatments have helped people with the disease live longer.  



Learning that she was a carrier initially was a big surprise and a little scary. But it triggered some essential family conversations. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-planning-ahead">Planning Ahead</h2>



Bella talked to her mom and then contacted her dad to find out if there was any family history of cystic fibrosis. Then she spoke to her older brother and then a cousin. She thought this would be important information for them to know since they might be considering having children.



Her mom told her she was glad she used 23andMe.



“’Now you know,’” Bella’s mom told her.



Knowing meant she could plan ahead if she decided to have children. It would be essential to know if her partner was also a carrier.



&#8220;Knowledge is power!&#8221; Bella said more than once.&nbsp;



&nbsp;She continues to stress the importance of genetic testing and planning for the future.



Learn More



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">23andMe Health &amp; Ancestry</a>, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ Premium</a>, and <a href="https://www.23andme.com/total-health/">23andMe+ Total Health </a>customers can all <a href="https://you.23andme.com/health/carrier_status/">learn about their carrier status here</a>. 



Not yet a customer? Find out more about <a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">all that 23andMe offers here</a>.



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



<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. 



The Cystic Fibrosis Carrier Status report is indicated for detecting 29 variants in the CFTR gene and is most relevant for people of Ashkenazi Jewish, European, and Hispanic/Latino descent.

Bella Learns About Her Carrier Status

By Tomi Oyedeji-Olaniyan



As part of a new collaboration, the California Northstate University College of Medicine worked with 23andMe to improve their pre-existing genetics curriculum for medical students by integrating components of 23andMe’s genetics education program.&nbsp;



This enhanced curriculum addresses known gaps in genetics education in US medical schools and is based on recommendations from the Association of Professors of Human and Medical Genetics.3&nbsp;&nbsp;



“The truth is that genetics does impact all areas of medicine, and we know that now much more than we did a decade ago or five years ago,” said Noura Abul-Husn, MD, PhD, Vice President of Genomic Health at 23andMe. “I’m excited that we’re making a difference through our education initiatives, where we can offer information to healthcare providers outside of our ecosystem to learn more about genetic testing, genetic health results, and how to use them.”



While the scientific community has made significant advances in the clinical applications of genetics, many patients still do not have easy access to clinicians with genetics training. As a result, patients rely heavily on primary care physicians to address their genetic concerns.1 Despite this, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10872981.2022.2143920#abstract">a 2022 study</a> revealed that most healthcare providers (HCPs) do not feel prepared to use genetic information in patient care or to address direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic test results.2&nbsp;



This gap in genetics education starts during medical school, where genetics is often only taught during the preclinical years and is virtually non-existent during the clinical years.3 &nbsp;The collaboration between 23andMe and California Northstate University College of Medicine aims to help address this gap in genetics education and offer medical students an expanded and more comprehensive genetics curriculum.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="222" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/California-Northstate-University.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-33327" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/California-Northstate-University.jpg 512w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/California-Northstate-University-300x130.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-curriculum">The Curriculum</h2>



As part of this new curriculum, first-year medical students studying genetics will be watching a series of micro-learning videos this fall. These educational videos result from a collaboration between<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/resources-for-healthcare"> 23andMe and Osmosis</a>, an online educational platform for students and clinicians. The videos cover topics including<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crsxdOnJg1I&amp;list=PLY33uf2n4e6MZpssct5f5416EuZxzfYUA&amp;index=2"> </a><a href="https://medical.23andme.com/videos/genetic-variation-and-disease/">genetic variation and disease</a>, <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/videos/complex-conditions-polygenic-risk-scores/">complex disease and polygenic risk scores</a>, <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/videos/using-your-patients-family-health-history-to-guide-their-care/">family health history</a>,<a href="https://medical.23andme.com/videos/interpreting-results/"> interpreting genetic test results, </a>and <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/videos/understanding-pharmacogenetics/">pharmacogenomics</a>. Upon completing the course, students will be assessed for improved knowledge content and asked for feedback on the enhanced course.&nbsp;



California Northstate University College of Medicine&#8217;s first-year medical curriculum requires students to take courses that focus on the fundamental principles of the basic sciences, such as genetics. This collaboration will equip the school’s first-year students with clinically-informed genetics education, allowing them to apply their academic knowledge to real-world clinical practice. Additionally, the medical school offers research opportunities, allowing students with an interest in exploring innovative approaches to genetics education to delve deeper, further supporting our efforts.&nbsp;



