23andMe is a gift as unique as those who receive it. It offers insights that are personal and often profound.



Throughout this holiday season, we’re highlighting a few people who shared&nbsp; how the gift of 23andMe changed their lives.



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



For Christmas a few years back Jarrod and Ginger Lyle gifted each other 23andMe Health + Ancestry kits.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-lifesaving-gift">A lifesaving Gift</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="728" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jarrod-Ginger-728x1024.jpeg" alt="" class="wp-image-30889" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jarrod-Ginger-728x1024.jpeg 728w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jarrod-Ginger-213x300.jpeg 213w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jarrod-Ginger-768x1080.jpeg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jarrod-Ginger-626x880.jpeg 626w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jarrod-Ginger-839x1180.jpeg 839w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Jarrod-Ginger.jpeg 1213w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 728px) 100vw, 728px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Jarrod &amp; Ginger</figcaption></figure>



They were both just curious about what they might learn. Ginger, a nurse, was particularly interested in exploring her health reports.



“I thought it would be interesting to see if we had anything genetic pop up that could be helpful in our future or for our three children,” Ginger said.



But neither Ginger nor Jarrod expected that their Christmas gift might have saved his life.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mutyh">MUTYH</h6>



Jarrod’s 23andMe reports indicated he had two variants for what is called <a href="https://www.23andme.com/topics/health-predispositions/mutyh-associated-polyposis/">MUTYH-associated polyposis.</a>* It&#8217;s an inherited condition that increases the risk for colorectal cancer. Neither of Jarrod nor Ginger had heard of it before. Being a nurse Ginger did some research. She also asked her coworkers about the condition, which is known by its acronym MAP. 



The couple quickly realized it wasn’t something that they should ignore, especially considering that Jarrod’s family had a history of colon cancer. So he followed up with his doctor.



“I just turned 43, I still had a few years to go [before regular screenings] but I thought we should go get it checked out,” Jarrod said.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-healthy-future">A healthy future</h6>



The pandemic and some issues with their insurance delayed Jarrod getting in to see a specialist. But eventually he went through a series of colonoscopies where doctors found dozens of polyps that were removed, only to find more six months later. 



Each time the doctors said the polyps were benign. However, given his family’s history of colon cancer, and his genetic health risk, he decided to meet with a geneticist. Additional scans found more polyps. He discussed his options with his doctors. Jarrod decided to have his colon and rectum removed to reduce his risk for cancer.



Jarrod’s doctor believes that if he waited until he was 50 for a routine colonoscopy Jarrod would have had progressive cancer. Ginger said 23andMe turned out to be a much bigger gift than she’d ever expected.



“This test has saved my husband’s future, with myself and our children,” she said. “So thankful this was found, and my 43-year-old husband can hopefully have a healthy and long future!’



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



*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, including the 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for MUTYH-Associated Polyposis. Your ethnicity may affect the relevance of each report and how your genetic health risk results are interpreted. The test is not intended to diagnose any disease and does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing any type of cancer. It 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 treatments. Warnings &amp; Limitations: The 23andMe PGS Genetic Health Risk Report for MUTYH-Associated Polyposis is indicated for reporting the Y179C and G396D variants in the MUTYH gene and an increased risk for colorectal cancer.&nbsp; The two variants included in

23andMe Blog

23andMe Blog Team

A Gift of Health

23andMe is a gift as unique as those who receive it. It offers insights that are personal and often profound.



Throughout this holiday season, we’re highlighting a few people who shared&nbsp; how the gift of 23andMe changed their lives.



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



For Christmas one year, Josh King received a 23andMe Health + Ancestry kit. Josh assumed his results would tell him a bit about his genealogy.



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Josh-King-tw.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30886" width="300" height="272" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Josh-King-tw.jpg 600w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Josh-King-tw-300x272.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Josh King</figcaption></figure>



“But I had no idea it would be pivotal to my personal health,” he said.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hereditary-hemochromatosis">Hereditary hemochromatosis</h6>



After returning his sample to the lab and waiting a few weeks, he received an email that his reports were ready. Josh was surprised to learn he had two genetic variants that made him much more likely to develop something called hereditary hemochromatosis.* 



Hemochromatosis is a genetic condition that can lead to iron overload. That can in turn cause damage to the joints, liver, pancreas, or heart, among other things. 



It’s a genetic condition that can lead to iron overload, which in turn can cause damage to the joints, liver, pancreas, or heart, among other things. It’s most common in people of Northern European ancestry, and symptoms are usually diagnosed in males between the ages of 40 and 60. Josh was in his early 30s at the time.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-visit-to-the-doctor">A visit to the doctor</h6>



Accordingly, he went to see his doctor, shared with him his report. Confirmatory testing from his doctor showed that Josh indeed had iron overload. His doctor told him he had never diagnosed the condition in someone as young as Josh. Fortunately treatment is relatively straightforward, regular blood draws and reducing alcohol and iron-rich food in your diet.



