Editor&#8217;s note: This opinion first appeared in the Lafayette Journal &amp; Courier newspaper. We&#8217;re reprinting with permission from the author.
<div id="attachment_27478" style="width: 279px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27478" class="wp-image-27478 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Kelly-Evans-and-Reni-Winter-Evans-Poked-for-a-PD-Cure-269x300.jpeg" alt="Reni Winter Evans" width="269" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Kelly-Evans-and-Reni-Winter-Evans-Poked-for-a-PD-Cure-269x300.jpeg 269w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Kelly-Evans-and-Reni-Winter-Evans-Poked-for-a-PD-Cure.jpeg 402w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 269px) 100vw, 269px" />Reni, right, and her husband Kelly.</div>
By Reni Winter-Evans, LSW 

I used to think only research scientists could make an impact on medical science, and the rest of us had to just wait for each new treatment and cure without any input.
Like you, I’ve watched helplessly as people I care about die from incurable diseases. Maybe it was a close friend, a parent, a sibling, a spouse or even tragic — a child or infant.
Or perhaps like me, you’ve suddenly found yourself in the crosshairs of a tough diagnosis, one with no known cure.
<h6>I&#8217;m Not A Scientist</h6>
If I were a scientist, I’d be busy in my lab 24-7, doing everything possible to find a cure for the disease that has already destroyed about half of the dopamine neurons in my brain. Loss of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that sends signals to other nerve cells to control large and small muscles throughout the body, as well as mood and other functions, is the start of a handful of Parkinsonism diseases.
But I don’t have what it takes to be a scientist. I’m am a 64-year-old grandma, blogger and former journalist, now a licensed social worker. After 18 months on a hospice team, I work as a community health therapist — a far cry from medical research.
<h6>Sign Me Up</h6>
But I discovered last year I, and you, do have something vital to offer to help find new treatments and cures for Parkinson’s and other diseases: our DNA.
DNA is the unique building block of our cells. After DNA testing with 23andMe, I learned I have a rare genetic mutation that, coupled with my Ashkenazi Jewish and North African Berber ancestry, puts me at a higher risk for Parkinson’s disease. The mutation, <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/news/new-study-suggests-lrrk2-g2019s-mutation-carriers-are-more-likely-to-have-postural-instability-and-gait-difficulty-type-of-parkinsons-disease/">LRRK2 G2019s</a>, is of great interest to researchers working on slowing or stopping the rising tide of Parkinson&#8217;s disease around the world. Scientists desperately need people like me with this LRRK2 mutation for research trials — many funded by the <a href="https://www.michaeljfox.org/">Michael J. Fox Foundation.</a>
What? Research scientists need something I’ve got that may cure Parkinson’s? I couldn’t sign up fast enough!
<h6>A Sense of Duty</h6>
In the past year, I’ve joined almost a dozen observational trials, with more to follow. And they don’t just need people with certain mutations, but also those without to function as “controls” for the studies. Almost anyone can step up to help.
So, we don’t need a PhD, medical degree or even a rare mutation to help with medical research. All we have to do is find a trial we like and enroll. Some can even be done online! So far, I’ve enrolled in the 13-year long <a href="https://www.ppmi-info.org/">Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative</a> (PPMI), the <a href="https://www.brainhealthregistry.org/">Healthy Brain Registry</a>, <a href="https://foxinsight.michaeljfox.org/">Fox Insight</a>,  and others. You can find research trials in numerous ways: at <a href="https://foxtrialfinder.michaeljfox.org/">Fox TrialFinder</a>, at <a href="https://www.nih.gov/health-information/nih-clinical-research-trials-you/finding-clinical-trial">The National Institutes of Health</a> site, or at a research hospital near you. 23andMe invites customers to <a href="https://www.23andme.com/research/">participate</a> in their company’s research as well.
I do it because I feel a strong sense of duty to help in any way possible to provide a disease-free future for myself, my offspring and everyone else. My focus is Parkinson’s, but active research is ongoing for cancer, multiple sclerosis, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/late-onset-alzheimers/">Alzheimer</a>’s, and myriad other diseases and all need willing participants. Sadly, countless valuable and well-researched studies have failed partway through for lack of study participants.
<h6>Participating is Easy</h6>
Remember, only clinical trials involve experimental drugs and procedures. There are plenty of observational trials in which researchers either look at data already gathered from DNA or perform other non-invasive tests on live participants.
One person’s DNA, when studied together with the DNA of thousands, or even millions of others, could lead to a cure or treatment. The higher the number of participants, the more accurate the results and the sooner they can be scientifically validated. Whether we have a diagnosis or mutation or not, we each have the potential to make a big difference by providing enough test subjects to prove a theory and find a cure.
It’s challenging enough finding enough people with a disease to participate. Most cancer trials don’t meet their enrollment targets. One estimate shows less than three-percent of cancer patients participate in trials. Finding “healthy controls” — people without a condition but who are willing to participate, like my husband — is even harder.
Many don’t understand what’s involved, and don’t take time to learn more. Scrambling to find participants lengthens the time it takes to develop a drug or procedure. It might sound scary to sign up for a clinical trial, but remember, every successful treatment prescribed today went through a trial phase. Those treatments wouldn’t be available if courageous people hadn’t stepped up and volunteered.
I decided to be one of those people, recalling the words of Hillel the Elder, an ancient Jewish religious leader: “If not me, then who? If not now, then when?”
I’ve made my decision. What about you?
Reni Winter-Evans, a former journalist now working as a licensed social worker, lives in West Point, Indiana and participates in 23andMe research.

