We know 23andMe customers want to access their genetic information and insights on whichever device they choose, so we’ve recently added an app to support the iPad.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ipadAC-211x300.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26333" width="211" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ipadAC-211x300.jpg 211w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ipadAC-619x880.jpg 619w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/ipadAC.jpg 715w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 211px) 100vw, 211px" />
&nbsp;
The new <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/23andme/id952516687?mt=8">iPad app</a> is meant to meet growing demand from customers who want to access their genetic data while they’re away from their laptop or on the go. The iPad is an excellent device for kicking back and browsing all of the interesting reports, data, and charts available to 23andMe customers. 23andMe’s updated app makes wonderful use of the unique aspects and functionality of the tablet. Here are just a few examples:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>When viewing Ancestry Composition, the map of your ancestry is bigger, more interactive, and has excellent animations as you explore and dig into the data.</li>
<li>When viewing DNA Relatives from the Connections tab, you’ll have full access to all of the filters and sorting needed to narrow in on the relative with whom you’re looking to connect.</li>
<li>If you tap on a connection from your Connections list, the compare view contains more information at a glance and lets you quickly send messages back and forth from a sidebar.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;
Beyond the new iPad app, 23andMe has made many improvements to our mobile apps over the last few months including:
&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Faster startup times</li>
<li>An easy way to upload your profile photo using your phone.</li>
<li>A new research dashboard, which makes it easier to view unique 23andMe Research discoveries</li>
<li>A brand new Connections tab, where you can access your list of connections as well as DNA Relatives</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
These are just a few of the improvements we’re making to the mobile experience for customers. Stay tuned; there’s more to come.

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

23andMe’s New iPad App

By Luis Nunez, Marketing Intern — Genetics Club  
I have always loved to play soccer. At a young age I trained daily, but as I grew older I realized it took more than just playing the game to perform at my best — it took a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/wellness/muscle-composition">weight lifting regimen</a>. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Header-e1531349853445-227x300.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26325" width="227" height="300" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Header-e1531349853445-227x300.jpg 227w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Header-e1531349853445-768x1016.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Header-e1531349853445-774x1024.jpg 774w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Header-e1531349853445-665x880.jpg 665w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Header-e1531349853445-892x1180.jpg 892w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Header-e1531349853445-scaled.jpg 1935w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 227px) 100vw, 227px" />

For most of my childhood, I focused on being healthy so I could be a better soccer player, but that changed after I suffered a season ending injury. Now I am active and eat healthy not because of soccer but to take care of my overall health. 

Just like when I first learned that being a great soccer player meant doing more than just playing on  the field, I’m now learning that maintaining good health requires more. Knowledge is key.

This knowledge didn’t come easy. After fracturing a bone in my foot, and having to go through multiple surgeries due to complications, I wanted to know more about my own body and why I might have responded differently to various treatments. My doctors suggested that some complications that I experienced could have been influenced by my genetics. This intrigued me and I wanted to learn more. 

While going through different surgeries, I asked myself: What did I do wrong to be going through this horrific experience? But I soon realized that some things in life are out of my control. I decided to explore genetics and how my genes could affect both my health and my recovery. Although I can’t do anything about the genes I inherited, I do have the ability  to learn more about them and make better decisions based on what I learn. Also as an athlete, understanding my body and how it works is crucial to my overall performance. 

