MyHeritage was founded in 2003 by Gilad Japhet, a software engineer. MyHeritage's DNA testing service may be similar to its older rival, AncestryDNA, but it differs in one important way - it has most of its user base in Europe. The company is currently testing 42 ethnic regions and has around 45 million monthly users, making it a compelling choice for genealogical testing.
MyHeritage DNA: A Comprehensive Analysis
MyHeritage was founded in 2003 by Gilad Japhet, a software engineer. MyHeritage’s DNA testing service may be similar to that of its older rival, AncestryDNA, but it differs in one important way: It has most of its user base in Europe. The company is currently testing 42 ethnic regions and has around 4 million customers, making it a compelling choice for genealogical testing.
Tests offered
MyHeritage Ancestry Kit
Priced at $79, the test is more affordable than many others on the market, especially considering that it not only offers ethnicity analysis but includes a family finder feature. The shipping costs $12; however, if you order two kits, you get half-price shipping. If you order three or more, you get free shipping.
MyHeritage Health kit
The kit costs $199 (excluding shipping charges), for only 36 health reports. This kit includes ethnicity estimate and DNA matches section as well. You can get the kit for a discount price of $99. Valid till March 31, 2020.
Ordering a MyHeritage DNA test kit
To order a kit, you need to make an account with MyHeritage, which would also be used to deliver my results. The payment methods include PayPal and the option to pay directly with your credit/debit card. Once you place your order, you will receive your DNA kit within seven days.
If you order a health kit, you will need to answer a Health Questionnaire, which an independent physician will evaluate
What's in a MyHeritage DNA kit?
Instead of collecting your saliva, MyHeritage DNA has two cheek swabs and vials you send off. Here’s what’s in the kit:
- Two cheek swabs
- Two vials filled with DNA preserving liquid
- One plastic bag
- Return envelope (not prepaid)
- Activation card
- Instructions
What do MyHeritage DNA results look like?
MyHeritage has a turnaround of 4 to 6 weeks after the sample arrives at the lab. That’s faster than competitors AncestryDNA and 23andMe, which require 6 to 8 weeks. The results are sent via an email to the registered email address.
The Ancestry Report
The ancestry report contains two main parts, ‘Ethnicity Estimate’ and ‘DNA Matches’, each of which had several different features within it.
Ethnicity Estimate is a detailed breakdown of your unique DNA composition. Your ethnicity breakdown, covering 42 ethnicities from around the world, is present both as a map and as a percentage in your report.
DNA Matches is a technology that lets you connect with your ‘relatives’. This involves the comparison of data from autosomal DNA test results and family trees to identify shared genetic sequences that indicate a family relationship. MyHeritage also allows you to upload your family tree from an existing genealogy program.
The Health Report
MyHeritage DNA Health results have two parts. With the ancestry part, you can connect with your relatives and learn more about your ethnic origin.
The health part helps you learn about your genetic risk for various health conditions like heart disease and breast cancer. The report also reveals details about the variants that may not affect you but can be passed on to your children and can affect them, if your partner is also a carrier of variants for the same condition.
The following blog by MyHeritage covers in-depth about the Health Report and also contains a sample report for each category.
Did you know?
You can download your DNA raw data from MyHeritage and learn your genetic risk status for over 50+ health traits and 280+ inherited conditions.
Results section: Raw DNA data download
This is a feature that the company does not advertise about, but one that can be very useful. You can download your DNA raw data file. You can follow these simple steps to download your data:
- In your account, head over to the DNA tab and go to 'Manage DNA kits.’
- On the right-hand side of the MyHeritage kit, click on the three dots and choose ‘Download.'
- Upon clicking download, you will see a pop-up on your screen with information on what you are about to download. Click the ‘Continue’ button on the pop-up.
- The next pop-up will require you to accept the Terms and Conditions before clicking on the ‘Continue’ button.
- Upon completion of this step, you will receive an email with instructions to download the data to your registered email address.
- Find this email in your mailbox and click on the download link.
Important: The link is only valid for 24 hours. If you haven’t used the link within 24 hours, you will need to start the process again from step 1.
- The link will take you back to the site, where you need to enter your email ID and password and click on the 'Download' button.
- The file will be downloaded to your computer.