“I have spoken with many people who are hesitant about genetic health data &#8211; they&#8217;re not sure they would want to know any negative news,” Josh said. “I gently suggest they get over it. Data is your friend. These genetic markers are not the indelible hand of fate. You might learn something that you can easily manage now and add years, or decades, to your life.”&nbsp;



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



 *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 does not describe a person’s overall risk of developing the disease. The test is&nbsp; 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.The Hereditary Hemochromatosis (HFE?Related) genetic health risk report is indicated for reporting of the C282Y and H63D variants in the HFE gene and describes if a person has variants associated with an increased risk of developing iron overload related to hereditary hemochromatosis.&nbsp; The variants included in this report are best studied in people of European descent.

A Gift of Knowing

Not too long ago, 23andMe launched a <a href="https://www.23andme.com/sarcoidosis-representation/">new study of sarcoidosis</a>, specifically aimed at better understanding the underlying genetic and environmental factors that contribute to sarcoidosis in individuals with African ancestry.&nbsp;



Sarcoidosis (pronounced SAR-COY-DOE-SIS) is a rare inflammatory disease affects the Black community at double the rate of white individuals, and can affect any organ, but most often, it occurs in the lungs. A study published in 2015 indicated that African-Americans were <a href="https://dx.doi.org/10.1378%2Fchest.14-1120">twelve times more likely</a> to die from the condition than patients of other ethnicities.&nbsp;



Participants in our <a href="https://www.23andme.com/sarcoidosis-representation/">Representation in Sarcoidosis Research Study</a> have already begun sharing their own experiences with the disease. As people have consented to participate in our study, we are learning in real-time more about their earliest symptoms, the types of symptoms, and the treatments they’re using.



Our goal with this study is to gain new insight into the condition leading to potential new treatments or cures. That’s the hope as we work to recruit 2,000 individuals diagnosed with sarcoidosis with African ancestry.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-data">New data</h6>



There is much we do not understand about sarcoidosis. It’s an insidious disease that can progress slowly without any obvious symptoms. It affects people of any age or ethnicity, but it’s usually diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 40. It disproportionately affects people of African ancestry and is also more common in women.



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



While we still have a long way to go in our efforts, we’re already learning more about the condition.&nbsp;



For example, among individuals participating in 23andMe’s study, we see that the most commonly reported symptoms were granulomas in the lungs or lymph nodes. Granulomas are tiny nodules where immune cells clump together at the site of an infection or inflammation. Almost 60 percent of those in the study reported granulomas on their lungs. About half said they had them on their lymph nodes. Other common symptoms of sarcoidosis are swollen lymph nodes, rashes, blurred vision, and joint pain or swelling.



23andMe’s early data shows a slightly higher prevalence among women participating in our study. It also shows a higher incidence among African Americans throughout our database. However, the latter may have more to do with our recruitment efforts.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Other symptoms</h6>



The data we have now is from both participants in the study and from customers who previously consented to participate in research. This preliminary data shows that lung scarring, also known as pulmonary fibrosis, is more prevalent among African Americans. The data we have so far also indicates that about a third (33 percent) of African Americans with sarcoidosis reported having lung scarring. This is compared to about 29 percent of all participants.&nbsp;&nbsp;



You can get sarcoidosis at any age. But the risk increases as you get older, especially after age 55. The average age of diagnosis among our study participants is 41, but four years younger among African Americans in the study.



Common symptoms for sarcoidosis are fatigue, pain, and swelling. When the condition affects the lungs, symptoms often include persistent coughs and shortness of breath. When it affects the heart, the symptoms often result in an irregular heartbeat or swelling of the heart, known as edema. There currently is no cure and few approved treatments.



We’re learning how our data parallels what we generally know about sarcoidosis&#8217;s earliest symptoms and progression. But we’re also interested in the potential of how this data might offer new insights into the condition. We’re encouraged by how those insights might push us closer to finding new treatments for the disease.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">Rare disease research</h6>



This study is among a host of studies 23andMe has recently undertaken, looking specifically at rare diseases. Rare disease is defined as conditions that affect fewer than 200,000 people in the US. It is often difficult to find and recruit enough people with the condition, and this is especially the case among the underrepresented population.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-medium"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="300" height="184" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Visualize-GWAS-300x184.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30872" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Visualize-GWAS-300x184.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Visualize-GWAS.jpg 616w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></figure>



However 23andMe&#8217;s research model is uniquely suited to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/new-way-to-study-rare-disease/">studying rare diseases</a>. And in the months since launching the Representation in Sarcoidosis Research Study, we’re already seeing the power of our research model to quickly recruit individuals. This is in part because participation isn&#8217;t dependent on geography. People can participate in 23andMe research from home. 