Finding accurate resources to learn about genetics can sometimes be difficult. At 23andMe, through the education website, you can learn about genetics in different ways. For example, through webinars or articles. You can also continue the conversation at your college by starting a Genetics Club where you can invite your friends to join the journey of learning about genetics with you. So don’t stop asking questions, stay curious, and join the 23andMe Genetics Club. Sign up today and keep the conversation about genetics going at:<a href="https://education.23andme.com/"> https://education.23andme.com/</a>
<div id="attachment_26323" style="width: 806px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-26323" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sitting-with-soccer-ball-e1531349763936-796x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-26323 size-large" width="796" height="1024" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sitting-with-soccer-ball-e1531349763936-796x1024.jpeg 796w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sitting-with-soccer-ball-e1531349763936-768x988.jpeg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sitting-with-soccer-ball-e1531349763936-233x300.jpeg 233w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sitting-with-soccer-ball-e1531349763936-684x880.jpeg 684w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sitting-with-soccer-ball-e1531349763936-918x1180.jpeg 918w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Sitting-with-soccer-ball-e1531349763936-scaled.jpeg 1991w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 796px) 100vw, 796px" />Luis was born and raised in the Bay Area. He is a senior studying Marketing at Menlo College and plays collegiate soccer as a center midfielder. He loves soccer and has been playing since he was 6 years old. He also enjoys running and working out and loves to visit new coffee shops.</div>

Luis Nunez

Genetics with a kick, a soccer injury sparks a genetics education

We humans are incredibly adaptable, and the evidence for that is in our DNA.
We have survived and thrived around the world, even in<a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2015/09/how-people-living-at-earths-extremes-reveal-the-genomes-best-tricks/408001/"> extreme environments</a>, not just because of our intelligence and culture, but because of our biology.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26216" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bajau-300x184.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="184" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bajau-300x184.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bajau-768x471.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bajau-1024x628.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bajau-880x540.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bajau-1180x724.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Bajau.jpg 1308w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />
<h6>Adaptations</h6>
Early this year, a<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867418303866?via%3Dihub"> study</a> of the Bajau — an ethnic Malay people who for a thousand years have lived in and around the ocean as so-called “Sea Nomads” — offers the latest example of how genetic adaptations have given some populations the advantage they need to survive.
The Bajau’s life at sea — spending hours diving for fish — created evolutionary pressure that favored a trait allowing them to hold their breath longer and dive deeper. Those who did not have that trait, researchers speculate, didn’t survive.
<h6>Hold Your Breath</h6>
The average person can hold their breath underwater for about a minute or two. With a little practice, a person can learn to push their underwater time to several minutes. But the research that was done by Melissa Ilardo, a University of Copenhagen, Ph.D. student, found that genetics also plays a role in their ability to dive longer and deeper than most people.
Bajau people have on average spleens that are 50 percent larger than other people of the same ethnic group, according to the research done by Ilardo. During a dive, the spleen contracts and this pushes out oxygen-rich blood into the circulatory system while they are holding their breath. The research found that there was a variant in the gene PDE104, which controls thyroid hormone and can lead to larger spleens. This variant was often found to appear in Bajau people.
<h6>Evolutionary Advantages</h6>
The study parallels research of evolutionary advantages among other populations in extreme environments around the globe.
For example, researchers have found a<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/news/breathless-over-new-finding-using-ancient-dna/"> genetic adaptation among Tibetans</a> who live at high altitudes where the level of oxygen is lower than at sea level. Tibetans were more likely to have variants on the EPAS1 gene that prevents blood thickening, a genetic advantage, and that this genetic advantage is something that was likely inherited from an ancient human cousin, the <a href="https://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v512/n7513/full/nature13408.html">Denisovans</a>, more than 40,000 years ago.
Interestingly, the Denisovans may have also contributed to the genetic adaptation that has helped the Bajau. Along with the variants that influence spleen size among Bajau, researchers also found variants in higher frequency among the Bajau in the gene FAM178B, which is involved in helping the body maintain the proper pH balance in the blood, and is believed to have come from Denisovans.
The genetic research done among the Bajau and Tibetans points to the value of studying isolated populations who may provide valuable insights not just into human evolution but to the possible treatment of certain conditions that affect us all.