MyHeritage DNA acquired Promethease and SNPedia in 2019
In September 2019, MyHeritage made an official announcement on their website about their acquisition of Promethease and SNPedia. “This marks our first consumer health acquisition and our 10th acquisition since MyHeritage’s founding. Promethease will be made free through the end of 2019, and SNPedia will remain a free wiki resource for academic and non-profit use,” quotes the article.
SNPedia
SNPedia, launched in 2006, is a wiki-based website that keeps track and contains information about all single nucleotide polymorphisms. It links these genetic variants to medical conditions. MyHeritage plans to maintain SNPedia as a free resource under the same terms and will utilize this comprehensive knowledge base to enhance future versions of MyHeritage’s DNA health products.
Promethease
Promethease is a computer program developed by the SNPedia team, where users can get a DNA report with their DNA raw data. The Promethease reports are generated by taking into account all medical and scientific literature. Promethease currently charges $12 for its service and also lets their consumer store their DNA data.
Following this announcement, MyHeritage is transforming Promethease into a free service, effective today, and this free promotion will run until the end of 2019. MyHeritage intends to keep Promethease separate from its MyHeritage DNA health product line. Unlike Promethease, MyHeritage does not provide any health reports based on DNA data uploaded from other vendors. All of MyHeritage DNA’s health reports are based on clinical validation of the underlying DNA data.
DNA raw data transfer and privacy
As of November 1st, 2019, the DNA raw data of the existing Non-European Promethease users will be copied to MyHeritage along with a new account accessible only by the customer. This account also comes with free services like ethnicity estimates and DNA matching for relatives. If you are not interested in your DNA data and reports being copied to MyHeritage, you can delete it from the Promethease server by November 1st, 2019.
People who wish to take a genetic health test or receive health reports are encouraged to purchase the MyHeritage DNA Health+Ancestry test, which is based on clinically validated genetic markers and robust scientific research. Promethease has sent out emails to all its users regarding the details of the acquisition bu MyHeritage for non-Europen users and the instructions for opting-in for its European users.
2021 Update: Deep Nostalgia By MyHeritage
Deep Nostalgia is a new addition to MyHeritage's suite of photo tools. This feature allows you to animate the faces of your loved ones in still photos. It detects the faces from old photos and creates a depiction of how the people from the photo could have looked if captured on a video. You need to create a free account with MyHeritage to avail this feature.
Announcing MyHeritage LIVE 2020
MyHeritage LIVE brings together family history enthusiasts, top international experts, and MyHeritage staff for two days of fascinating lectures covering the latest topics in genealogy and DNA. Each year, hundreds of MyHeritage users from around the world attend. MyHeritage LIVE 2020 will take place in October 2020, at the Hilton Tel Aviv. Set in landscaped Independence Park.
Do you have your DNA raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, LivingDNA, etc.?
Upload the file to Xcode Life to get insights into 700+health-related traits at a 55% discount!
Updated on June 11th, 2021
Did you know that your AncestryDNA raw data contains around 700,000 genetic markers? Ancestry reports only use 0.01% of this information. There is plenty of more information about your health, nutrition, fitness, allergy, MTHFR and specific genes like COMT, and APOE in your raw data. After finding out your ancestry information on the AncestryDNA site, you can download your raw data use it to find out more about yourself. Learn how.
How to login to your Ancestry DNA account
- Go to www.ancestry.com
- On the top-right hand corner of your screen click on “Sign in”.
- Enter your registered email address and password.
- If you do not remember your password, click on “Forgot?” near the green sign-in button.
How to sign out of your Ancestry DNA account
- From any page on your account dashboard click on your name or user name on the top-right hand corner
- From the drop-down menu choose “Sign out”.
May 2020 Update: Free access to search records from the National Archives
This feature lets the AncestryDNA users access 500 million historical documents and images for free.
Do you have your DNA raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, LivingDNA, etc.?
Upload the file to Xcode Life to get insights into 700+health-related traits at a 55% discount!
Updated March 13, 2021
MyHeritage applies a strict privacy policy regarding DNA data, has never sold or licensed it to any third parties, and its privacy policy prohibits it from doing so without receiving explicit informed user consent. For as long as Promethease users have not granted such informed consent explicitly to MyHeritage, MyHeritage will never sell or license their DNA data to any third party.