Just as with most other rare diseases, there is a strong genetic component to sarcoidosis. But many genetic variants associated with the condition have not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Learn more about 23andMe’s sarcoidosis study <a href="https://www.23andme.com/sarcoidosis-representation/">here</a>. Questions about the study? Contact us at sarcoidosis-representation@23andme.com.

A logo for the 23andMe sarcoidosis research

A Check-In on 23andMe’s Sarcoidosis Research Study

Despite a lingering pandemic, most people in the US say they feel less stressed or anxious this year compared to earlier in the pandemic, according to a new survey by 23andMe.



In this third holiday under the shadow of COVID-19, people appear to have adjusted to the new normal and are more optimistic about their health. Many have returned to their traditional holiday celebrations, according to the survey.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stress-and-anxiety-remains">Stress and Anxiety remains</h6>



However, about 14 percent say they still feel stressed, and more than 11 percent said they’re anxious about the future. And about 77 percent of those surveyed said they still feel some sort of negativity around their health.



But stress levels have significantly dropped since the beginning of the pandemic, with only about 14 percent of those surveyed saying they were stressed, compared to more than 47 percent in 2020. Similarly, only about 5 percent said they were more depressed this year than last, compared to almost 32 percent in 2020.



Beyond this survey, 23andMe has done extensive research on the genetics of depression and anxiety, which has downstream impacts on health. Anxiety disorders like depression and anxiety are <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression">very common</a>. Up to three-in-ten people in the U.S. will be diagnosed with one during their lifetime, according to prevalence <a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder">statistics</a> from the National Institute of Mental Health. Researchers believe that genetics combine with other factors to influence how likely an individual is to develop an anxiety disorder.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">A focus on health</h6>



The survey commissioned by 23andMe and conducted by SurveyMonkey on U.S. adults in early November, found that health is understandably a focus for many people. Almost half of the respondents who said they’re focused on their health also said they planned to make healthy lifestyle changes in the new year with a focus on their diet and weight.



Many of those surveyed said the pandemic had impacted their waistline in the last year, with about 12 percent saying they gained weight.



People are also feeling less isolated this year. Perhaps contributing to that shift in optimism is a renewed connection to family and friends. The percentage of respondents who feel less connected to friends and family dropped from 48 percent in 2020 to just 5 percent in 2022. The survey showed a similar drop in the percentage of people saying they were depressed, going from 32 percent in 2020 to just 5 percent this year.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading">More family bonding this holiday season</h6>



Lockdowns meant that in the first year of the pandemic, most people said they’d canceled family holiday plans, preferring to stay at home. But this year, that has shifted. Only about 17 percent of people said they would not be having a traditional holiday this year, compared to 62 percent in 2020.



More than 40 percent of those surveyed said they’re returning to their traditional holiday plans this year, and one in five people said they never changed their traditional celebration throughout the whole pandemic.



This is in stark contrast to 2020 when 41 percent of those surveyed said they weren&#8217;t traveling for the holidays, and 34 percent said their friends and family also didn’t plan to visit them.

Despite COVID-19 People Less Anxious This Holiday

Recently discovered 17 donor siblings? Unsure when to tell your cousin about her secret sister?



No genetic testing conundrum is too big—or too complicated—for Chelsea Handler.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dear-chelsea">Dear Chelsea</h6>



The comedian and TV personality brought her signature blend of caustic, straightforward humor to the latest episode of<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/spit/id1422827494"> Spit</a>, an iHeartMedia and 23andMe podcast.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-larger"><img decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Dear_Chelsea-880x880.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-30778"/></figure>



Spit, which is hosted by Baratunde Thurston, explores how DNA gives us a new perspective on who we are and how we are all connected. The show looks at both the personal and the broader implications of genetic testing with a mix of analysis, camaraderie, and the intimacy that comes from people sharing their stories.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-family-history">Family History</h6>



Over the course of 47 minutes, Chelsea answered listener questions and doled out expletive-laden advice.&nbsp;



She reflected on her family history (she’s 50% Ashkenazi Jewish) and revealed some of the health insights she discovered after taking the 23andMe Health + Ancestry Service, including one of her Pharmacogenetic reports that predicted she was an ultrarapid drug metabolizer* and may process certain medications faster (a result she deemed “very on the nose”).&nbsp;



When caller Katie wondered if she should spill the beans about a secret sister just a week before her cousin’s wedding, Chelsea dove into the notion of responsibility, and suggested that Katie’s dad should be the one to break the news. “I would encourage your dad to have that conversation and also let him know – if he doesn’t, you will,” she said. “I like threatening people,” she joked, “I think that’s a great approach.”