Diving Into The Genetic Adaptations of Sea Nomads

Genetic variants associated with the severity of symptoms of the chronic skin condition, rosacea, have been identified for the first time in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/hmg/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/hmg/ddy184/4996740">a new study</a>. Despite rosacea affecting more than 16 million people in the United States alone, the cause of the common condition is unknown.  <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/iStock-614644874-300x208.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26314" width="300" height="208" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/iStock-614644874-300x208.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/iStock-614644874.jpg 600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />

Symptoms of rosacea can include flushing and persistent redness, in its more mild form, to pimple-like pustules that appear on the face. More severe cases include a thickening of the skin and an enlargement of the nose. Rosacea is three times more likely to affect women as it is men, but men tend to experience more severe symptoms.

This new study, published earlier this year in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/hmg/advance-article-abstract/doi/10.1093/hmg/ddy184/4996740">Human Molecular Genetics</a>, found seven gene regions associated with symptom severity that play a role in skin pigmentation, immune response, and inflammation.  The findings give new insight into the underlying biology of the disease and may hold clues for identifying drug targets used to treat it, according to the researchers at GlaxoSmithKline who collaborated with 23andMe to conduct this research.  

“Most genetic studies focus on genetic factors that affect disease risk by comparing people with and without disease,” said Matt Nelson, head of Genetics at GlaxoSmithKline.  “The 23andMe survey data allowed us to investigate disease severity in people who have rosacea, identifying potential targets for drugs that can reverse the symptoms of disease.  This approach may be crucial for developing better drugs for treating chronic diseases.”
Three years ago, 23andMe and researchers at Stanford conducted the first genome-wide association <a href="https://mediacenter.23andme.com/press-releases/researchers-from-stanford-university-and-23andme-discover-genetic-links-to-rosacea/">study of rosacea risk</a>.  This latest study focuses on understanding rosacea symptom severity and is more than three times larger. 
The scientists at GlaxoSmithKline, with support from the PAREXEL Genomic Medicine team, used data from more than 73,000 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research. The participants were of mostly European ancestry and answered questions about symptoms associated with rosacea. Scientists still don’t fully understand what causes the condition, but this study and others give vital clues as to the genes involved which was previously unknown.  

Beyond the findings themselves, the study highlights the power of 23andMe’s research model.

&#8220;This is a good example of how the 23andMe research model can lead to discoveries for common but understudied conditions. It would be very difficult and expensive to conduct a traditional genetic study of rosacea on this scale,” said 23andMe Research Fellow and Statistical Genetics David Hinds.

New Genetic Associations for Rosacea Found

Editor’s note: We first ran a version of this blog post a few years back and thought we’d revisit the topic for this year’s July 4th.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declaration_independence_70222_1.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-14170" width="1" height="1" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declaration_independence_70222_1.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declaration_independence_70222_1-150x150.jpg 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declaration_independence_70222_1-300x197.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declaration_independence_70222_1-271x149.jpg 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declaration_independence_70222_1-372x204.jpg 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/declaration_independence_70222_1-574x315.jpg 574w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1px) 100vw, 1px" />
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Declaration-of-Independence-300x200.jpg" alt="" class="alignright wp-image-26317 size-medium" width="300" height="200" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Declaration-of-Independence-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Declaration-of-Independence-768x512.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Declaration-of-Independence-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Declaration-of-Independence-880x587.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Declaration-of-Independence-1180x787.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Declaration-of-Independence.jpg 1254w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />

Through the magic of the Internet, you can now examine the yellowing letters of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin’s first ideas for a colonial confederation in his own handwriting and early<a href="https://www.loc.gov/exhibits/declara/images/frag1.jpg"> drafts of the U.S. Constitution</a> complete with strike-throughs and other edits.