“As the future of medicine increasingly relies on genomics, it is essential for physicians to develop expertise in this field,” said Richard Isaacs, MD, FACS, Dean and Senior Vice-President of Medical Affairs and Professor of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at California Northstate University College of Medicine. “We must equip physicians and staff with the tools and knowledge to lead in this dynamic area.”&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-is-it-essential-for-doctors-to-have-this-training">Why is it essential for doctors to have this training?</h2>



With the rise of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, it is becoming increasingly important that healthcare providers can interpret and discuss results with their patients. Genetic testing provides tools that can aid healthcare providers in personalizing care for their patients. Many clinics are also starting to adopt precision medicine — an approach, as defined by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to “tailoring disease prevention that accounts for differences in people’s genes, environments, and lifestyles.” Genetics plays a major role in helping HCPs make the right care decisions for their patients and, ultimately, improving clinical outcomes.&nbsp;



Patients are also becoming more proactive about their health. With more awareness surrounding the genetic association with diseases such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, and colorectal cancer, patients are choosing to undergo screening and take preventive action where possible. For many patients, this could include DTC testing, which they might then bring to their HCP. Therefore, genetics education and training remain a critical skill set for HCPs.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="246" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DTC-Genetic-Testing-Slide.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33328" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DTC-Genetic-Testing-Slide.png 512w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/DTC-Genetic-Testing-Slide-300x144.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-ongoing-effort-nbsp">An Ongoing Effort&nbsp;</h2>



A leading consumer genetics and research company, 23andMe, has been working to improve <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/medical-education-at-23andme">genetics education for customers and clinicians</a>. Our Personal Genome Service was the first genetic service authorized by the FDA to provide direct-to-consumer Genetic Health Risk*, Carrier Status*, and Pharmacogenetic reports**. With genetic education at the forefront of customer interaction, 23andMe continues to expand this mission into improved genetics training for HCPs.&nbsp;



In 2021, 23andMe acquired Lemonaid Health, a telehealth service focused on affordable and accessible healthcare. Since the acquisition, Lemonaid Health clinicians have also undergone a 23andMe-developed training program in genetics-informed care, and patients can schedule <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/genetic-report-consults">clinical consultations to discuss their genetic results.</a> Studies done by 23andMe have shown positive learning outcomes after clinicians have completed the training.&nbsp;



“Healthcare providers are facing a wide variety of questions about genetic testing from patients, especially about the genetic aspects of common diseases such as cancer, heart diseases, and mental illness,” explains Anne Greb, MS, CGC, Director of Genomic Health Education at 23andMe. Anne, a trained genetic counselor, has dedicated her career to teaching, improving, and developing genetics education curricula for HCPs the last three decades. “Now, there is an urgent need to modernize genetics education with engaging, scalable activities and resources so HCPs can integrate genetics into the care of their patients.”



<a href="https://medical.23andme.com/genomic-health-team/">23andMe’s Genomic Health team</a> continues to engage with physicians, genetic counselors, pharmacists, and other HCPs to provide resources for interpreting and discussing 23andMe genetic reports. These resources include <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/stories/">HCP-led educational videos</a>, <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/reports/">sample reports</a>, <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/videos/">bite-sized open-source educational videos</a>, and much more. Visit <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/">our website for healthcare professionals</a> to learn more about how 23andMe is supporting HCPs 



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



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-references">References:</h2>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://app.readcube.com/library/?style=Genetics%20in%20Medicine+%7B%22language%22:%22en-US%22%7D">Chou AF, et.al. Barriers and strategies to integrate medical genetics and primary care in underserved populations: a scoping review. J Community Genet. 2021;12(3):291-309.&nbsp;</a></li>



<li><a href="https://app.readcube.com/library/?style=Genetics%20in%20Medicine+%7B%22language%22:%22en-US%22%7D">French EL, et.al. Physician Perception of the Importance of Medical Genetics and Genomics in Medical Education and Clinical Practice. Med Educ Online. Vol. 28. 2023</a></li>



<li>Haspel RL, et.al. Call for improvement in medical school training in genetics: results of a national survey. Genet Med. 2021 Jun; 23(6): 1151–1157</li>



<li>Center for Devices and Radiological Health. “Precision Medicine.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, <a href="http://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics/precision-medicine">www.fda.gov/medical-devices/in-vitro-diagnostics/precision-medicine</a> (Accessed 16 Aug. 2024).&nbsp;</li>
</ol>



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



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



*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 that 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 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>



 **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 metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. 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 DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. 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://23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/">23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/</a>

Tomi Oyedeji-Olaniyan

23andMe Collaborates with California Northstate University to Introduce Enhanced Genetics Curriculum for Medical Students

Decisions about who should be screened for certain inherited conditions may hinge heavily on the patient’s self-reported ethnicity. 