Reni Winter-Evans

I’m Stepping Up for a Cure, Will You?

By Eloycsia Ratliff, MPH, 23andMe Medical Education Project Manager
Editor&#8217;s note: This is the third in an occasional series about 23andMe&#8217;s Medical Education program.
This month, the American Academy of Family Physicians host their annual <a href="https://www.aafp.org/events/fmx.html">Family Medicine Experience</a> (FMX) in Philadelphia, their largest meeting meant to inspire medical professionals focused on family medicine and primary care. Over 5,000 medical professionals, including family physicians and healthcare companies (including health technology), will be in attendance&#8211;and so will 23andMe. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-236x300.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27331" width="236" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-236x300.jpg 236w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-768x975.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-693x880.jpg 693w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor.jpg 788w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px" />
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The&nbsp;emergence of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing and questions from healthcare professionals such as family doctors surrounding this topic, have made it important for companies like 23andMe to have a presence to help providers understand more about what 23andMe offers consumers.
<h6>Improving Patient Care</h6>
One of the themes of the conference this year is to inspire family doctors to “remember why they fell in love with family medicine” in the first place. Many of the presentations, showcases and events during the four-day conference focus on identifying new patient care solutions, which can provide family medicine doctors with innovative ways to approach, and ultimately improve patient care.&nbsp;
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23andMe believes knowledge about genetics — both among consumers and healthcare professionals — has the potential to improve health outcomes. At this year’s FMX, 23andMe’s Medical team plans to highlight how our service works and how family doctors can help their patients use genetic information to make more informed decisions about their health.&nbsp;
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<h6>Where and When</h6>
On Thursday, September 26th at 9:30am, 23andMe’s Medical Education Lead, Anne Greb, MS, CGC, will host an interactive Learning Lab entitled “Direct-to-Consumer Genetic Testing in Your Practice.” The session will cover need-to-know information about DTC genetic testing including an overview of the consumer experience, the type of information consumers receive in their 23andMe health reports, consumer motivations for DTC genetic testing, and next steps for both consumers and healthcare providers based on the report outcomes.&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Learning Lab sessions provide an opportunity for companies like 23andMe to highlight important clinical topics as they relate to their products and services. These 30-minute educational sessions are open to all conference attendees and are a great way to stay in-the-know about new advances in health technology.
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In addition to the Learning Lab session, 23andMe will host a booth in the exhibit hall (booth #401). We will be there to answer questions and provide resources such as the ability for family doctors to explore different customer demo accounts so they can better understand their patients’ experiences with 23andMe.
<h6>Learn More</h6>
For 23andMe, attending the FMX is one way we can inform HCPs about our services so they are more knowledgeable when their patients, our customers, are discovering their genetic information through 23andMe&#8217;s <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">Health + Ancestry Service</a>.&nbsp;
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If you are a healthcare professional and interested in learning more about 23andMe&#8217;s health reports and educational resources, we invite you to <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/join/">join our HCP community</a>. You will receive regular updates on new report launches and information about upcoming educational programs and other engagement opportunities.&nbsp;
Want to find out more? Check out the other two posts about the program:
• <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/education/common-misconceptions-healthcare-professionals-have-about-23andme/">Common Misconceptions Healthcare Professionals Have about 23andMe</a>
• <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/medical-education-at-23andme/">Medical Education at 23andMe</a>
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Eloycsia Ratliff

23andMe At Healthcare Professionals Conference

After the success of our African Genetics Project, 23andMe began one of its most ambitious ancestry initiatives to date, the<a href="http://23andme.com/global-genetics/"> Global Genetics Project</a>. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-300x300.png" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27481" width="300" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-768x768.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-880x880.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-574x574.png 574w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1-980x980.png 980w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/GGP-face-asset-1.png 1080w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
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Launched in February 2018, the program is reaching out to individuals with recent heritage from dozens of countries in Africa, Oceania, Asia, and the Americas. 
The goal is to expand 23andMe’s population reference data, improving the ability of our scientists to study groups currently underrepresented in genetic research, as well as reveal new insights into patterns of human migration and genetic diversity.&nbsp;