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-text-color has-foreground-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-foreground-background-color has-background is-style-wide"/>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading has-small-font-size" id="h-note">NOTE</h6>



*23andMe PGS Pharmacogenetics reports: The 23andMe test uses qualitative genotyping to detect 3 variants in the CYP2C19 gene, 2 variants in the DPYD gene and 1 variant in the SLCO1B1 gene in the genomic DNA of adults from saliva for the purpose of reporting and interpreting information about the processing of certain therapeutics to inform discussions with a healthcare professional. It does not describe if a person will or will not respond to a particular therapeutic and does not describe the association between detected variants and any specific therapeutic. 



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

Comedian Chelsea Handler Has (Almost) All the Answers

A new study by 23andMe found that low-income women are more than two times as likely to have self-reported that they had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men of any income, and the study confirmed strong links to other mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.



The unpublished study is among the most extensive studies ever done on PTSD and included a diverse cohort not limited to veterans or other groups that had in the past been the focus of PTSD research. It included data from about 3 million 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research, 400,000 of whom self-reported being diagnosed with or treated for PTSD. While previous studies have shown that women are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, this finding indicates that the difference is even more profound for low-income women, even when compared to other women of higher socioeconomic status.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-snapshot-of-the-effects-of-trauma">A Snapshot of the Effects of Trauma</h2>



Trauma is a part of life for many of us. According to a <a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/epidemiology-of-traumatic-event-exposure-worldwide-results-from-the-world-mental-health-survey-consortium/F06E14BA4DF09A29CCA81909C285ABE9">World Mental Health Survey</a>, 70 percent of people will experience some sort of traumatic event. However, only a tiny percentage of those who experience trauma develop the long-term intense, emotional, and physical symptoms that characterize PTSD.



In the United States, about six percent of the population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, according to<a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp"> data from the Veterans Administration</a>. This aligns with 23andMe’s data, which also found that about six percent of the participants in this study had self-reported a diagnosis of PTSD or reported that they’d been treated for PTSD.



Henri Garrison-Desany, a former 23andMe intern, led the work for this internal study during his time at 23andMe. Henri is now a postdoc at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health.



Henri noted that PTSD offers a vivid example of the interplay between environment (a traumatic event) and genetic factors that come together to impact mental health. In other words, a person may be more genetically predisposed to experience PTSD, but it’s the trauma that triggers the condition. While our study was limited in that it did not allow for follow-up, for instance, it offers an essential snapshot of individuals who report experiencing PTSD.



“Data from 23andMe shows the importance of large cohorts as well,” Henri said. “Because [PTSD] is a relatively rare diagnosis compared to depression or anxiety, having a large database helps to determine enough cases to run analyses.”



Unlike some other studies, the individuals included in our study self-reported their diagnosis or treatment for PTSD. In addition, this study does not characterize the type or timing of that trauma. However, the wide lens approach allowed our researchers to ensure our study would include individuals who may not be included in other studies. 



The work also adds essential data to 23andMe’s broader research into depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-is-ptsd">What is PTSD?</h2>



While commonly associated with experience in combat, post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after any trauma, such as from a sexual or physical assault. Even a violent traffic accident can lead to PTSD.&nbsp;



PTSD is a<a href="https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd#part_2239"> mental health condition </a>characterized by such things as mood changes, anxiety, or sleep disruption. Some of those with the condition experience physical symptoms such as a racing heart rate. It can last for extended periods. Those with the condition might feel as if they are re-experiencing the original trauma through nightmares, flashbacks, or physical symptoms. People with PTSD might also make an extra effort to avoid places or events, or people that might re-trigger their trauma. Those who have PTSD also have what is called “reactive symptoms.” These symptoms put them on edge or make them more easily startled, angry, or interfere with their sleep. In addition, people with PTSD also may experience cognition issues, forgetting details of their trauma or having feelings of guilt around it.  



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="512" height="425" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/PTSD-Income-Graph.png" alt="" class="wp-image-30699" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/PTSD-Income-Graph.png 512w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/PTSD-Income-Graph-300x249.png 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 512px) 100vw, 512px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">23andMe data on Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome broken down by sex and income. The data is from about three million 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research. Among those 400,000 reported a PTSD diagnosis.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-depression-amp-anxiety">Depression &amp; Anxiety</h2>



23andMe’s study also found that people with PTSD often also have anxiety or depression, a link found in several other studies.&nbsp;



As part of 23andMe’s research, Henri conducted an environmental-wide association study looking at 200 other health conditions.



Anxiety and depression were most commonly associated with PTSD. Not everyone who has anxiety or depression and goes through trauma ends up with PTSD, but having either of those two conditions more than doubles the odds of being self-diagnosed with PTSD. Yet other conditions were also associated with PTSD, such as insomnia, panic attacks, a disability, and chronic pain. People with PTSD also were more likely to rate their general health lower than those without PTSD.