Latest news: MyHeritage acquires Promethease and SNPedia
In September 2019, MyHeritage made an official announcement on their website about their acquisition of Promethease and SNPedia. “This marks our first consumer health acquisition and our 10th acquisition since MyHeritage’s founding. Promethease will be made free through the end of 2019, and SNPedia will remain a free wiki resource for academic and non-profit use,” quotes the article.
SNPedia, launched in 2006, is a wiki-based website that keeps track and contains information about all single nucleotide polymorphisms. It links these genetic variants to medical conditions. MyHeritage plans to maintain SNPedia as a free resource under the same terms and will utilize this comprehensive knowledge base to enhance future versions of MyHeritage’s DNA health products.
Promethease is a computer program developed by the SNPedia team, where users can get a DNA report with their DNA raw data. The Promethease reports are generated by taking into account all medical and scientific literature. Promethease currently charges $12 for its service and also lets their consumer store their DNA data.
Following this announcement, MyHeritage is transforming Promethease into a free service, effective today, and this free promotion will run until the end of 2019. MyHeritage intends to keep Promethease separate from its MyHeritage DNA health product line. Unlike Promethease, MyHeritage does not provide any health reports based on DNA data uploaded from other vendors. All of MyHeritage DNA’s health reports are based on clinical validation of the underlying DNA data.
DNA raw data transfer and privacy
As of November 1st, 2019, the DNA raw data of the existing Non-European Promethease users will be copied to MyHeritage along with a new account accessible only by the customer. This account also comes with free services like ethnicity estimates and DNA matching for relatives. If you are not interested in your DNA data and reports being copied to MyHeritage, you can delete it from the Promethease server by November 1st, 2019.
People who wish to take a genetic health test or receive health reports are encouraged to purchase the MyHeritage DNA Health+Ancestry test, which is based on clinically validated genetic markers and robust scientific research. Promethease has sent out emails to all its users regarding the details of the acquisition bu MyHeritage for non-Europen users and the instructions for opting-in for its European users.
MyHeritage DNA: A Comprehensive Analysis
MyHeritage was founded in 2003 by Gilad Japhet, a software engineer. MyHeritage’s DNA testing service may be similar to that of its older rival, AncestryDNA, but it differs in one important way: It has most of its user base in Europe. The company is currently testing 42 ethnic regions and has around 4 million customers, making it a compelling choice for genealogical testing.
Tests offered
MyHeritage Ancestry Kit
Priced at $79, the test is more affordable than many others on the market, especially considering that it not only offers ethnicity analysis but includes a family finder feature. The shipping costs $12; however, if you order two kits, you get half-price shipping. If you order three or more, you get free shipping.
MyHeritage Health kit
The kit costs $199 (excluding shipping charges), for only 36 health reports. This kit includes ethnicity estimate and DNA matches section as well. You can get the kit for a discount price of $99. Valid till March 31, 2020.
Learn more about the MyHeritage DNA Health test in this video.
Ordering MyHeritage kit
To order a kit, you need to make an account with MyHeritage, which would also be used to deliver my results. The payment methods include PayPal and the option to pay directly with your credit/debit card. Once you place your order, you will receive your DNA kit within seven days.
If you order a health kit, you will need to answer a Health Questionnaire, which an independent physician will evaluate
MyHeritage DNA kit
Instead of collecting your saliva, MyHeritage DNA has two cheek swabs and vials you send off. Here’s what’s in the kit:
- Two cheek swabs
- Two vials filled with DNA preserving liquid
- One plastic bag
- Return envelope (not prepaid)
- Activation card
- Instructions
Results
MyHeritage has a turnaround of 4 to 6 weeks after the sample arrives at the lab. That’s faster than competitors AncestryDNA and 23andMe, which require 6 to 8 weeks. The results are sent via an email to the registered email address.
The Ancestry Report
The ancestry report contains two main parts, ‘Ethnicity Estimate’ and ‘DNA Matches’, each of which had several different features within it.
Ethnicity Estimate is a detailed breakdown of your unique DNA composition. Your ethnicity breakdown, covering 42 ethnicities from around the world, is present both as a map and as a percentage in your report.
DNA Matches is a technology that lets you connect with your ‘relatives’. This involves the comparison of data from autosomal DNA test results and family trees to identify shared genetic sequences that indicate a family relationship. MyHeritage also allows you to upload your family tree from an existing genealogy program.
The Health Report
MyHeritage DNA Health results have two parts. With the ancestry part, you can connect with your relatives and learn more about your ethnic origin.