<h6>Global Genetics Project Recruitment</h6>
We’ve been fortunate to exceed our original goal of recruiting 5,000 individuals to participate in this study. Since enrollment began in 2018, more than 7,000 participants have enrolled. Each enrollee has four grandparents from one of 63 countries identified as underrepresented in 23andMe’s research database.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In fact we&#8217;ve hit our enrollment goal (at least 400 enrollees per country), and have closed enrollment for the following countries: Cambodia, Indonesia,&nbsp; Kazakhstan, Laos, Malaysia, Mongolia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. Data from some Global Genetics Project participants has already contributed to a recent update to our <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/ancestry/new-african-east-asian-details-in-23andmes-latest-ancestry-composition-update/">Ancestry Composition report</a>, which now provides a more detailed breakdown of ancestry from Africa.&nbsp;
&#8220;We&#8217;ve had a great response to the study so far, and for that reason we&#8217;ve expanded the program and added 35 new countries to our priority list,” said Joanna Mountain, Ph.D., Senior Director for Research at 23andMe. “This effort means that more people, no matter their ancestry, will benefit from the work we are doing.” 
<h6>What&#8217;s Next</h6>
The success of the program means that we can now expand the set of countries for which we are recruiting. These additional countries (including French Guiana, Ghana, and Suriname) are underrepresented not only in 23andMe research, but also in genetics research more broadly. By expanding recruiting for our Global Genetics Project, we hope to quickly add new reference populations improving not just results for our customers, but the diversity in 23andMe’s ground-breaking research.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
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Check out the Global Genetics Project landing page<a href="https://www.23andme.com/global-genetics/"> here</a> to learn more.
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23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

Global Genetics Project Expand To More Countries

Although there remains no cure and only limited treatments for symptoms, there’s a bit of good news to report this year during <a href="https://www.worldalzmonth.org/">World Alzheimer’s Month</a>. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-22635" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brain-Logo-287x300.jpg" alt="" width="287" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brain-Logo-287x300.jpg 287w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brain-Logo.jpg 438w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 287px) 100vw, 287px" />
A handful of changes to a person’s diet and day-to-day activity may help lessen the risk of developing Alzheimer’s, according to a study presented over the summer at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Los Angeles. And as always, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/late-onset-alzheimers/">testing for the Alzheimer’s gene</a> can help you understand your risk potential. 

<h6>Five Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Risk</h6>
The data from several studies looked at how healthy lifestyle changes <a href="https://www.alz.org/aaic/releases_2019/AAIC19-Wed-release-NewResearch.asp">mitigate the risk of developing Alzheimer’s</a>. One study showed that individuals who adopted a few lifestyle changes — exercise, healthy diet, abstaining from smoking, and cognitive stimulation brain games — substantially lowered their risk for Alzheimer’s.
Heather Synder, the senior director of medical and scientific operations at the Alzheimer’s Association, told the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/social-issues/doing-these-five-things-could-decrease-your-risk-of-alzheimers-by-60-percent-new-study-shows/2019/07/14/a4b2f82c-a4e4-11e9-bd56-eac6bb02d01d_story.html">Washington Post in July</a> that the study offered a lot of hope.
“This demonstrates the potential of lifestyle behaviors to reduce risk as we age,” Synder said. “The fact that four or five lifestyle habits put together can have that kind of benefit for your brain is incredibly powerful.”
<h6> The Sixth Leading Cause of Death in the U.S.</h6>
Alzheimer’s disease affects more than <a href="https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures">5.8 million Americans</a>, and it is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. It’s characterized by memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes. Many factors, including both genetics and lifestyle, influence the chances of developing Alzheimer’s. Although we can’t change our genetics, this new data suggests that healthy lifestyle changes could help reduce our risk.
The findings are welcome news coming on the heels of several disappointing failures in clinical trials of potential Alzheimer’s drugs, and frustration over the<a href="https://www.statnews.com/2018/08/10/alzheimers-pipeline-clinical-trials/"> lack of progress</a> in finding new treatments.
<h6> Late-Onset</h6>
23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service includes a Genetic Health Risk* report on late-onset Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, which is the most common form of Alzheimer&#8217;s disease. Many factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, can influence a person&#8217;s chances of developing the condition. 23andMe’s report only looks at the most common genetic variant associated with late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
You can find out more about 23andMe’s Health + Ancestry Service <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">here</a>.
*The 23andMe PGS test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks. 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 it 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. This includes whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment.  The Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease genetic health risk report is indicated for reporting of the e4 variant in the APOE gene. It describes if a person has a variant associated with an increased risk of developing late-onset Alzheimer’s disease. The e4 variant included in this report is found and has been studied in many ethnicities. Detailed risk estimates have been studied the most in people of European descent.

Lifestyle Changes May Help Reduce Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease

By Eloycsia Ratliff, MPH, 23andMe Medical Education Project Manager
Editor&#8217;s note: This is the second in an occasional series about 23andMe&#8217;s Medical Education program.
We sometimes hear misconceptions from healthcare professionals about what we do at 23andMe, especially when discussing our health reports. This post is meant to address the most common misunderstandings in hopes that we can provide some clarity and improve understanding of the 23andMe experience.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-236x300.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27331" width="236" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-236x300.jpg 236w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-768x975.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor-693x880.jpg 693w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Doctor.jpg 788w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 236px) 100vw, 236px" />