However, a <a href="https://www.gimopen.org/article/S2949-7744(24)01015-X/fulltext">new study by 23andMe researchers </a>found that these ethnicity-based guidelines miss more than half of those who are carriers for some serious genetic conditions.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="239" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Carrier-Status-300x239.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-26106" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Carrier-Status-300x239.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Carrier-Status-768x612.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Carrier-Status-1024x816.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Carrier-Status-880x701.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Carrier-Status.jpg 1137w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-carrier-status-testing">Carrier Status Testing</h2>



Some medical societies, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have traditionally recommended ethnicity-based carrier screening for specific inherited conditions. For example, for people reporting Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, they recommend screening for such as <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/bloom-syndrome/">Bloom syndrome</a> and <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/carrier/gaucher-disease-type-1/">Gaucher disease</a>. For those with Ashkenazi ancestry or French Canadian or Canjun ancestry, they recommend screening for Tay-Sachs disease. However, many people may not know their ancestry or may not report their ancestry to their healthcare providers.&nbsp;



This new study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.gimopen.org/article/S2949-7744(24)01015-X/fulltext">Genetics in Medicine Open</a>, found that more than half of the carriers of these conditions, 54.9 percent, did not report Jewish or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. In other words, they either do not know or do not report having Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, which is one of the criteria for ACOG ethnicity-based screening guidelines. About half of all carriers had less than 20 percent Ashkenazi Jewish genetic ancestry. This underscores the inadequacy of relying solely on self-reported ethnicity or genetic ancestry for carrier status screening.



“Our research suggests that many individuals who are carriers for one of these inherited conditions are being missed under current ethnicity-based screening criteria,” said Dr. Noura Abul-Husn, VP of Genomic Health at 23andMe and senior author of the study.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-criteria-misses-many-at-risk">Criteria Misses Many at Risk </h2>



Carrier screening has long been a crucial tool for identifying genetic conditions inherited in an autosomal recessive or X-linked manner. Some of these inherited conditions are also much more common in some ethnicities than others. 



It’s estimated that about one in three people of Ashkenazi ancestry are carriers for 16 genetic disorders more common in that population. For many years, screening recommendations from the ACOG and others have suggested that people of Ashkenazi descent be screened for many of these conditions.



For this study, 23andMe researchers analyzed the self-reported ethnicity and genetic ancestry of over 7.2 million 23andMe customers who consented to participate in the research. The scientists then identified 116,517 individuals who were carriers of inherited conditions for which ACOG recommends carrier screening in the Ashkenazi Jewish population.



More than half of those carriers, 54.9 percent, did not report Jewish ethnicity, which is one of the ACOG ethnicity-based screening guidelines criteria.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-moving-beyond-ethnicity-based-screening">Moving Beyond Ethnicity-Based Screening</h2>



These findings have profound implications. This work is consistent with previous research that has demonstrated that ethnicity-based carrier screening can result in the under-detection of carriers. 



Another medical society, the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG), issued guidelines in 2021 recommending that healthcare providers not use ethnicity to guide carrier screening. Instead, the ACMG recommended screening everyone using the same tiered approach. However, some insurance companies do not provide coverage for this type of carrier screening. Those insurers cite ACOG ethnicity-based carrier screening as a justification.&nbsp;



Knowing carrier status allows prospective parents to make informed decisions regarding family planning, like pursuing in vitro fertilization with genetic screening or preparing for the birth of a child with a genetic condition. Moving beyond ethnicity-based carrier screenings, we can improve the detection of carriers and better assess reproductive risks, ultimately leading to more informed and effective healthcare decisions.



This research calls for reevaluating current guidelines and shifting towards more inclusive and comprehensive genetic screening approaches that do not rely on self-reported ethnicity.



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



<a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">23andMe&#8217;s Health &amp; Ancestry Service</a> includes reports on more than 45 inherited conditions, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, and Tay-Sachs disease. 



Find out more about all that 23andMe has to offer <a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">here</a>.

The Shortcomings of Ethnicity-Based Carrier Screening

Today, Lemonaid Health, a telehealth subsidiary of 23andMe, launched a new weight loss program that will offer eligible individuals access to clinical care and, as appropriate, prescriptions for Ozempic®, Wegovy®, and compounded semaglutide (GLP-1) medications.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="300" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-300x300.jpg" alt="An image of GLP-1 medications" class="wp-image-33280" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-300x300.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-768x768.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-880x880.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-1180x1180.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-271x271.jpg 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-372x372.jpg 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-574x574.jpg 574w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1-980x980.jpg 980w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-glp-1.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



The new weight loss membership program* provides consumers with a convenient and high-quality way to manage their weight with the help of a Lemonaid Health clinician.