The health part helps you learn about your genetic risk for various health conditions like heart disease and breast cancer. The report also reveals details about the variants that may not affect you but can be passed on to your children and can affect them, if your partner is also a carrier of variants for the same condition.
The following blog by MyHeritage covers in-depth about the Health Report and also contains a sample report for each category.
Results section: Raw DNA data download
This is a feature that the company does not advertise about, but one that can be very useful. You can download your DNA raw data file. You can follow these simple steps to download your data:
- In your account, head over to the DNA tab and go to 'Manage DNA kits.’
- On the right-hand side of the MyHeritage kit, click on the three dots and choose ‘Download.'
- Upon clicking download, you will see a pop-up on your screen with information on what you are about to download. Click the ‘Continue’ button on the pop-up.
- The next pop-up will require you to accept the Terms and Conditions before clicking on the ‘Continue’ button.
- Upon completion of this step, you will receive an email with instructions to download the data to your registered email address.
- Find this email in your mailbox and click on the download link.
Important: The link is only valid for 24 hours. If you haven’t used the link within 24 hours, you will need to start the process again from step 1.
- The link will take you back to the site, where you need to enter your email ID and password and click on the 'Download' button.
- The file will be downloaded to your computer.
Announcing MyHeritage LIVE 2020
MyHeritage LIVE brings together family history enthusiasts, top international experts, and MyHeritage staff for two days of fascinating lectures covering the latest topics in genealogy and DNA. Each year, hundreds of MyHeritage users from around the world attend. MyHeritage LIVE 2020 will take place in October 2020, at the Hilton Tel Aviv. Set in landscaped Independence Park.
Do you have your DNA raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, FTDNA, LivingDNA, etc.?
Upload the file to Xcode Life to get insights into 700+health-related traits at a 55% discount!
Posted on March 30, 2020
Ancestry tracing provides people with information about where they hail from and also who their ancestors are. With high-scale migrations that took place in history, many a time, people find peace in knowing about their roots, their family members, and the culture and commonalities that they share with others who have the same origin as them. One such company that is offering this specifically for people of African descent is African Ancestry Inc.
The company was founded by Dr. Rick Kittles and Gina Paige and is based out of Silver Spring, Maryland. African Ancestry is the world leader in ancestry tracing for people of color, especially those of African descent. The company has helped over 7,50,000 people trace their roots and their family tree using the company's database of over 30,000 African DNA samples.
African Ancestry is one of its kind company which helps people determine not just their country of origin but also their ethnicity. The advantage that African Ancestry has in the field is that they have the largest database of African DNA samples. The reason that they have such an extensive database is because of their aim to help black people determine their origin and their ancestors.
Unlike companies like 23andMe, who give you health traits and genetic susceptibility as one of their main offerings, African Ancestry’s sole purpose is to help people find their roots. The company allows one to trace their maternal as well as paternal lineages.
African Ancestry: Tests and Results
African Ancestry offers three test kits, namely MatriClan Test Kit, PatriClan Test Kit, and Family celebration package. Unlike other DNA ancestry tracing companies, African Ancestry Inc. does not use the admixture analysis technique. This is because the company doesn’t run extensive tests on autosomal DNA but relies mainly on the DNA found in the mitochondria and the Y chromosomes.
MatriClan Test Kit
This test is for both men and women. The test traces maternal ancestry by analyzing the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) inherited exclusively from mothers. In fact, you share the same mtDNA as your mother, grandmother, great grandmother and so on. According to the website, 92% of MatriClan's results are African.
If in case, your results are not African, the company will determine whether your maternal ancestry is European, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous American, but you will not provide a country or a group.
Results include HVS1, HVS2 and HVS3 designations and haplogroup.
You can get the test for $299 here
PatriClan Test Kit
This test is for men only. The test analyzes the Y chromosome that men inherit exclusively from their fathers. Women cannot take the PatriClan Test. However, women have the option to trace their paternal lineage by having a male relative from their father’s side take the test. According to the website, 65% of PatriClan's results are African.
If in case, your results are not African, the company will determine whether your maternal ancestry is European, Asian, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous American.
You can get the test for $299 here
You also have the option to buy both the kits together and save $25 on each kit.