For most Americans, especially on<a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/facts-for-features/2018/july4.html"> Independence Day</a>, looking at the handwritten notes of some of the country’s founders offers a visceral connection to the country’s beginning. Seeing their scratch marks on pages faded and wrinkled with age gives people a connection to their history. In some ways,<a href="https://www.23andme.com/ancestry/"> exploring your ancestry</a> through your DNA stirs up a similar emotional response.
The “writing” in our DNA doesn’t just tell us about ourselves; it tells us about our connection to human history. 
Within each of us is a genetic record of our ancestry, including on what branch of the world’s family tree our paternal or maternal lines belong. While none of the Founding Fathers were customers of 23andMe, we do know a little about their DNA because of publicly-available records of testing done on their direct descendants. 23andMe customers can look back not just at their own ancestry, but they can also see if they share a maternal or paternal line with the likes of Benjamin Franklin,<a href="http://www.monticello.org/site/jefferson/brief-biography-thomas-jefferson"> Thomas Jefferson</a>,<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/johnadams"> John Adams,</a> and<a href="http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=h000101"> Alexander Hamilton</a>.
Franklin’s maternal line, which traces from his mother to his mother’s mother and so on back in time, is <a href="https://thegeneticgenealogist.com/2007/11/01/dna-analysis-of-5-people-who-helped-create-america/">Haplogroup V</a>. This branch of the human family tree is believed to have originated in Europe 12,000 years ago. Only about four percent of Europeans share this haplogroup, which is much more common among Finns, Sardinians, and Basques. Known for his wit and wisdom, Franklin also helped draft the Constitution and profoundly influence the character of the nation. 

Although he never became president he embodied what many believe to be the essence of what it means to be an American. Adams, a Harvard-trained lawyer who served as Vice President to George Washington and afterward the second US President, had the paternal haplogroup R1b1. This haplogroup also emerged out of Europe, but 30,000 years ago and is common among people of Irish, British, Dutch and German ancestry.

Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third US President, had the unusual paternal Haplogroup T, which is more common among people of the Middle East, although it is also found in England. Jefferson traced his paternal ancestry back to Wales where T is very rare. DNA has also factored into determining that the rumors that Jefferson fathered at least one child with his slave Sally Hemings are probably true.

Finally,<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Hamilton"> Alexander Hamilton</a>, Washington’s Secretary of Treasury and the guy on the $10 bill, had a paternal <a href="http://www.personal.psu.edu/users/g/a/gah4/HamDNA/Results.html">Haplogroup I1a</a>. This haplogroup is common among Finns, Norwegians and Swedes. 
As we consider our country’s forefathers this Independence Day, these influential men need not be distant historic figures. Rather, a closer look at our DNA may reveal that these men share something more.