“We are excited to be helping our customers get access to potentially life-changing weight management programs and GLP-1 medication through Lemonaid Health and 23andMe,” said Anne Wojcicki, CEO and Co-Founder of 23andMe. “We are focused on helping customers live healthier, longer lives and believe weight management is an important pillar. We also remain enthusiastic as we see encouraging research come out about additional applications for GLP-1s and ways they may be able to prevent or mitigate disease.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lemonaid-s-weight-management-program">Lemonaid’s Weight Management Program</h2>



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 struggled to lose weight through diet and exercise, partly explaining the recent 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>.







<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="220" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-logo-color@4-1024x220.png" alt="" class="wp-image-33278" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-logo-color@4-1024x220.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-logo-color@4-300x65.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-logo-color@4-768x165.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-logo-color@4-880x189.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/lemonaid-logo-color@4-1180x254.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



The hope is that Lemonaid Health’s new weight management program will help people struggling with their weight.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Lemonaid&#8217;s new subscription weight management program offers eligible consumers prescriptions for once-weekly injectable GLP-1 medications. In addition to the GLP-1 prescription, the new program includes video or phone consultations with a clinician, ongoing care and support, and annual lab testing.



After an initial consultation with a licensed healthcare provider to confirm eligibility and medication preference, the membership costs $49 per month. Service use does not require a long-term commitment, and pricing doesn’t change based on a medication’s dosage strengths. The medication costs $299 monthly for compounded semaglutide, $1199 monthly for Ozempic®, and $1599 monthly for Wegovy®. Medication costs may be&nbsp; HSA and FSA-eligible. We will offer an exclusive cash-pay model that provides fast shipping directly to patients.



Lemonaid Health provides consistent and reliable quality care to patients through ongoing access to licensed medical providers, fully online across the United States. The company&#8217;s compounded semaglutide medication is made from the same active ingredient as Ozempic® and Wegovy® and prepared by a state-licensed, FDA-inspected 503(b) compounding pharmacy that has undergone extensive quality checks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-glp-1-genetic-study">GLP-1 Genetic Study</h2>



Lemonaid Health&#8217;s weight management program follows a new large-scale GLP-1 study launched by researchers at 23andMe. This study will look at the genetics behind not only why GLP-1 medications are effective for some individuals and not others but also whether genetics plays a role in the side effects some individuals experience.



The<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-launches-genetic-study-of-glp-1s"> GLP-1 study</a> and Lemonaid&#8217;s new weight management program fit within 23andMe&#8217;s broader effort to improve people&#8217;s health through prevention. For several years, scientists at 23andMe have<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/weight-loss-study"> studied weight loss</a>. We&#8217;ve also looked at related issues, such as how a person&#8217;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 report examines hundreds of genetic variants to provide personalized &#8220;Healthy Habits.&#8221; This shows which lifestyle modifications have the most significant impact on weight based on someone&#8217;s genetics. This report complements the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/wellness/saturated-fat-and-weight/">Saturated Fat &amp; Weight Report</a>, 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>.



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



Lemonaid Health’s weight loss services are currently available in select states. However, the weight loss services will soon be rolled out to additional locations in the coming months. Learn more about the program and confirm eligibility <a href="https://www.lemonaidhealth.com/services/weight-loss">here</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;



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



*&#8220;Weight Loss Membership required for access to prescription GLP-1 medications, if prescribed. Additional terms apply. See Lemonaidhealth.com for details.



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



Note:



See important safety information on <a href="https://www.lemonaidhealth.com/safety-information/weight-loss#ozempic">Ozempic®</a>, <a href="https://www.lemonaidhealth.com/safety-information/weight-loss#wegovy">Wegovy®</a>, and <a href="https://www.lemonaidhealth.com/safety-information/weight-loss#compounded-semaglutide">compounded semaglutide</a>.&nbsp; Ozempic® is FDA-approved for treating Type 2 Diabetes, but it may also be prescribed for weight loss at the professional discretion of a licensed medical provider. Wegovy® is FDA-approved for chronic weight management in certain individuals.&nbsp;Compounded semaglutide has not been approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality by the FDA.Ozempic® and Wegovy® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S.Novo Nordisk is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.

23andMe’s Lemonaid Health Now Offering GLP-1 Medications

As part of continuing improvements to 23andMe&#8217;s Ancestry Service, we recently added 12 Genetic Groups for customers with roots in Japan and 25 for those genetically connected to one of the five Nordic countries in which Scandinavian or Finnish genetic ancestry is most common: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, or Sweden.