23andMe’s study did not look at the type or timing of the trauma that led to the PTSD diagnosis. For instance, our study didn’t separate combat veterans or sexual abuse victims. Other studies, including those that looked at combat-related trauma, have shown that the<a href="http://sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887618516300093?via%3Dihub"> type of trauma</a> often affects the severity of PTSD symptoms. In addition, our study did not discern if those self-diagnosed with PTSD had these mental health conditions before or after suffering the trauma that led to their PTSD.



The significance of clustering other mental health conditions with PTSD is that diagnosing these conditions can sometimes be problematic, said Henri. Many of those with PTSD often have other mental health concerns. Understanding this is important for correctly diagnosing and treating those conditions.



“Future studies should look further into the potential for gene-environment interactions that may lead to PTSD diagnosis,” Henri said.



Researchers who are interested in collaborating with 23andMe can find out more <a href="https://research.23andme.com/collaborate/#research">here</a>.

Anxiety and Depression Associated with Higher Risk for PTSD

By&nbsp;Brianne&nbsp;Kirkpatrick,&nbsp;MS, LCGC*



Genetic counselors are in demand now more than ever, and yet many people don’t understand the vital role they play in healthcare.&nbsp;So, in honor of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nsgc.org/page/genetic-counselor-awareness-day">Genetic Counselor Awareness Day</a>&nbsp;(November 10th), we’re sharing about this valuable genetics profession and profiling our very own genetic counselors at 23andMe who make the work we do possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-do-genetic-counselors-do">What do genetic counselors do?</h6>



Genetic counselors have specialized training and education in both medical genetics and counseling. Their role is to help guide and support people and their families so they better understand their options for genetic testing and how results may affect them and other family members.&nbsp;



As their professional title suggests, genetic counselors lean upon their background training in counseling skills to help people looking for support to interpret and understand their test results. In most cases, genetic counselors work in clinics or hospitals where they might specialize in areas such as prenatal care, pediatrics, oncology or cardiology.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-does-23andme-have-genetic-counselors">Does 23andMe have genetic counselors?</h6>



We are proud to have four genetic counselors in various roles at 23andMe.&nbsp;While 23andMe genetic counselors do not provide individual genetic counseling services to our millions of customers, they are able to help customers at a broader level.&nbsp;



The work our genetic counselors do is diverse and supports the various&nbsp;<a href="https://www.23andme.com/about/">values that guide our company</a>.&nbsp;What this looks like day-to-day ranges from ensuring that reports customers receive are clear, accurate, and understandable to answering questions from other clinicians about 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service.&nbsp;



Our counselors have been instrumental in developing videos and written content, as well as providing training for our growing network of Lemonaid Health clinicians in supporting customers seeking out a Genetic Report Consultation. As part of the genetic report consultation, Lemonaid Health clinicians offer consultations to help their patients understand the role genes could play in their health, within the context of their health history and overall risks. Together, these services help customers and their families, as well as their clinicians, make use of their genetic health information.



Here’s a little more about each of our genetic counselors and in their own words, what it’s like to be a genetic counselor at 23andMe.&nbsp;



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/After-the-Click-Featured-Image-1024x323.png" alt="" title="After the Click Featured Image"/></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stacey-detweiler-ms-lcgc-medical-affairs-manager-medical-device-and-clinical-genetics-nbsp">Stacey Detweiler, MS, LCGC – Medical Affairs Manager, Medical Device and Clinical Genetics&nbsp;</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="608" height="607" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square.png" alt="" class="wp-image-30666" style="width:152px;height:152px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square.png 608w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Stacey-Square-574x574.png 574w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 608px) 100vw, 608px" /></figure>



Stacey joined 23andMe in 2016 as a Medical Affairs Associate, having worked beforehand as a genetic counselor and clinical research coordinator at Rutgers-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Palo Alto Medical Foundation. She’s an active member of the <a href="https://www.aboutgeneticcounselors.org/">National Society of Genetic Counselors</a>, previously serving as co-chair for their Precision Medicine Special Interest Group. As part of her role as a Medical Affairs Manager, Stacey focuses on product, clinical, and educational development. This means she helps ensure our product and marketing include consumer-friendly information that’s medically accurate.