<h6>What are we testing?</h6>
At the DNA level, it’s estimated that the DNA of any two people is 99.5 percent identical, but it’s small differences that make us unique. These differences in our genome are called variants, and they can be linked to certain health conditions, traits, and ancestry groups. At 23andMe, we genotype DNA by extracting it from saliva samples — the DNA comes from white blood cells that are found naturally in the saliva and epithelial cells from the cheeks and mouth. Although genotyping doesn’t analyze an individual’s entire DNA sequence, it does allow us to look at about 600,000 DNA variants, which power our reports. 
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The variants included in 23andMe’s test are used in reports, not just on traits such as your likelihood of having a widow’s peak or about ancestry, but to estimate genetic risks for certain health conditions that are part of 23andMe Genetic Health Risk reports, which includes reports authorized by the FDA.*
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<h6>How accurate are our reports?</h6>
23andMe is the first and only direct-to-consumer genetic testing service that includes reports authorized by the FDA. As part of that authorization process, 23andMe demonstrated analytical validity of the genotyping platform (accuracy in detecting a genetic variant) by achieving greater than 99 percent concordance when compared to Sanger sequencing, considered the gold standard for accuracy. In addition, the requirements for demonstrating clinical validity (well-established association between variant and the condition) were met. 
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<h6>What are the limitations of 23andMe&#8217;s Carrier Status and Genetic Health Risk Reports*</h6>
As with most tests, there are limitations specific to each report that are clearly stated within the customer’s results.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/reports_online-300x300.png" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-25130" width="300" height="300" />There can be thousands of variants associated with a specific health condition and our report may only look at some of the more common variants, meaning if someone has one of the variants not tested, they could still be at increased genetic risk for the condition. For example, there are more than a thousand variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with an increased risk for certain cancers, but 23andMe’s BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) Genetic Health Risk* report looks at just three of these variants. And these variants are most commonly found in people with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. For individuals who find out they have one of these three variants, which can significantly increase their risk for cancer, this information can be extremely impactful when shared with their providers. But for customers who do not carry one of these variants, it’s important that they understand that they may still have a variant not tested. In addition, reports don’t account for family history, environment, and lifestyle which can also influence overall risk. 23andMe Genetic Health Risk reports state that not having a variant covered by our test does not mean someone is without risk.
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23andMe highlights the intended use, limitations, and relevant ethnicities in Genetic Health Risk and Carrier Status  reports. In addition, we have conducted user comprehension studies to ensure that our consumer can understand our Genetic Health Risk and Carrier Status reports. 
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If a 23andMe customer shows his or her healthcare provider their report, this information can be found in the report overview under the “How to Use this Test” section. As always, we encourage our customers (your patients) to consult with their healthcare provider. 
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<h6>How much control do customers have?</h6>
At 23andMe, our customers decide for themselves whether to view their health reports. 
But before making that decision, we want to ensure our customers understand what they’ll be viewing. To do this, we’ve created multiple steps in the process that requires customers to manually select what information they want to view and what information they want to share. In addition, customers viewing their health reports must undergo specific tutorials to help them understand the key concepts presented in their reports. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Opt-In-Individual-Report.001-300x162.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26120" width="300" height="162" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Opt-In-Individual-Report.001-300x162.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Opt-In-Individual-Report.001-768x414.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Opt-In-Individual-Report.001-880x474.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/Opt-In-Individual-Report.001.jpg 1000w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
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For our “sensitive reports,” which are linked to more serious health conditions like late-onset Alzheimer’s* and Parkinson’s disease*, customers must additionally opt-in to viewing those specific results. This manual process must be done for every “sensitive” report that is launched.
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<h6>Now, let’s talk about research! </h6>
While we believe participating in research can contribute to some promising breakthroughs in medical research, we want our customers to make that powerful choice for themselves. 
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All 23andMe customers who want to participate in research must undergo our informed consent process, which requires a customer to manually click “Yes” to participate. Without a customer’s consent, 23andMe cannot use their data for research.  <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Research3-225x300.png" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26332" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Research3-225x300.png 225w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Research3-768x1024.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Research3-660x880.png 660w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Research3-885x1180.png 885w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" />
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Data used for 23andMe research is de-identified and used in aggregate with other anonymous data. Customers participating in research can opt-out at any time, but most of 23andMe’s customers want to participate. More than 80 percent have opted-in to 23andMe research. Their contributions have led to the development of additional reports such as our <a href="http://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes/">Type 2 Diabetes Health Predisposition</a>** report released in March, and the publication of more than<a href="https://research.23andme.com/publications/"> 130 papers in peer-reviewed journals</a>. Again, our customers are in the power seat, and they tell us where they want their data to go and what they want to see. It is their experience!
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To help understand our reports and overall consumer experience, healthcare professionals can visit our website for healthcare professionals, <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/">medical.23andme.com</a>. The site includes <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/reports/#genetic-health-risks">sample reports </a>with various result outcomes. Additionally, you can find webinars and on-demand report walkthroughs led by our product scientists and genetic counselors. Our latest report walkthrough highlights our <a href="https://medical.23andme.com/webinar/mutyh-associated-polyposis-report/">MUTYH- Associated Polyposis Genetic Health Risk report</a>* released in May. We understand the need for this information and want to make sure you aware of the resources available to you.
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*The 23andMe PGS test includes health predisposition and carrier status reports. Health predisposition reports include both reports that meet US FDA requirements for genetic health risks and the 23andMe Type 2 Diabetes health predisposition report which is based on 23andMe research and has not been reviewed by the FDA. The test uses qualitative genotyping to detect select clinically relevant variants in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting genetic health risks and reporting carrier status. It is not intended to diagnose any disease. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. Each genetic health risk report describes if a person has variants associated with a higher risk of developing a disease, but does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is not intended to tell you anything about your current state of health, or to be used to make medical decisions, including whether or not you should take a medication, how much of a medication you should take, or determine any treatment. Our carrier status reports can be used to determine carrier status, but cannot determine if you have two copies of any genetic variant. These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for  developing a disease in the future, the health of your fetus, or your newborn child&#8217;s risk of developing a particular disease later in life. For certain conditions, we provide a single report that includes information on both carrier status and genetic health risk. Warnings &amp; Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for BRCA1/BRCA2 (Selected Variants) is indicated for reporting of the 185delAG and 5382insC variants in the BRCA1 gene and the 6174delT variant in the BRCA2 gene. The report describes if a woman is at increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, and if a man is at increased risk of developing breast cancer or may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The three variants included in this report are most common in people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and do not represent the majority of BRCA1/BRCA2 variants in the general population. The MUTYH-Associated Polyposis Genetic Health Risk Report is indicated for reporting the Y179C and G396D variants in the MUTYH gene and an increased risk for colorectal cancer. The two variants included in this report are most common in people of Northern European descent. These reports do not include variants in other genes linked to hereditary cancers and the absence of variants included in these reports do not rule out the presence of other genetic variants that may impact cancer risk. The PGS test is not a substitute for visits to a healthcare professional for recommended screenings or appropriate follow-up. Results should be confirmed in a clinical setting before taking any medical action. For important information and limitations regarding other genetic health risk reports and carrier status reports, visit  <a href="https://www.23andme.com/test-info/">https://www.23andme.com/test-info</a>.
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**The 23andMe Type 2 Diabetes report is based on 23andMe research and incorporates more than 1,000 genetic variants to provide information on the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.  The report does not account for lifestyle or family history and has not been reviewed by the US Food and Drug Administration. Visit <a href="http://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/type-2-diabetes">23andMe’s Type 2 Diabetes landing page</a> for additional important information.