The updates improve the granularity of results for customers with ancestral lines tracing to these distinctive regions on opposite sides of the world. This update also closely follows the recent addition of 49 different genetic populations in<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/germanic-europe-genetic-groups"> Germanic Europe</a>, France, Belgium,<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>, offering those with roots that trace back to these regions of Europe.



Let&#8217;s look at the new genetic groups added with this update in Japan and Scandinavia.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-japan-update">Japan Update</h2>



This update includes new genetic groups in Japan.



Japan is an archipelago composed of more than 6,852 islands. Multiple waves of migration from the Asian mainland, starting as early as 35,000 years ago, first populated the islands.



Modern Japanese people can trace most of their ancestry to the Stone Age Jomon and late Stone Age Yayoi cultures. The Yayoi people introduced ironworks and agriculture. Yayoi DNA is concentrated in the center of Japan, while Jomon ancestry persists to the north and south among the culturally distinctive Ainu and Ryukyuan peoples.



The various tribes and kingdoms of Japan were nominally unified under the Emperor of Japan around the fifth century, a dynastic line that continues in modern times. One of the most culturally important periods for classical Japanese art, poetry, and literature is the Heian period, which lasted from 794 to 1185. Heian means peace in Japanese.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="546" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Japan-Hero-1024x546.jpg" alt="An image of Kyoto Japan
" class="wp-image-33259" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Japan-Hero-1024x546.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Japan-Hero-300x160.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Japan-Hero-768x409.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Japan-Hero-880x469.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Japan-Hero-1180x629.jpg 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Here are the 12 genetic populations we&#8217;ve added for this update:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Ryukyu Arc: For those with ancestral connections to people from the Ryukyu Arc, an arc-shaped archipelago extends south of Kyushu along the Ryukyu Islands.</li>



<li>Yamaguchi and Western Hiroshima: For those with ancestral connections to people from Yamaguchi and Western Hiroshima, a region known for its rural beauty and rich history.</li>



<li>Northern Honshu and Hokkaido: For those with ancestral connections to people from northern Japan, including the Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, and Chubu regions.</li>



<li>Kii Peninsula: For those with ancestral connections to people from the Kii Peninsula, located on the island of Honshu and within the Kansai region.</li>



<li>Northern Kyushu: For those with ancestral connections to people from Northern Kyushu, a region known for its dramatic scenery in places like Mount Aso, the largest active volcano in Japan.</li>



<li>Chugoku and northern Shikoku: For those with ancestral connections to people from Chugoku, the westernmost region of Honshu, the largest and main island of Japan, and from northern Shikoku.</li>



<li>Southern Kyushu: For those with ancestral connections to people from Southern Kyushu, known for its scenery ranging from the wild horses on Cape Toi to sweeping views of active volcano Sakurajima in the Kagoshima Bay.</li>



<li>Yanbaru: For those with ancestral connections to people from Yanbaru, the northern part of Okinawa, including Nago and the Kunigami district.</li>



<li>Miyako-jima: For those with ancestral connections to people from the island of Miyako-jima, a picturesque island southwest of Okinawa.</li>



<li>Southern Okinawan: For those with ancestral connections to people from Southern Okinawa and north of Nanzan.</li>



<li>Nagasaku Bay and Yokatsu Islands: For those with ancestral connections to people from the Nagasaku Bay and Yokatsu Islands of Okinawa, home of a significant part of the Chuzan kingdom in the 14th and 15th centuries.</li>



<li>Okinawan West Coast: For those with ancestral connections to people from the west coast of Okinawa, stretching from Naha in the south to Nakijin in the north.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scandinavia-update">Scandinavia Update</h2>



The Scandinavia update includes genetic groups across five Nordic countries in which Scandinavian or Finnish genetic ancestry is most common.



However, these five countries also have shared linguistic and genetic roots that trace back to Northern Germanic tribes that established settlements in the North Sea during the Middle Ages. Mixed in with those Germanic tribal roots are local Scandinavian populations, like the Sámi people of the far north, who were hunter-gatherers.



These countries have a lot in common, but they also have their own unique cultures and histories, and there are regional differences. 23andMe added new genetic populations within each country to better reflect those distinguishing cultural differences and improve customers&#8217; results.



Those include five populations in Denmark, three in Iceland, four in Finland, seven in Norway, and six in Sweden.