Family Celebration Package
The Family Celebration Package includes:
- One MatriClan Test Kit - $299
- One PatriClan Test Kit - $299
- Six additional personalized certificates - $60
- Four African Ancestry t-shirts - $100
The Tshirts you receive will reflect either the country of ancestry or the African Ancestry Map design. The countries included are Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, and Sierra Leone.
You can get the test for $679 here
Other than the DNA test kits, you can also shop from their collection of Ancestry Pendants, Ancestry T-shirts, and other Ancestry gifts.
How it works?
Depending on the test you purchase, African Ancestry analyzes either the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) you inherit from your mother, the Y chromosome that men inherit from their fathers, or the autosomal DNA that you inherit from both parents. To get started, you will need to send a simple swab sample from inside your cheek. After they receive your sample, the geneticists at the company run tests to determine if you have African DNA. The detailed report provided by them mentions the country of the individual's origin from the African continent and which ethnic group you share your origins with. In case the individual has no African DNA, the company will help him/her know if they have European, Middle-Eastern, Asian, or Native American DNA.
What Does the African Ancestry DNA Report Contain?
Once an individual orders the DNA test from the African Ancestry website, it takes about eight weeks to receive the report. Along with the test reports, one also gets a certificate of ancestry provided by the company, the printout of their DNA sequence, a brochure that uses a map to scientifically explain the individual’s place of origin, the path of migration of his/her genes, a digital ancestry guide and also a membership to their exclusive online community.
There are several online reviews on various websites about what people have said about African Ancestry and their DNA testing. In fact, many famous people such as Oprah Winfrey, Morgan Freeman, Maya Angelou have tried African Ancestry DNA testing.
Is African Ancestry Portable with Other Test Results?
African Ancestry allows DNA portability in case one has already purchased a DNA analysis done by another company. In this case, one can upload their DNA results on their website and pay a lesser amount ($210) than the original cost of their test. They do not provide a list of accepted raw data providers, but they do have specific requirements for the genetic data they will accept and evaluate. You can learn more about those requirements here.
African Ancestry Inc. is doing a phenomenal job by bridging the gap between people of African descent and their origins.
Do you have your DNA raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FTDNA, MyHeritage?
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Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), established in the year 2000, is continuously regarded as one of the most trusted and reliable providers of DNA testing services. The company started out offering only Y-DNA, mtDNA, and Cohanim DNA tests, as the company’s focus was to help people knock down brick walls in their paper research.
Fast forward to the year 2010, the company began to offer autosomal testing with its ‘Family Finder’ product, which still continues to be the leading choice among professional genealogists when it comes to DNA testing. This product has attracted a lot of genealogists, and thus, there is plenty of online support when it comes to understanding and using your test results.
Tests offered by Family Tree DNA
There are three types of DNA tests used in genealogy:
- Autosomal DNA is a mixture of DNA that you get from all of your ancestors (Family Finder)
- YDNA is part of the DNA that only males have, and which is passed down directly from father to son.
- mtDNA is part of the DNA that is only passed on by mothers to their children (both male and female).
Autosomal DNA - Family Finder
This test focuses on the autosomal DNA, which is inherited across generations.
- Percentage breakdown of your origins
- Find relatives you share your autosomal DNA with within five generations
- Learn your connect with ancient European groups
- Compare matching segments of DNA (blocks) with your genetic matches
Family Finder by Family Tree DNA examines over 50,000 markers to trace the ancestral line of the user. The analysis provides details of the user’s ethnic origin as well. FTDNA uses a proprietary algorithm that discovers other individuals that may have a common ancestor within five generations on either side of the user’s family. Not only does the test reveal the names of the individuals who are closely related, but it also provides email addresses to aid in initiating contact. Since personal information is involved, the user is only matched with others who’ve also opted for the test.
Who should take the Family Finder test?
Anyone who wants to learn more about their family’s heritage, culture, or ethnic background can take up this test. The test matches the user to close relatives and breaks down their ancestor’s origin. This test reveals the user’s and their family’s unique genetic identity.
How does it work?
There are two ways to provide information to this test. The user can either purchase the kit, follow the instructions and send it back to Family Tree; or, the user can transfer data from another genetic testing company. FTDNA currently accepts data from 23andme, MyHeritage, and AncestryDNA.