Common Misconceptions Healthcare Professionals have about 23andMe

By Emily Drabant Connley, Ph.D. 
Editor&#8217;s note: A version of this piece appeared in STAT. You can find it <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2019/09/09/same-sex-sexual-behavior-genes/">here</a>.
As a scientist, I am fascinated by the <a href="https://www.statnews.com/2019/08/29/new-genetic-links-same-sex-sexuality/">new international study</a> that found thousands of genetic variants associated with same-sex sexual behavior, and not a mythical “gay gene.”<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/@PITER-23andMe-EmilyDrabant-19-200x300.jpg" alt="" class="alignright wp-image-22641" width="300" height="450" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/@PITER-23andMe-EmilyDrabant-19-200x300.jpg 200w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/@PITER-23andMe-EmilyDrabant-19-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/@PITER-23andMe-EmilyDrabant-19-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/@PITER-23andMe-EmilyDrabant-19-587x880.jpg 587w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/@PITER-23andMe-EmilyDrabant-19-787x1180.jpg 787w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/@PITER-23andMe-EmilyDrabant-19-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
 
The findings offer an intriguing glimpse into the complexity of sexual behavior. It reveals some differences in the genetics of same-sex sexual behavior between men and women, for instance. And the study illustrates that human sexuality is more nuanced than many believe.
 
Yet the study is compelling to me for another reason as well. As a member of the LGBTQ community, it is affirming. The data, in essence, says that same-sex sexual behavior is a complex trait governed by a number of genetic and non-genetic factors, just like height. And just as people range from tall to short, same-sex experiences are part of the normal spectrum of human sexuality.
<h6> The Natural World </h6>
Don’t get me wrong. I don’t need someone to tell me that I am “normal.” But for anyone who has gone through the difficult experience of coming out, seeing sound science validating same-sex relationships as part of the natural diversity of human sexuality is validating.
 
I recall reading Bruce Bagemihl’s book Biological Exuberance as a young scientist at Stanford. I found solace in the fact that within the rest of the natural world, there is a wide variety of pair-bonding, sexual behavior, and co-parenting. From penguins to bonobos, there are countless examples of same-sex pairing. There are even instances of lifelong same-sex relationships. For example, the Laysan albatross stay together for life and even raise chicks together. In nature, as in science, there is no judgment. I, and my wife are not an anomaly.
 
So this research grabs my attention as both a scientist and as a lesbian. I’ve been fortunate to work and build a career at a place that values both perspectives.
 
<h6>Leading with Science</h6>
Beginning almost a decade ago, 23andMe researchers and I first started studying sexual orientation. Those early efforts were prompted in part by requests from our customers. Our customers wanted to know more about the genetics and biology of sexuality. Like love, in general, the answer is complicated.
 
My fellow researchers at 23andMe and I also wanted to conduct this research out of our own scientific curiosity.
 