“I love the people! In my role, I have the opportunity to interact with people from all over the company.&nbsp; Every day I’m working with people who are passionate about genetics and, just like me, they want to share that passion with others. Being part of a team focused on making genetics accessible and paving a path towards precision medicine is an honor and a joy.”&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anne-greb-ms-cgc-nbsp-director-clinical-genetics-education-and-outreach">Anne Greb, MS, CGC –&nbsp;Director, Clinical Genetics, Education and Outreach</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="250" height="250" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Anne-Greb-250x250-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-31068" style="width:152px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Anne-Greb-250x250-1.jpg 250w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Anne-Greb-250x250-1-150x150.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 250px) 100vw, 250px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Anne Greb, MS, CGC, 23andMe Lead, Medical Education</figcaption></figure>



Anne joined 23andMe in 2018 and leads our Clinical Genetics and<a href="https://medical.23andme.com/medical-team/"> Education Team</a>. She specializes in educating clinicians on how to answer questions from patients about their 23andMe test results. Anne is a board-certified genetic counselor with over 30 years of experience in genetic counseling program leadership, medical education, and patient care. Before coming to 23andMe, she directed the genetic counseling program at Sarah Lawrence College, where she increased the program’s training capacity in order to graduate more genetic counselors. She served as president of the American Board of Genetic Counseling, the agency that ensures certified genetic counselors meet high standards for clinical care.



“For the past three decades, I eagerly anticipated this new era of precision and genomic medicine. What I didn’t anticipate was the widespread enthusiasm in genetics as people want to know more about their <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-health-ancestry/">health, ancestry</a>, and other <a href="https://www.23andme.com/dna-ancestry/">human traits</a>. At 23andMe I develop educational resources and programs so clinicians can take advantage of this enthusiasm and answer patients’ questions about the role genetics plays in health and wellness.“



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-31069" style="width:152px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-768x768.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-880x880.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-1180x1180.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-574x574.png 574w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O-980x980.png 980w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Marlena-O.png 1899w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-marlena-orthlieb-nbsp-mgcs-lcgc-medical-affairs-associate">Marlena Orthlieb,&nbsp;MGCS, LCGC – Medical Affairs Associate</h6>



Marlena joined 23andMe as a Medical Affairs Associate in 2022, having spent the three prior years in a perinatal genetics clinic. In her role as a perinatal genetic counselor at LabCorp Women’s Health, she provided direct patient care and provider support at a maternal-fetal medicine clinic. Marlena brings to 23andMe a passion for making genetics more understandable and accessible to everyone with a heart for advocacy around diversity, equity, and inclusion in healthcare. 



Her roles are varied at 23andMe’s, ranging from communication and research efforts to product and service development. 



“For me, the best part of working at 23andMe is the opportunity to be creative! I love that I get to use my genetic counseling expertise in ways I never have before while working towards creating a new future of precision and preventative care. Wellness is not a “one size fits all” approach, but a lot of times we have silos in health care, especially when it comes to genetics. I am thrilled that we are building unprecedented opportunities for people to access and benefit from their genome so that they can apply these insights towards living their healthiest life!”



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-amy-sturm-ms-cgc-director-of-population-health-genomics">Amy Sturm, MS, CGC – Director of Population Health Genomics</h6>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-30664" style="width:152px" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-150x150.png 150w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-300x300.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-768x767.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-880x880.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-271x271.png 271w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-372x372.png 372w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-574x574.png 574w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square-980x980.png 980w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Amy-Square.png 1054w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



Amy also joined the 23andMe team in 2022, bringing over 20 years of experience as a genetic counselor to her new role as Director of Population Health Genomics at 23andMe. Having worked at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Ohio State University Medical Center, and Geisinger Health, her roles have ranged from taking care of patients and families as a clinical genetic counselor to heading large research initiatives to developing new programs including population genomic screening and cardiovascular genetics programs. Amy works within the Product Organization at 23andMe and interacts with many teams, including product science and research and development, with the goals of building new products and bringing to life 23andMe’s vision and commitment to integrating genetic information into care for all. 



“I’m thrilled to help build a path for individuals on their health journey. They can come to 23andMe, get their DNA insights, and learn personalized, preventive, proactive recommendations for their health and actions they and their families can take. We can provide the next steps on that journey and can also now deliver telehealth services via Lemonaid Health, now part of the 23andMe family.”&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-would-i-need-to-go-to-a-genetic-counselor-nbsp">Why would I need to go to a genetic counselor?&nbsp;</h6>



There are several reasons you might benefit from genetic counseling. If you’re seeking to better understand a test result, for example, or have a known genetic condition in your family. You might also meet with a genetic counselor if you are planning to start a family and are concerned about an inherited condition or are working with a fertility specialist and considering genetic testing as part of the process. 