Once the results are ready, the user can access their full genetic profile. It is better to purchase a kit by FTDNA so that relevant information that may be missing in the kits from the other companies can be provided. The kit can be purchased on the website, and the basic test is around $80. The kit contains two cheek swabs, two vials, a specimen bag, a return mailer, instructions, and a registration form. The time taken for results varies with the type of test chosen. A basic test would take 4 to 6 weeks, whereas more complex tests would take up to 8 weeks.
What is provided in the Family Finder report?
The results given in this report are:
- myOrigins- This gives the detailed breakdown of the user’s ancestry and ethnic background, as well as location. The map also contains a “My Ancestral History” panel that provides a historical context on each ethnicity.
- ancientOrigins- This compares the genetic profile with those found in archaeological sites across Europe. This reveals how ancestors may have traveled throughout Europe and the potential other groups that the ancestors may have interacted with. The ancientOrigins report tries to give a detailed view of the ancestors- which include a comparison to the age in which they would have been living in a particular region, as well as possible occupations they would’ve followed. Maps present in this tool gives the user a visual clue as to how ancestors may have migrated, as well as provide information on the locations of the current existing relatives. This feature is only available to people of European descent.
- Family Matching- Using the genetic profile to match others that may be in the maternal or paternal line, linking them to the family tree.
There is another feature called ‘Chromosome Browser.’ This allows the user to explore, zoom, and download details of each segment of DNA, as well as compare these segments to matching genetic profiles. There is also scope to contribute to genealogical projects. The service uses the customer’s surname to try and trace lineages.
Y-DNA test
The Y chromosome is exclusive to the male gender and is often passed down from the father to the son without much changes in the genetic makeup. Y-DNA tests the Y chromosome to investigate the male’s paternal family line. A person who takes up this test will also receive something called a ‘Y-DNA haplogroup’ which uncovers the paternal heritage going back to Africa.
The following are the single tests option available in Y-DNA test:
- Y-37: Examines 37 short tandem repeats (STRs) on the Y chromosome - Priced at $119.
- Y-111: Examines 111 short tandem repeats (STRs) on the Y chromosome - Priced at $249.
- Y-700: Examines 700 short tandem repeats (STRs) on the Y chromosome - Priced at $449.
The difference between these three tests is the number of markers taken into account for the analysis. Family Tree DNA recommends Y-37 as a good place to start and examine close relationships. Y-111 analyzes more markers and providers more refined results, including matches. The Y-700 test is more ideal for expert users, as it provides over 200,000 SNPs and additional STRs; however, these markers do not provide more refined matching.
mtDNA test
mtDNA stands for mitochondrial DNA. This DNA is passed on by a mother to her children. Though both the genders receive this DNA from their mothers, men cannot pass this on to their children. This test allows you to explore your direct maternal line and geographic origins. mtDNA haplogroup uncovers your maternal heritage going back to Africa.
New Feature: Personalized mtFull sequence video
This feature, which is available for all users who have taken the mtDNA test, tells the story of your maternal ancestry, and is a fun way to share your results with friends and family. This video helps break down the basic concepts of your mtDNA results with ‘your specific story’ in mind. Being customizable, this feature lets you choose your avatar and fill in a little info about yourself. Take a look at the sample video below.
Advantages and disadvantages of choosing FTDNA
FTDNA is a really good choice for people who want to learn more about their ancestry.
- Detailed reports
- Avenues to contact close relatives
- Transfer of raw DNA files
- Identifies relatives from maternal and paternal lines
- Provides a map on ancient ancestors
However, there are also some disadvantages to this test:
- A smaller pool of matches
- Lacks health-related screening
- No historical records
- Technical jargon in reports
- Certain tests are expensive in comparison to other services
FTDNA Family Finder vs. 23andMe DNA Relatives- Which is better?
23andMe and FTDNA enable customers to connect to close relatives. While 23andMe’s DNA relatives came out in 2009, FTDNA released Family Finder a bit later in 2010. Although FTDNA has a smaller database, the services it provides surpasses that of 23andMe. The features include maternal and paternal lineage tracking, a variety of tests, and a detailed report.
FTDNA provides a very easy-to-use DNA analysis kits to users who want to learn about their ancestry. With regard to privacy, FTDNA provides options to opt-out of law enforcement matching. However, it is quite difficult to completely delete genetic data or destroy a sample. If a customer decides to do so, they will have to contact customer service.