At the time, sexual orientation was understudied. Because it’s a controversial topic, funding was limited and recruitment of participants was difficult. That meant that many of the studies that had been done were underpowered.  We felt that 23andMe — with its crowdsourced research platform that allowed anonymous participation — was uniquely equipped to do the work. While there were strong opinions on either side around doing this kind of genetic study — even within my own LGBTQ community people came down on both sides  — as a scientist, I wanted to let the data speak.
 
<h6>There Is No &#8216;Gay Gene&#8217;</h6>
I’m proud of the preliminary work we did. But this new study — conducted by researchers in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Australia — easily dwarfs all the previous genetic studies into sexual orientation ever done. With data from nearly half a million people — including 23andMe customers who provided additional consent to participate in this specific research — this is the most powerful genetic study of its kind. It offers exciting lines of inquiry for future research.
 
This research did not find a “gay gene,” and frankly, human biology doesn’t work that way. Like personality and other complex human traits, a mix of genetic and environmental factors influences sexual behavior. Of all the many, many genetic variants that were found to influence same-sex sexual behavior, only a handful — five to be exact — were statistically significant, but in fact had small effects. Across all the thousands of genetic variants found, together they explain somewhere between 8 and 25 percent of the variation in same-sex sexual behavior. The genetic variants identified are far from being predictive of same-sex sexual behavior. Intriguingly, some of genetic variants with the strongest associations are linked to the biological pathways for sex hormones and olfaction, providing tantalizing clues into possible biological mechanisms influencing same-sex behavior.
 
But the most fundamental aspect of this inquiry is its contribution to our understanding of the human condition. We are fascinating in our diversity and complexity. The depth of our humanity is only truly understood when we study, appreciate and embrace that.
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Emily Drabant Conley, PhD, is Vice President for Business Development at 23andMe. Prior to 23andMe, Dr. Conley spent 10 years conducting research that combined genetics and neuroimaging to understand neuropsychiatric disease. She was a Research Fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health and is co-author on more than 30 academic publications. She  formerly served on the Advisory Board of Lesbians Who Tech, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity representation in the technology industry. She also previously served on the board of the UCSF Alliance Health Project, a clinic which provides services to the LGBT and HIV-affected communities in San Francisco.

Emily Drabant Connley

A Genetic Study Looking at the Natural Diversity of Human Sexuality

A new genome-wide association <a href="https://science.sciencemag.org/content/365/6456/eaat7693">study</a> (GWAS) involving more than 490,000 individuals, including 75,000 23andMe customers who consented to research, offers an intriguing glimpse into the complexity of sexual behavior. While the study found thousands of genetic variants with very, very small affects on same-sex sexual behavior, it did not find any “gay gene,” nor did the researchers expect to. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/blog-post-2-300x157.png" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-27139" width="300" height="157" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/blog-post-2-300x157.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/blog-post-2-768x402.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/blog-post-2-1024x536.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/blog-post-2-880x461.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/blog-post-2-1180x618.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/blog-post-2.png 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
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The study, “Large-scale GWAS reveals insights into the genetic architecture of same-sex sexual behavior,” reveals some differences in the genetics of same-sex sexual behavior between men and women, for instance. It also shows that human sexuality is more nuanced than many believe. Rather, like personality and other complex human traits, a mix of genetic and environmental factors influences sexual behavior. 
The researchers — in the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Australia, —  did not find any patterns among genetic variants that could be used to meaningfully predict or identify a person’s sexual orientation or behavior. 
&nbsp;
“[M]any loci with individually small effects…additively contribute to individual differences in predisposition to same-sex sexual behavior,” they write, describing genetic patterns consistent with many personality, behavioral, and physical traits. 
&nbsp;
23andMe is just one of the many institutions involved in this international collaboration, which includes scientists of different disciplines and areas of expertise from some of the world’s top academic and research bodies.
&nbsp;
Because it’s a controversial topic, funding has historically been limited and recruitment of participants was difficult — many of the studies that had been done in this area were underpowered and under resourced.
&nbsp;
23andMe — with its crowdsourced research platform that allowed anonymous, de-identified participation — was uniquely positioned to engage in this type of study. And, as a company, we are committed to representing the full diversity of the human population, and sexual behavior is just one component of that.