Here are a few more reasons: If you have a family history of cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, a heart disorder, or another genetic condition, a genetic counselor may help you better understand what that specific history might mean for your own risks or for others in your family. Some people seek out genetic counseling after having a genetic test and learning that they have a genetic variant that puts them at a higher risk for a condition.&nbsp;



In all of these cases, genetic counselors can help you explore what the next steps might be for you and your family.&nbsp;



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-can-i-find-a-genetic-counselor-to-work-with">Where can I find a genetic counselor to work with?</h6>



There are several resources out there for you if you might be considering or interested in working with a genetic counselor. Our recent post on&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/report-for-healthcare-provider/">sharing your 23andMe report with your healthcare provider</a>&nbsp;helps 23andMe customers get started on the path.&nbsp;Customers may also work with a healthcare provider from Lemonaid Health,&nbsp;<a href="https://blog.23andme.com/lemonaid-health/genetic-report-consults/">which is now part of the 23andMe family</a>.&nbsp;This is a group of clinicians who work with our genetic counselors and have been trained to answer questions about a growing number of 23andMe reports.&nbsp;&nbsp;



Another option is to search the website of the&nbsp;<a href="http://aboutgeneticcounselors.com/">National Society of Genetic Counselors</a>. The site is loaded with helpful information and offers a useful start in exploring whether using a genetic counselor is right for you among the many resources in the NSGC’s Find&nbsp;<a href="https://www.findageneticcounselor.com/">A Genetic Counselor</a>&nbsp;tool. You can use the tool to search a database of thousands of genetic counselors who work in the U.S. and Canada by name, location, or even by area of specialty.&nbsp;



Beyond that great resource, you can also either seek help from your doctor or other healthcare providers. They may be able to provide you with a recommendation for a genetic counselor. Finally, there is also great information at the&nbsp;<a href="https://customer.abgc.net/abgc/ABGCwcm/Find_Counselor/ABGCwcm/Contact_Management/FindCounselor.aspx?hkey=94273207-1a6e-4c6d-ac24-0c6b3793c8cd">American Board of Genetic Counseling</a>.



Genetic counselors, learn about&nbsp;<a href="https://www.23andme.com/careers/jobs/6399846002/">current opportunities to join the team at 23andMe</a>.



*Brianne Kirkpatrick is a consultant for 23andMe.

Genetic Counselors and Their Roles at 23andMe

For the past several months, we’ve been working on a redesign of this blog. Today we’re excited to introduce you to our new and improved look.



We aimed to give the site a streamlined, cohesive feel – with improved navigation, larger images, and a pared down, mobile-friendly user experience.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-larger"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="880" height="526" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-10-19-at-1.02.01-PM-880x526.png" alt="" class="wp-image-30658" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-10-19-at-1.02.01-PM-880x526.png 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-10-19-at-1.02.01-PM-300x179.png 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-10-19-at-1.02.01-PM-768x459.png 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-10-19-at-1.02.01-PM-1024x612.png 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-10-19-at-1.02.01-PM-1180x705.png 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Screen-Shot-2022-10-19-at-1.02.01-PM.png 1790w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 880px) 100vw, 880px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-new-features">New Features</h6>



The revamped homepage allows us to showcase the blog’s most newsworthy and popular posts. And a new search function and navigation bar helps our readers quickly find the information and topics they’re looking for.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-the-world-of-genetics">Exploring the world of Genetics</h6>



We created the blog in 2007 to inspire engagement and conversation. Since then, we’ve shared thousands of stories – from <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/health-traits/after-the-click-drug-reaction/">customer accounts</a> to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/therapeutics/drug-discovery-explained/">expert perspectives</a> to <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/we-got-the-beat/">research updates</a>.&nbsp;



We hope this new design will provide a simplified jumping off point for you to explore our content and the exciting, complex world of genetics.&nbsp;

Welcome to the New 23andMe Blog

With many other pressing priorities this year, Congress hit the snooze button on the<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/623"> Sunshine Protection Act</a>, legislation to make daylight saving permanent. Come Sunday, November 6th most everyone in the US will again move their clocks back an hour.



But that pause doesn’t mean we’ll be pulling the sheets over the debate any time soon.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iStock-640228980-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-25757" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iStock-640228980-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iStock-640228980-300x200.jpg 300w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iStock-640228980-768x513.jpg 768w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iStock-640228980-880x587.jpg 880w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iStock-640228980-1180x788.jpg 1180w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/iStock-640228980.jpg 1254w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-making-daylight-saving-time-permanent">Making Daylight Saving Time Permanent</h6>



There are strong feelings about the biannual ritual that disrupts sleep cycles across the country. Almost three-quarters of those<a href="https://apnorc.org/projects/daylight-saving-time-vs-standard-time/"> polled recently</a> said they didn’t support changing their clocks twice a year. But they were split on whether to keep standard time or make daylight saving time permanent.