With the tests and services provided, the user can learn about their maternal and paternal ancestry, potential migration paths of their ancestors- including occupation and location. Finally, FTDNA enables users to contact close relatives to promote positive relationships. With other features like accepting raw DNA files from other DNA testing services and wellness reports, FTDNA is a really good choice for DNA analysis services.
Do you have your DNA raw data from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, FTDNA, MyHeritage?
Upload your DNA raw data to Xcode Life to get insights into 700+ health-related traits!
The diversity of the South Asian population, especially in a country like India with a significant difference in ethnicity even between the north and the south zones, have intrigued scholars and ancestry enthusiasts equally. Moreover, political propaganda has led to spread of a distorted understanding about the already complex structure of the South Asian population. Till date a popular story doing rounds is that of the Aryans conquering the Indian subcontinent during the course of their extensive invasions. Another unsubstantiated claim is the out-of-India migrations.
About the study
The recent study that was preprinted by Bio-Archives in late March this year titled “The Genomic Formation of South and Central Asia” examines the ancestry of ancient Indians using genetic ancestry methods. This large scale study, that is yet to go through peer-reviewing has been co-authored by 92 experts from premium universities across the globe. The study used the genome-wide data obtained from DNA samples from 612 ancient individuals. The samples included those from Turan (a region in easter Iran which now covers Uzbekistan), Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and South Asia. Out of the 612 samples, 362 were studied and compared with the genomic data from present-day individuals including around 250 groups within South Asia.
Creation of Ancestral Groups in India
Ancient India was predominated by two major groups namely the Ancestral North Indians and the Ancestral South Indians. This forms the founding premise of the paper. The formation of these two major groups could be the result of the genetic mixing between following types of populations:
- Farming population from Iran (Iranian agriculturalists) who entered India bringing with them wheat and barley cultivation.
- The South Asian hunter gatherers, who are considered to be the oldest inhabitants of India and also known as the Ancient Ancestral South Indians.
- Inhabitants of the vast Steppes grassland extending from Central Asia to the north of Afghanistan.
- Finally the Indus Valley population that forms the key source to the ancestry of South Asians as shown by the parallel analysis of ancient DNA and genomic data from present day population of South Asia.
What are the major South Asian ancestral groups?
[table “24” not found /]The Indus Valley population
This population was first created by the population mixing between the Iranian agriculturalists and the South Asian hunter gatherers. Consequently both these populations were found to be there in the gene pool of the Ancestral North Indians and the Ancestral South Indians. The Ancestral South Indians are formed of the South Asian hunter-gatherers and the Iranian agriculturalist the South Asian hunter gatherers having a bigger share of the fraction. On the other hand, the Ancestral North Indians are a genetic mix of both the above groups along with the Steppes pastoralists.
This implies that the Indus Valley population originated from the South Asian hunter-gatherer and Iranian agriculturalist population. As the Indus Valley population moved south, they mixed with the South Asian hunter-gatherers to form the Ancestral South Indians. Similar interactions of the Indus Valley population with the Steppes pastoralist in the north created the Ancestral North Indians.
What we can infer from the study
This study is a definite blow to misconstrued versions of the origin of the South Asian population. For one, the out-of-India theory is improbable in the genetic level, since migration patterns indicate the gene flow into the South Asian region and not the opposite.
The “Ancestral South Indians” (ASI) were created from a mixing of the Indus periphery individuals with the Ancient Ancestral South Indians around 4,000 years ago. Between approximately 4,000 and 3,200 years ago populations from the Steppe grassland arrive, carrying admixture from Iranian farmers, as well as people from the Steppe. They mix with the ASI population, though a few groups, such as the Kalash, mix directly with InPe, and create unmixed “Ancestral North Indian” (ANI).
As more information comes through, like the results from the Rakhigarhi excavation site that is estimated to date back around 4,700 years, the pieces will only fit in more clearly and serve to confirm this largely unsolved puzzle.
UPDATE: We have temporarily discontinued this report. For more details, you can reach us at hello@xcode.life
What is the Simplified Promethease report?
There are many of you out there who uploaded your raw data to Promethease expecting to learn some insights on your health. As the name implies, the simplified Promethease report is a simplified version of your Promethease report.
What does the Simplified Promethease report contain?
The simplified Promethease report sources content from your Promethease report and organizes it in a topical, concise, easily readable and printable table format. [/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]In the Simplified Promethease report, all health category-related information is organized into a printable table.