Same-Sex Sexual Behavior Partially Influenced by Genetics

It had to be more than just chance that Dave Stull and Eric Reynolds became cops.
<div id="attachment_27375" style="width: 235px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27375" class="wp-image-27375 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dave-Eric-Press-Conference-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dave-Eric-Press-Conference-225x300.jpg 225w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dave-Eric-Press-Conference-660x880.jpg 660w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dave-Eric-Press-Conference.jpg 720w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px" />Boynton Beach Police Officer Eric Reynolds, left, and Sgt. Dave Stull of the Orange County Sheriff&#8217;s Department. Photo Boynton Police Department.</div>
Looking back now Eric reckons, it’s the DNA.
He might be on to something.
The two men, who both live in Florida but had until recently never met, learned through 23andMe that they were not just brothers in blue, but half-brothers too.
Their story has, as Eric likes to say, “blown up.” Getting attention from the <a href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article233400652.html">Miami Herald</a>, the <a href="https://nypost.com/2019/08/05/florida-cops-find-out-theyre-long-lost-brothers-from-ancestry-test/">New York Post</a>, and <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/us/florida-cops-half-brothers-dna-test">Fox News</a>, as well as a host of other publications.
With more and more people using 23andMe, we are increasingly hearing from customers like Eric and Dave who have discovered newfound relatives, siblings, or birth parents. But their story, with sort of parallel lives that only now have intersected, struck a chord.
Dave, a sergeant with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department who was adopted as an infant, said he tested in part because he never had much information about his biological family, or family medical history. He tested after both of his adoptive parents had passed away, mostly to see if he had any hidden health issues.
“I wanted to see if I was gonna go bald,” he joked. 
He’s not likely to go bald, but right away his 23andMe showed him something else entirely. After opting into DNA Relatives, Dave clicked over to see his results and at the top of the list was Eric, a predicted half-brother.
<div id="attachment_27376" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption alignright"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27376" class="wp-image-27376 size-medium" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dave-and-Eric-300x215.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="215" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dave-and-Eric-300x215.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dave-and-Eric-768x552.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Dave-and-Eric.jpg 823w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />Dave, left, and Eric after meeting for the first time in person at Dave&#8217;s home.</div>
Dave, who for all his 50 years had been an only child, sent Eric a message:
“Good morning, my name is David Stull. According to 23andMe, we are half-brothers.”
Eric, a police officer at the Boynton Police Department, didn’t know what to make the message at first. He had a lot of questions, and he Googled Dave. Just looking at the picture, he knew it wasn’t a fluke. The brothers figured out that they shared the same father, who had been unaware of Dave’s birth. When Eric contacted his dad, he told him he had a “brand new bouncing baby boy.”
And now he had a big brother.
When Eric had the first test with 23andMe three years ago, it was less to find relatives and more to look at his ancestry and traits and suss out more about where his gung ho personality came from. He is the kind of guy who runs toward danger not away from it, and in 2013 received an award for his part in a part in the chase of a bank robbery suspect. He wondered if that was buried in his ancestry somewhere.
While genetics may explain why these two brothers both chose to work in law enforcement, they also both had family connections that nurtured that interest. For Eric, it was his mom, who served as a homicide detective in Miami.
For Dave, it all tracks back to when he was 4 years old when a cousin he looked up to was a police officer. His cousin gave him some department patches, a blue hat, and handcuffs. Ever since then he knew he wanted to be a cop, he said.
As the two try to make up for lost time, they are also planning a big family gathering. They’ll be coming together for Eric’s retirement and give a chance for Dave to meet his birth father in person as well as another half brother and half-sister.
Meanwhile, the two brother cops continue to marvel at the different coincidences in their lives.
&#8220;We&#8217;re still learning so much about each other,” Eric said at a press conference given by the Boynton Police Department about their discovery. “It&#8217;s amazing.&#8221;