Independence DNA

By Jey McCreight, PhD, Research Communications Scientist at 23andMe
Happy Pride! As June comes to an end, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate our LGBTQ+ research participants and employees. Whether they’re contributing data or analyzing it, the quality of our science wouldn’t be the same without them.<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter wp-image-26303 size-large" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride-Social-Image-1024x536.jpg" alt="An icon that includes the text &quot;Happy LGBTQ+ Pride Month&quot;" width="1024" height="536" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride-Social-Image-1024x536.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride-Social-Image-300x157.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride-Social-Image-768x402.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride-Social-Image-880x461.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride-Social-Image-1180x618.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride-Social-Image.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />
<h6>Latest Research</h6>
This is especially true for one of our latest research projects. Forming relationships is such an essential part of the human experience. With this in mind our Research Team is currently conducting a genome-wide association study of sexual orientation with a number of collaborators.
While investigating the genetics of sexual orientation is frequently controversial, we believe that good science can combat misinformation. For example, there is a common misconception, known as genetic essentialism, that genes completely and immutably determine traits. The reality, however, is that sexual orientation is 30 to 40 percent heritable. That estimate comes from studying identical and non-identical twins.<a id="a1" href="#f1">[1]</a> That range of heritability is similar to other traits such as being introverted or extroverted.
<h6>A Complex Trait</h6>
The genetic component is not due to a single “gay gene.” Rather it is a complicated architecture of many genetic variants contributing small effects. This is also due to the fact that sexual orientation is a very complex trait that encompasses many different aspects such as sexual attraction, sexual experience, and sexual identity. Given this moderate heritability, it’s likely that some people who identify as sexual minorities do not have the (yet to be discovered) genetic factors that associate with differences in sexual orientation. Similarly, it is likely that among people with these genetic factors, many identify as straight.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-26302" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride2018-1024x520.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="520" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride2018-1024x520.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride2018-300x152.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride2018-768x390.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride2018-880x447.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride2018-1180x600.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pride2018.jpg 1600w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />We want to make clear that studying sexual orientation by no means implies that same-sex attraction is a disease. That&#8217;s is an antiquated, harmful, and false idea. We are studying sexual orientation because we want to learn more about what makes us human. It&#8217;s also why we study <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/the-genetics-of-empathy/">how we feel empathy</a>, or what determines <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/untangling-the-genetics-of-hair-color/">hair color</a>, or whether we <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/23andme-adds-four-new-trait-reports/">like or hate cilantro</a>. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community who is both a 23andMe scientist and research participant, I’m excited to learn more about what makes me, me.
While the science of sexual orientation is moving forward, the field of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) has some catching up to do. When hostile environments push people out of STEM fields, we lose great minds that could have made the next big discovery. Unfortunately, this is not a hypothetical situation for many LGBTQ+ individuals.
<h6>Discrimination</h6>
For example, it’s still legal for employers to discriminate against someone for their sexual or gender identity in 28 states.<a id="a2" href="#f2">[2]</a> With the fear of being fired, harassed, or ostracized looming overhead, it’s unsurprising that over 40 percent of LGBTQ+ identified workers in STEM fields are not “out” to their colleagues.<a id="a3" href="#f3">[3]</a> “Out” LGBTQ+ workers are less likely to experience anxiety, isolation, and the feeling that their career has stalled compared to their closeted coworkers.<a id="a4" href="#f4">[4]</a>
Despite this, among “out” STEM faculty members, about 70 percent still felt uncomfortable in their department and were approximately 7 times more likely to experience exclusionary behavior by their colleagues.<a id="a5" href="#f5">[5]</a>
Even before beginning their careers, LGBTQ+ students are being lost from STEM fields. Undergraduate sexual minority students are 7 percent less likely to be retained in STEM compared to switching into a non-STEM program.<a id="a6" href="#f6">[6]</a> This is despite these students being more likely to have worked in a lab than their heterosexual counterparts, which is typically associated with retention in STEM fields.
<h6>23andMe&#8217;s Commitment</h6>
23andMe values diversity and makes it a priority to ensure that both our product and workplace are inclusive. Our Product Science team is currently working on separating biological sex and gender identity on user profiles. This is to make our product more inclusive to trans* and non-binary individuals. We’ve also shown our support by offering the same health care benefits to same-sex partners of employees. 23andMe recently sponsored the <a href="https://lesbianswhotech.org/sanfrancisco2018/">Lesbians Who Tech Summit.</a> We&#8217;re also printing rainbow chromosome shirts for Pride.
&#8220;At 23andMe we&#8217;ve always believed that the best science happens when everyone has the opportunity to participate,” says Anne Wojcicki, 23andMe CEO and co-founder. “We value all of our LGBTQ+ customers and employees and thank them for being an important part of our community!&#8221;
Fun shirts won’t single-handedly change the world, but letting employees know they can be proud of who they are is completely worth it. The communities I grew up in weren’t always supportive, but now I feel so lucky to work somewhere where LGBTQ+ individuals are welcomed and celebrated by our allies.
<footer class="footnotes">Footnotes:</footer>
<footer class="footnotes"><a id="f1" href="#a1">[1] </a> <a href="https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.11.1843">https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.11.184</a></footer>
<a href="#a2">[2] </a>http://www.hrc.org/state-maps/employment<a id="f2" href="#a2"></a>
<a id="f3" href="#a3">[3] </a> Jeremy B. Yoder &amp; Allison Mattheis. (2016) Queer in STEM: Workplace Experiences Reported in a National Survey of LGBTQA Individuals in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Careers. Journal of Homosexuality, 63:1, 1–27, DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2015.1078632<a id="f4" href="#a4"></a>
<a id="f4" href="#a4">[4] </a> <a href="https://hbr.org/2011/07/for-lgbt-workers-being-out-brings-advantages">https://hbr.org/2011/07/for-lgbt-workers-being-out-brings-advantages</a>
<a id="f5" href="#a5">[5]</a><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262989539_Factors_impacting_the_academic_climate_for_LGBQ_STEM_faculty">https://www.researchgate.net/publication/262989539_Factors_impacting_the_academic_climate_for_LGBQ_STEM_faculty</a>
<footer class="footnotes"></footer>
<a id="f6" href="#a6">[6]</a> <a href="http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/3/eaao6373.full">http://advances.sciencemag.org/content/4/3/eaao6373.full</a>
<footer class="footnotes"></footer>