Viking exploration, conquest, and colonization helped spread Scandinavian culture. Vikings went far beyond the six countries we now associate with Scandinavia, including settlements in Scotland, England, Ireland, Normandy, and Greenland. They extended their reach eastward into Russia, south to the Mediterranean, and as far west as North America.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="612" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Scandinavia-Hero-1024x612.jpg" alt="An image of boats anchored in a Nordic port" class="wp-image-33257" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Scandinavia-Hero-1024x612.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Scandinavia-Hero-300x179.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Scandinavia-Hero-768x459.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Scandinavia-Hero-880x526.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Scandinavia-Hero-1180x706.jpg 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Here are the genetic populations added to the five countries in Scandinavia:



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-denmark-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp">Denmark&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Southern Denmark: For those with ancestral connections to people from southwest Denmark, in the western parts of the Syddanmark (&#8220;South Denmark&#8221;) region on the Jutland, first settled in the Stone Age.</li>



<li>East Jutland: For those with ancestral connections to people from Østjylland, which stretches from Viborg in the northwest to Horsens and Vejle in the south.</li>



<li>Northern Denmark: This region, which stretches from Aalborg in the south to Skagen in the north, is for those with ancestral connections to people from North Jutland or Nordjylland.</li>



<li>Hovedstaden, Sjælland, and Fyn: For those with ancestral connections to people from the island regions of Denmark: Hovedstaden, Sjælland, and the eastern island of Syddanmark (&#8220;South Denmark&#8221;)—Fyn.</li>



<li>West Jutland: For those with ancestral connections to people from the rugged region of West Jutland, the part of Midtjylland west of the Jutish ridge, ranging from Herning in the south and Løgstør and Thisted in the north.</li>
</ul>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-finland">Finland</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Helsinki and Southern Finland: This is for those with ancestral connections to people from the capital of the Helsinki region and Southern Finland.</li>



<li>Ostrobothnia and Central Ostrobothnia: For those with ancestral connections to people from the northern half of Ostrobothnia and Central Ostrobothnia, regions are known for their distinctive coastal landscapes and deep cultural heritage.</li>



<li>West-Central Coast of Finland: For those with ancestral connections to people from the southwest coast of Finland, ranging from the Gulf of Bothnia to Lakeland in the east and spanning between the southern half of Ostrobothnia and Southwest Finland.</li>



<li>Lapland, Northern Ostrobothnia, and Kainu Region: For those with ancestral connections to people from central and northern Finland, spanning from the southern cities of Lapland in the north and down to the Finnish Lakeland in the south. This region is known for its stark beauty and rugged conditions.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-icelandic-populations">Icelandic Populations</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Northern Iceland: For those with connections to the northern coast of Iceland, the town of Akureyri, and the east coast extending to the north edge of Vatnajökull glacier.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>



<li>Southern Iceland and Reykjavik Region: For those with ancestral connections to people from the southern coastal region of Iceland, stretching from the Reykjanes peninsula to the capital of Reyjavik and out toward the western edge of Iceland&#8217;s largest glacier, Vatnajökull.</li>



<li>Western Iceland: For those with ancestral connections to people from the western peninsula of Iceland, an area of rugged mountainous and coastal fjords known as the Westfjords.</li>
</ul>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-norway-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp-nbsp">Norway&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Southern Norwegian Coastal Plains: For those with connections to people from southern Norway, extending from the coastal plains bordering the Skagerrak strait inland to the Setesdalsheiene mountains.</li>



<li>Oslofjord Lowlands: For those with connections to people from eastern lowlands of Norway, from Oslofjord in the south extending to the southeastern foothills of the Scandinavian Mountains. Called Østlandet in Norwegian, the region is home to Norway&#8217;s capital city, Oslo.</li>



<li>Northwestern Norwegian Fjords: For those with connections to people from Norway&#8217;s northwestern coastal fjords and surrounding lowlands.</li>



<li>Arctic Norway: For those with connections to people from the far northern tundra of Norway, stretching up to where Norway shares its only border with Finland.</li>



<li>Boknafjord Lowlands: For those with ancestral connections to people from the lands surrounding Boknafjord, a large fjord on the southwestern coast of Norway.</li>



<li>Trondheim Fjord Region:&nbsp; For those with ancestral connections to people from the northern coastal region of Norway surrounding Trondheim Fjord.</li>



<li>Western Fjords: For those with ancestral connections to people from the central western coast of Norway, stretching from the majestic Sognefjord—Norway&#8217;s longest and deepest fjord—in the north to Hardangerfjord in the south.</li>
</ul>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-sweden">Sweden</h6>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Eastern Norrland: For those with ancestral connection from northeastern Sweden, primarily in the Ångermanland, Västerbotten, and Norrbotten historical provinces along the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea.&nbsp;</li>



<li>Western Svealand: For those with ancestral connection from Värmland and Örebro counties, a region in west-central Sweden between Lake Siljan to the north, Lake Vänern—Sweden&#8217;s largest lake—to the south, and Örebro to the east.</li>