A survey of more than 40,000 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research found that about 65 percent supported making daylight saving permanent, meaning they want to make daylight saving time permanent and not have to go through the ritual of moving the clock back an hour in the fall and forward and hour in the spring.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="527" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight.jpg" alt="A graph showing those who support, oppose or have no opinion on making daylight saving time permanent." class="wp-image-30643" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight.jpg 550w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight-300x287.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Most of the 40,000 23andMe customers who consented to participate in research and answered this survey question, support making daylight saving permanent. </figcaption></figure>



For those not well-versed in the terminology, “daylight saving time” is the period in spring and summer when we’ve pushed the clocks ahead an hour of “standard time” to take advantage of the longer hours of sunlight.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-morning-person-versus-night-owl">Morning Person versus Night Owl</h6>



Researchers here at 23andMe were curious about what the genetic data might say about where people stand on this issue. After all, we know that genetics plays a role in whether a person is more likely to be a “night owl” or a <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/morning-person/">“morning person.”</a> Scientists have long known that genetics influences human <a href="https://blog.23andme.com/23andme-research/nobel-worthy-sleep-science/">circadian rhythms </a>and we’ve found hundreds of genetic variants that influence whether a person is more likely to get up early versus go to bed late.



But do those genetic differences play any role in what side of the debate you are on? Does it influence whether you’re more likely to want to make standard time permanent or embrace daylight saving time?



Our researchers speculated that perhaps if you were genetically more likely to be a morning person, then you’d be more likely to support making daylight saving time permanent, meaning that it stays light later. They thought people genetically predisposed to be night owls, in turn, would embrace making standard time permanent.



But that’s not exactly what they found.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetics-does-not-play-a-role">Genetics Does Not Play a role</h6>



Our researchers didn’t find any genetic patterns that predicted whether someone supported making daylight saving permanent or not. We did find a small association among those who said they were a “morning person” being between 15-20 percent more likely to oppose making standard time permanent. However, there was no association with the genetic tendency to be a morning person. (23andMe uses a polygenic model that relies on more than 400 genetic variants associated with wake times to estimate someone’s likelihood of being a morning person.)



While genetics didn’t appear to influence where someone stood on the issue, other factors surprisingly did, and many were tied to the seasons.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hot-and-cold-on-time-change">Hot and Cold on Time Change</h6>



The biggest predictor of whether someone supported making daylight saving time permanent was whether they liked very hot weather and disliked cold weather. About 86 percent of those who liked hot weather over cold supported making daylight saving time permanent. That’s 17 percent higher support for daylight saving time when compared to people who said they liked cold over hot weather.



In addition to temperature preference, people with seasonal affective disorder — a condition associated with depression during winter triggered by less sunlight —were more likely to support permanent daylight savings time. About 81 percent of those with seasonal affective disorder supported making daylight saving permanent, about 8 percentage points higher than all those surveyed.



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-age-and-education">Age and Education</h6>



Beyond the temperature and daylight, age and education level also appears to play a big role in opinions about daylight saving time. Older people and those with higher degrees were more likely to want to keep things as they are and less likely to support making daylight saving permanent, for instance. People in their 40s were most likely to support making daylight saving permanent.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="452" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight-3.jpg" alt="A chart showing support of making daylight saving time permanent based on age. People in their 40s were most supportive." class="wp-image-30641" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight-3.jpg 550w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight-3-300x247.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People in their 40s were most likely to support making daylight saving time permanent. </figcaption></figure>



Beyond age and education level, we wondered if having a job or an early work schedule or other social behavior might also play a role. Employment didn’t seem to impact opinions, but perhaps unsurprisingly, having to get up early sure did. Those who had to get up early for work were less likely to support making daylight saving permanent.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="550" height="452" src="http://35.88.189.111/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight-2.jpg" alt="A graph showing breaking down support for making daylight saving time permanent based on wake up time. People who wake-up between 9 am and 10 am had the most support." class="wp-image-30642" srcset="https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight-2.jpg 550w, https://blogcms.23andme.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/daylight-2-300x247.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 550px) 100vw, 550px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">People who wake up between 9 am and 10 were the strongest supporters of making daylight saving time permanent. </figcaption></figure>



<h6 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more">More</h6>



We also found that people who were more apt to socialize were also more likely to support making daylight saving time permanent. We measured that in part by how they answered the question of how often there were “people around with whom to have fun.” And we found that 78 percent of those who answered that they usually or always had people around with whom they had fun support making daylight saving permanent.&nbsp;&nbsp;



While genetic associations often turn up for unexpected traits, perhaps it shouldn&#8217;t be surprising that attitudes about daylight saving time aren&#8217;t one of them. Our exploration of attitudes toward daylight saving time offers an example of the power of 23andMe’s unique research platform. It’s a platform that allows our scientists to more easily and quickly explore lighter behavioral traits like this, as well as others that are much more grounded in biology.



23andMe Ancestry and Trait service customers can see what their genetics says about being a morning person or a night owl in their <a href="https://you.23andme.com/reports/trait.wakeup_time/">Wake Up Time report.</a>



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

Featured — Page 2