23andMe Celebrates Pride Month

Researchers identified more than a hundred genetic regions associated with neuroticism, a trait used to gauge personality that is also associated with risk factors for depression and schizophrenia.
For this, the largest study ever done on neuroticism, scientists used data from many studies in what researchers call a “meta-analysis.” 
Altogether the study includes data from almost half a million people, including from 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research.The study led by<a href="https://ctg.cncr.nl/people/danielle_posthuma"> Danielle Posthuma</a>, a statistical geneticist at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, identified 136 genes associated with neuroticism. 
“Neuroticism is an important risk factor for depression,” said Posthuma. “Hence, insights into the biological mechanisms underlying neuroticism may eventually be informative for the development of drugs to treat depression. Our study is the most comprehensive study into the genetics and biological mechanisms of neuroticism to date, and provides very specific starting points for follow-up studies.”
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Brain-e1529951057892-300x254.jpg" alt="" class="alignright wp-image-26298 size-medium" width="300" height="254" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Brain-e1529951057892-300x254.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Brain-e1529951057892-768x651.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Brain-e1529951057892-1024x868.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Brain-e1529951057892-880x746.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Brain-e1529951057892-1180x1000.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Brain-e1529951057892.jpg 1395w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />The study, published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-018-0151-7">Nature Genetics</a>, was also able to show two distinct clusters for the neuroticism, one around “worry” and the other for what is called “depressed affect,” which describes a state of reduced emotional expression often associated with schizophrenia. In a parallel meta-analysis that also included data from 23andMe and was published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-018-0152-6">Nature Genetics</a>,  Posthuma and her team found found 205 loci associated with intelligence offering a deeper look at the neurobiology of cognitive function. That study also found associations between those genetic regions and &#8220;intelligence-linked&#8221; genes, and associations with educational attainment, Alzheimer&#8217;s disease and ADHD. The researcher &#8220;suggest protective effects of intelligence (against) Alzheimer’s disease and ADHD,&#8221; but it is linked to an increased risk for autims.
This research is the latest in a<a href="about:blank"> series of studies</a> that have illuminated the underlying genetic basis for cognitive function, personality traits and psychiatric disorders. The research around personality have included work on the genetics around the so-called called<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_personality_traits"> “Big Five</a>” personality traits — neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.
On that spectrum of traits, a high level of neuroticism is associated with various mental and physical health issues including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. High levels of neuroticism are also associated with schizophrenia.
By revealing genes associated with neuroticism, this study adds to our understanding of the underlying neurobiology of the condition. The study points to genes and gene regions involved in neurogenesis, or the process of neuron production in the brain, as well as other processes involving neural stem cells and nerve cells in the brain.
“These results are a major step forward in understanding the neurobiology of neuroticism and provide clear clues for functional follow-up experiments,” the study authors said.
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New Study Finds Genetic Associations for Neuroticism