Brother Cops

By Lily Brickman, 23andMe Communications Intern 
23andMe’s second official internship program included 28 interns across a number of teams and in a variety of different roles.
Our interns this year come from universities all over the country and are at varying points in their education and careers. The program is run by Maddy Choate and Steven Sellers from 23andMe&#8217;s People Team. Read on to learn more about the program and to meet some of our interns!
<div id="attachment_27364" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27364" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_Hero_Image-1024x347.png" alt="" class="size-large wp-image-27364" width="1024" height="347" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_Hero_Image-1024x347.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_Hero_Image-300x102.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_Hero_Image-768x260.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_Hero_Image-880x298.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_Hero_Image.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />23andMe&#8217;s 2019 Summer Interns.</div>
<h6>Why 23andMe has an internship program</h6>
At 23andMe, we believe that good ideas come from anywhere. We care about developing young talent. Having interns join our workforce gives us a fresh mindset, perspective, and energy our teams benefit from.
Our interns aren’t here to pick up lattes. They are tasked with meaningful projects and responsibilities that help our company reach its goals.
To learn more about how the interns are contributing, we&#8217;ve highlighted some of their projects in the &#8220;Meet our Interns&#8221; section below.
<h6>The summer Internship Program experience</h6>
Our summer internship program kicked off on May 28, with 15 interns joining 23andMe. On June 24th, our second batch of 13 came on board.
Beyond the work, the interns also got to experience a number of activities over the summer. Those included a tour of the South San Francisco Therapeutics office, bi-weekly Q&amp;A’s with executives, and an intern offsite activity. They also took part in a resume review workshop and have their headshots taken. At the end of their internship, they had a final presentation in which they showcased their work to their teams and fellow interns.
The program helps college students learn more about the healthcare industry and what 23andMe is all about.
Interns take advantage of everything they can, by talking to as many people as possible and acting as sponges from the many bright employees that are part of our Gene Pool.
The goal of the Summer Internship Program is to also help students figure out what types of roles interest them as well as what size companies they prefer. It’s just as important for interns to know what they want to do, as it is for them to know what they don’t.
We encourage our interns to raise their hands, get exposure, take charge of what they’re interested in, but know that it’s also okay to fail sometimes.
<div id="attachment_27365" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-27365" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_In_Text-1024x347.png" alt="" class="size-large wp-image-27365" width="1024" height="347" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_In_Text-1024x347.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_In_Text-300x102.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_In_Text-768x260.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_In_Text-880x298.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern_Blog_Post_In_Text.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />The interns had the opportunity to interact with executives as well as 23andMe CEO and Co-Founder Anne Wojcicki.</div>
<h6>Looking ahead</h6>
Building our Internship Program has been a grassroots effort and the People team is excited to see the increased level of interest for interns from more departments.
Over the next couple years and even this fall, the People Team will focus on more marketing of the available intern and entry-level roles to students across the country. 
Our People Team is getting ready for fall and spring recruiting events, so make sure to check our careers page for available opportunities at 23andme.com/careers.
Learn about the exciting things some of our interns are working on this summer:
<h6>Meet Alex</h6>
 Alex is an Engineering Project Management Intern on the Lab Operations team. As a rising senior and Biochemical Engineering major at USC, he says, “some advice I would give to a prospective intern is that it’s super valuable to have a wide range of experience in addition to focusing on one main path. Even in this role, I’m dealing with software that project managers wouldn’t normally work with. Having cross-functional experience makes it a lot easier to work with and help other people on a team.”
<h6>Meet Celine</h6>
 “I love the work culture and my team, especially. I also really like seeing how 23andMe has built out it’s Therapeutics division because that’s the future of the company. Anne’s personality and vision is always pushing us to do the next big thing,” says Celine, a Software Engineering Intern who is a soon-to-be senior and computer science major at UC Berkeley. Celine is a part of the Backoffice team and works closely with the Customer Care team.
<h6>Meet Ava</h6>
&#8220;My main project is for 23andMe&#8217;s Genetics Club Program, which falls within our research education department. I’m working on creating a leadership guidebook for students that sign up to be in this program and lead genetics clubs at their universities. I’m also helping to write summaries for new conference rooms that will be in our new Sunnyvale headquarters, which include genetics terms and names of hidden figures in STEM,” says Ava, a Research Communications intern. Ava will be a senior beginning this fall and is majoring in Molecular, Cellular, &amp; Developmental Biology at Yale University.
<h6>Meet Rachel </h6>
“My favorite thing about working here is that people really care about the mission. They’re super driven, and they want to do the right thing. It’s easy to be passionate about your job when you’re in a work environment where your own mission aligns so closely with the company’s vision,” says Rachel, a Design Intern on the Marketing team. She’s a rising junior and Economics and Cognitive Science double-major at UC Berkeley.
<h6>Meet Emma</h6>
 “I’m helping the Product team build a new feature to assist Health + Ancestry customers. Given the multifaceted nature of the Health + Ancestry product, working on this project has been an enjoyable cross-functional experience,” says Emma, a Product Management Intern on the Product Health Team. She is currently between her first and second years as a graduate student at Stanford University. Emma is working towards her Master’s in Management Science and Engineering with a focus in Health Systems Modeling.
<h6>Meet Ashwin</h6>
 “For me, every other internship up until now was focused more on getting the job done and satisfying the requirements, and I didn’t have much support from the team. I was focused primarily on technical skills. At 23andMe, I not only received tremendous support but was also encouraged to present my findings to Product Managers and work with them to come up with subtle product feature changes within three weeks of the internship. It speaks volumes about how this internship is a perfect launchpad for anyone who wants to work in the industry,” says Ashwin, a Data Science Intern on the Engineering team. He’s a graduating senior at UCLA with a major in Statistics.
<h6>Meet Bailey </h6>
“As an intern in Therapeutics, I have been able to apply technical skills I learned throughout my undergraduate and graduate degrees. In addition, I have been able to see the differences between working in an academic lab setting and working in industry. Day to day, I plan and run various experiments. I then meet with the Biology team in order to discuss our results, analyze them, and decide where to go next,” says Bailey, an intern on the Therapeutics team. She recently received her Master’s degree in Biotechnology from San Jose State University and was a CIRM Scholar at Stanford University in the Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute.
<h6>Meet Raina </h6>
Raina, a Software Engineering Intern and a rising junior and Symbolic Systems major at Stanford University says, “I’ve learned to not be afraid to ask for help, but to also have confidence in your skills and what you know. You’ll feel better about what you’re doing, and everyone is super helpful and collaborative.”
<h6>Meet Jack </h6>
“Advice I would give to prospective interns is to know what you want to get out of the internship. Have goals going into it in order to make the most out of it. But also make sure to understand what your team expects from you. I have a lot more autonomy at 23andMe than I did in previous internships, which means that there&#8217;s more opportunity for growth. But there’s also more expected of me, ” says Jack, a Corporate Development Intern on the Business Development team and a second-year MBA student at Stanford Graduate School of Business.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern-Blog-Post-In-Text-2-1024x347.png" alt="" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-27366" width="1024" height="347" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern-Blog-Post-In-Text-2-1024x347.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern-Blog-Post-In-Text-2-300x102.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern-Blog-Post-In-Text-2-768x260.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern-Blog-Post-In-Text-2-880x298.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Intern-Blog-Post-In-Text-2.png 1180w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
23andMe Intern Lily Brickman is a junior at USC majoring in communication.

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