<li>Central Götaland: For those with ancestral connection from the southeastern historical provinces of Halland, Östergötland, Småland, and Södermanland, extending from Stockholm in the northeast to the southern coastal regions and spanning across the country from the Kattegat Strait in the west to the Baltic Sea in the east.</li>



<li>Northwest Götaland: For those with an ancestral connection to people from Västra Götaland, a large county in southwest Sweden home to Gothenburg, the second largest city and a major modern port.</li>



<li>Eastern Svealand and southern Norrland: For those with an ancestral connection to people from east—central Sweden in the historic regions of Svealand and Norrland, which ranges from the modern Gävleborg county in the north to Stockholm, Uppsala, and Västmanland counties in the south.</li>



<li>Skåneland: For those with ancestral connection from east-central Sweden in the historic regions of Svealand and Norrland, which ranges from the modern Gävleborg county in the north to Stockholm, Uppsala, and Västmanland counties in the south.</li>



<li>Eastern Svealand and southern Norrland: These are for those with ancestral connections to the southern part of Sweden (sometimes referred to as &#8220;Skåneland&#8221;), which includes the modern counties of Blekinge, Kronoberg, and Skåne.</li>
</ul>



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



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



Are you still waiting to be a customer? Find out more about 23andMe&#8217;s<a href="https://www.23andme.com/compare-dna-tests/">&nbsp; Ancestry Service and other services</a>.

Japan and Scandinavia Genetic Groups Update

Lillian Newman decided to use 23andMe in part because she wanted to learn about her grandfather, who was from Cuba and had some Sephardic ancestry, but she thought testing could reveal so much more than that.



&#8220;The reason I chose 23andMe is that (it has) a focus not only on the ancestry side but on how your DNA relates to your health,&#8221; Lillian said.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-i-know-now">What I Know Now</h2>



<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/2024/08/IMG_3775-225x300.jpg" alt="A photo of Lillian Neuman" class="wp-image-33205" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3775-225x300.jpg 225w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3775-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3775-660x880.jpg 660w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3775-885x1180.jpg 885w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_3775-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" /></figure>



Little did she know that her 23andMe health reports would help her profoundly. She shared her story because she thought it might help others. Lillian believes that she&#8217;s not the only one who didn&#8217;t know that genetics affects how one&#8217;s body processes many commonly prescribed medications.* Despite this, clinical guidelines rarely call for testing people before prescribing those medications.



&#8220;I wish I had known then what I know now,&#8221; Lillian said. &#8220;Using 23andMe+ Premium and finding out about the SLCO1B1 gene was huge. Huge.&#8221;



Her reference to the SLCO1B1 gene refers to how different genetic variants in SLCO1B1 can affect how you process certain medications.&nbsp; Like millions of Americans, Lillian Newman has high cholesterol, which, left untreated, can lead to a whole host of issues, including heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. She learned about her high cholesterol after a routine blood test in 2018. To address the problem, Lillian&#8217;s doctor prescribed a statin.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-statins-save-lives">Statins Save Lives</h2>



Statins are among the most prescribed medications in the United States. According to the CDC, an estimated one in four adults in the U.S. takes a cholesterol-lowering medication, and the vast majority of those are statins.



Statins work by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver so the liver makes less cholesterol but pulls in more cholesterol from the bloodstream. That lowers the amount of bad cholesterol in the blood, stabilizing any plaques along the artery&#8217;s walls, and preventing even more plaque from building up. That, in turn, reduces the chances of a stroke or heart attack. Statins have proven<a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5126440/"> mostly safe and effective</a> in lowering cholesterol and thus have helped to prevent heart attacks and strokes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-side-effects">Side Effects</h2>



But there are some side effects from taking statins — headache, brain fog, fatigue, and sometimes intense muscle cramping and pain. Sometimes, these side effects are related to a person&#8217;s genetics, which can affect how they process medications. In turn, the side effects sometimes lead people to either change how they take their medication or stop taking it altogether, which in turn can lead to poor health outcomes.



For Lillian, the side effects — severe muscle pain — began after her doctor increased the dose of the statin she was taking. Within a few weeks, the muscles in her legs started cramping. At one point, she had such crushing chest pain that she thought she was having a heart attack and was rushed to the ER. After a cardiologist determined it wasn&#8217;t her heart, her doctor told her that sometimes people experience cramping as a side effect of taking statins but that the benefits of taking the statin outweigh the pain.



&#8220;I remember I went home feeling despondent,&#8221; Lillian said.