In the most extensive genetic study of brain disorders to date, scientists have found a shared genetic basis for psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. But the researchers also found that neurological brain disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease are more distinct from one another.
The findings may change how scientists look at disorders of the brain, according to the lead author of the study<a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/bios/benjamin-neale"> Ben Neale</a>, of the Broad Institute at MIT and Harvard. <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Brain-Logo-287x300.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-22635" 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" />
“If we can uncover the genetic influences and patterns of overlap between different disorders, then we might be able to better understand the causes of these conditions — and potentially identify specific mechanisms appropriate for tailored treatments,” Neale said.
<h6>The Genetics of Psychiatric Disorders </h6>
Published in the journal <a href="http://science.sciencemag.org/content/360/6395/eaap8757">Science</a>, the findings could also change how psychiatric disorders are categorized, which in turn could inform the development of treatments for patients. 
The researchers used a hypothetical example to explain this. It&#8217;s possible that a single genetic mechanism  affects concentration. This, in turn, could play a role in both the lack of attention that is part of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or the diminished executive function that is a cornerstone of schizophrenia. And the deeply connected nature of psychiatric disorders underscores the need to refine their diagnosis, according to the researchers involved in this study.
<h6>Psychiatric and Neurological Disorders </h6>
This massive study was led by the Broad Institute and funded in part by the<a href="https://www.nih.gov/grants-funding"> National Institutes of Health</a>, the<a href="http://www.european-funding-guide.eu/content/about-us"> Orion Farmos Research Foundation</a> and the<a href="http://hertzfoundation.org/"> Fannie and John Hertz Foundation.</a> The work included contributions from researchers at more than 600 institutions worldwide — as well as data from dozens of cohorts including from 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research. The researchers pooled this data to examine more than two-dozen different psychiatric and neurological disorders. In all data from more than a million individuals was used for this study.
“This was an unprecedented effort in sharing data, from hundreds of researchers all around the world, to improve our understanding of the brain,” said coauthor <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Verneri_Anttila">Verneri Anttila</a>, a postdoctoral research fellow in Neale’s lab.
<h6>Large Amount of Data Needed for These Studies</h6>
The sheer size of this study allowed researchers to discern the sometimes small influence of individual genetic variations on specific conditions. That is because often many dozen or hundreds or even thousands of variants can contribute to risk for specific conditions. The study revealed extensive genetic overlap across different psychiatric disorders in particular between ADHD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. The data also indicated strong overlap between anorexia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Some of the findings confirm previous research.
Beyond just investigating the genetic associations that overlapped between conditions, the researchers also looked at the relationship between these conditions and 17 physical and cognitive measures. Among those are such things as the number of years of schooling, personality, smoking habits and BMI. The researchers found significant correlations between more years in school and ADHD, bipolar disorder and depression. But there those same cognitive and personality factors were negatively associated with neurological disorders like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, according to the study.
Researchers said that they were surprised to find such a strong correlation between educational attainment and many psychiatric conditions. But the findings point toward potential future studies.
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Massive new study finds shared genetic basis for psychiatric disorders

Most of us know that the color of our hair, or whether we have a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/cleft-chin/">chin dimple</a>, or the likelihood of going bald when we get older has something to do with genetics, but other traits — being a morning person, having an aversion to cilantro or getting irritated at hearing someone chew their food — also have a genetic component.
23andMe recently added four new reports to its growing list of more than two-dozen Trait reports.&nbsp; Together, these reports help illustrate how our genetics may influence more than just physical traits like the <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/hair-thickness">thickness of our hair</a>, but also food preferences or certain behavioral traits.
The reports also help us understand something else that many of us know already but for which we may still need a reminder — our genetics don’t explain everything.
Our traits are influenced by a complex interaction between genetics, environment, and lifestyle. And the genetic influences can also be complicated with dozens and even hundreds, or sometimes thousands of genetic variants playing a role.
23andMe’s Trait Reports offer a fun way to explore this complexity by looking at how your DNA may influence <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/">physical features</a> or certain personal characteristics. Spend a little time with each report and you quickly get a sense of how your genetics is just part of the bigger picture.
Keep in mind that these results from 23andMe research are preliminary and are meant for informational purposes only. Our scientists used data from 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research in creating these reports. So let’s look at the four new Trait Reports we’ve added:
<h6>Cilantro Taste Aversion</h6>
 Many people describe<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/cilantro-love-hate-genetic-trait/"> cilantro as tasting like soap</a> so slipping <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Cilantro-Aversion.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-full wp-image-26278" width="257" height="192">a bit of the&nbsp; herb into a dish is seen as a culinary crime. 23andMe researchers have identified two genetic variants associated with aversion to cilantro in people of European ancestry. These two variants are near genes that control the olfactory receptors that determine a person’s sense of smell. Some of these receptors detect something called aldehydes, a compound found in soap, and a major component of the cilantro aroma.While having these variants might make it more likely that you dislike cilantro, it doesn’t guarantee it. The culture in which you grow up makes a difference too.<a href="https://flavourjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/2044-7248-1-8"> A study</a> from 2012 found distinct differences in aversion to cilantro among different populations. In cultures where the use of the herb was more common, among people with South Asian, Hispanic or Middle Eastern ancestry, fewer people dislike cilantro.
<h6>Misophonia</h6>
The report looks at the feelings of rage triggered by certain sounds<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Misophonia-300x290.jpg" alt="" class="alignright wp-image-26277 size-medium" width="300" height="290" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Misophonia-300x290.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Misophonia.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />.<a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/misophonia/"> Misophonia</a>, from the Greek word meaning hatred of sound, is characterized by an emotional reaction from rage to panic upon hearing other people chewing, sipping or chomping on their food. Some scientists believe that this could be an increased connection within the brain involved with hearing and the “fight or flight” response. 23andMe’s new report looks at a genetic variant near the TENM2 gene — involved in brain development — that is associated with having higher odds of <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/misophonia/">misophonia</a>. 

<h6>Wake-up Time </h6>
Being a morning person or a night owl is partially<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/rise-and-shine/"> associated with your genetics</a>. 23andMe researchers looked at data from more than 70,000 customers who consented to <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Large-Trait-Feature-Image-e1529623778394-300x176.png" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26294" width="300" height="176" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Large-Trait-Feature-Image-e1529623778394-300x176.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Large-Trait-Feature-Image-e1529623778394.png 625w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />participate in research and found 450 different genetic variants associated with being a morning person or a night owl. This new report uses genetic information and non-genetic information as part of a statistical model to predict what time you’d typically wake up on your days off when you don’t have to wake up for work. The report also allows you to adjust your genetics or your age to see how that might impact the prediction. Typically the older you are the earlier you wake up.
<h6>Hair Thickness </h6>
Genetics doesn’t just play a role in the color of your locks or whether or not you might go bald, it also influences the <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://blog-api.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Hair-Thickness-300x290.jpg" alt="" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-26280" width="300" height="290" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Hair-Thickness-300x290.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Hair-Thickness.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" />thickness of the hair you have. The size and shape of your hair follicles influence the thickness of each individual strand of hair you have. Typically people with East Asian ancestry have thicker hair than individuals with African or European ancestry. 23andMe’s new report looks at one genetic variant in the gene EDAR that is important in follicle development and plays a large role in the thickness of your hair. 23andMe actually offers six other reports that look at different hair traits, such early hair loss, the likelihood of developing a bald spot, <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/hair-texture/">hair texture</a>, light or dark hair, red hair and <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/traits/widows-peak/">having a widow’s peak</a>.
23andMe’s new Trait Reports are just the latest in a series of new offerings for customers interested in exploring their genetics in a fun and inviting way.
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