Lillian said no one ever mentioned genetics or how using a different statin dose might help. She thought she just had to grit her teeth and bear it. Periodically, the pain was so bad that she&#8217;d go off her medication, something that can be very risky.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-simple-change">A Simple Change</h2>



A person&#8217;s genetics — specifically a genetic variant that affects the function of the <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/new-23andme-report-on-simvastatin">SLCO1B1 transporter protein</a>, which in turn affects how a person&#8217;s body processes the statin known as simvastatin — plays a role in side effects like muscle pain in some people. Other non-genetic factors also play a role, but very few people are tested to see if they have a genetic marker that might impact how they process a drug. Lillian didn&#8217;t know anything about what&#8217;s known as <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/articles/23andme-granted-the-first-and-only-fda-authorization-for-direct-to-consumer-pharmacogenetics-reports">pharmacogenetics</a> or how DNA variants influence the body&#8217;s ability to process medication.



&#8220;In the five years of dealing with cholesterol issues, no one tested me for SLC01B1,&#8221; Lillian said.



Although she had been a customer of 23andMe for years, last year, she decided to upgrade to 23andMe+ Premium, which includes pharmacogenetic reports. When she opened the report on SLCO1B1 Drug Transport, specifically looking at the medication insights for simvastatin, it felt personal to her experience.



&#8220;It provided me with critical information to discuss with my doctor,&#8221; Lillian said.



Her doctor lowered her statin dosage, and that small change made a huge difference in her life, allowing her to continue to manage her cholesterol but without the debilitating pain.&nbsp;



&#8220;Now, I wanted to tell you that doing the 23andMe+ membership is the best (money) I spent this year,&#8221; Lillian said. &#8220;I am deeply grateful to 23andMe. You truly made a difference for me by having that test available. I think everyone should know about this.&#8221;&nbsp;



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



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



*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 and does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. 



Our CYP2C19 Pharmacogenetics report provides certain information about variants associated with metabolism of some therapeutics and provides interpretive drug information regarding the potential effect of citalopram and clopidogrel therapy. Results for SLCO1B1 and DPYD and certain CYP2C19 results should be confirmed by an independent genetic test prescribed by your own healthcare provider before taking any medical action. 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 Pharmacogenetics reports, visit <a href="http://23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/">23andme.com/test-info/pharmacogenetics/</a>

Customer Learns Her Genetics Impacts How She Processes Statins

<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38658749/">A new ancient DNA study</a> sheds light on the social structure of the ancient Avars, a medieval population that dominated the Carpathian Basin between the 6th and 9th centuries. 



The Avars ruled in what is now Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Austria, Croatia, and Serbia until they were overpowered by the Franks in attacks led by Charlemagne.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="634" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Avar-Treasure-1024x634.jpeg" alt="Examples of Avar Treasure that include gold and silver chalices and plates." class="wp-image-33235" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Avar-Treasure-1024x634.jpeg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Avar-Treasure-300x186.jpeg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Avar-Treasure-768x476.jpeg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Avar-Treasure-880x545.jpeg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Avar-Treasure-1180x731.jpeg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Avar-Treasure.jpeg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-avar-period">The Avar Period </h2>



In the study, researchers sequenced the genomes of 424 individuals from four different cemeteries dating to the Avar period (567–822 CE). 



They discovered that each cemetery contained groups of closely related individuals. They reconstructed a family tree from individuals in one cemetery that spanned nine generations and connected 146 individuals, primarily via male lineages. 



This confirmed that, like many nomadic people of the Eurasian Steppe, the Avars were a patrilocal society, meaning that adult females relocated to reside with their male partners and their families. They also found evidence that the Avars practiced levirate unions, whereby the men would marry the widows of their deceased male relatives. 



This tradition is still practiced today in some parts of the world. The researchers even discovered one case where an Avar woman had children with four related men.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixed-ancestry">Mixed Ancestry</h2>



They also found that the Avars had mixed ancestry, with substantial ancestry tracing to northeast Asia. 



This is consistent with claims that they originally descended from members of the Rouran Khaganate, a tribal confederation that spanned parts of what is now Mongolia, Kazakhstan, eastern Siberia, and northwestern China during the 4th–6th centuries. Most of the Avars also possessed West Eurasian ancestry, some of which may have been acquired before the arrival of the Avars in the Carpathian Basin. 



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



In celebration of these exciting new discoveries, we’ve added 26 of the Avars whose genomes were published as part of this study to Historical MatchesSM, our new <a href="https://www.23andme.com/membership/">23andMe+ PremiumTM</a> membership feature so that you can find out if you share a genetic connection to them.

Examples of Avar Treasure that include gold and silver chalices and plates.

Latest Posts — Page 14