The Simplified Promethease report has information from your Promethease report organized in the following topics.
- Myocardial Infarction
- Heart Disease
- Atrial Fibrillation
- Hypertension
- Cholesterol related
- Other Heart related
- Diabetes related
- Cancer related
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Stroke
- Schizophrenia
- Other Neurological traits
- Behavioral Traits
- Crohn’s Disease
- Asthma
- Hemochromatosis
- Migraine and Headaches
- Kidney Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Biliary Conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary lung disease
- Dyslexia
- Endometriosis
- Gout
- Autism
- Allergy
- Other Disease Related
- Recreational substance related
- Alcohol related
- Blood Group or Type
- Hair related
- Body weight related
- Food preference and intake related
- Physical Traits and Performance
- Aging and Lifespan related
- Age Related Macular Degeneration
- Metabolite/Hormone Levels and deficiencies
- Metabolizer -Enzymes and Drugs
- Drug response
- Other Traits
Who will benefit from the Simplified Promethease report?
Over the years, we have had several requests from our customers asking if we can re-interpret the Promethease report for them. The Promethease report is full of technical information that is difficult to interpret by non technical folks. We have taken this feedback and addressed this issue. The simplified Promethease report is topically organized, concise - giving you the most relevant information, and presented in a printable format.
How do I receive my Simplified Promethease report?
You can receive your Simplified Promethease report by uploading your Promethease report to Xcode.Life website. Please select “Simplified Promethease” as the product option.
Disclaimer:
Promethease is not in anyway affiliated with Xcode Life.
We have temporarily discontinued this report.
With companies like AncestryDNA, 23andme and Family Tree DNA reaching a customer database of several millions, it is safe to conclude that the public is in awe of this aspect of DNA information. DNA ancestry information is appealing to us because it connects us to our roots and tells us our own personal history. However, not all is happy and well with Ancestry DNA testing. Here are the things you must know and understand before going for an ancestry DNA test.
Several individuals experience dissatisfaction from their ancestry DNA test results. For many, the ancestry results reveal too little and tell an incomplete history. Many individuals hop from one company to another to fill this void, but experience more dissatisfaction. It helps to understand why this is the case and what can be done to get the best possible DNA Ancestry test results.
Ancestry DNA test population labels
When you open a typical ancestry genetic report you are presented with a summary table containing names of populations and their proportions in percentages. You may be wondering as to how they were arrived at? These population labels are basically part of a database to which your Ancestry DNA data was compared against. Depending upon which ones you are closely matched with, your ancestry is estimated to belong to those groups. For example, if there are five populations in the table and your match 20% with population A, and 40% with population B etc., your ancestry is reported as such.
The key is the “original” reference database, which is presumed to be composed of individuals from relatively homogeneous ethnic groups. If the groups from which you derived your ancestral DNA are not part of the reference groups, then you will not find a match or find a poor or inaccurate match. Many computational parameters are involved in the process. Owing to this, the results vary depending upon which company did the analysis and how it was done. Lack of appropriate reference labels for specific populations and labeling some populations as part of other populations may be some reasons why companies like 23andme and others do not provide appropriate detailed ancestry results for Asians and other populations. For example, South Asians might broadly mean people from Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh etc.
Since humans migrated out of Africa about 4,00,000 years ago, various human populations have developed distinctive genetic signatures. As an example, people of various countries write certain English words differently though the alphabets and grammatical rules are the same. For example, the word color is spelt as colour or vice versa. Based on how differently its spelt, one may estimate the place in which it was written. In a very similar way, by looking at specific genetic signatures, one can estimate the geographical location in the past of the person carrying that signature. This in essence is ancestry testing.
Reference data sets
All the data that is obtained from aforementioned means are cumulatively called the reference data sets. Each company has its own reference data sets and this largely depends on the customer base. The more the variety and the number of customers the more confident and detailed will be the estimates. For example a company like 23andme has detailed estimates for the European population but underrepresented South Asian data sets. Hence for a South Asian who gets a 23andme ancestry genetic test report that says 97% South Asian cannot make much of the report.
Take-away
Ancestry DNA testing has become very popular worldwide. The sheer number of people interested in ancestry analysis is incredible. Sample this, Ancestry DNA sold 1.5 million ancestry DNA test kits between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. For people of mostly European ancestry, the existing ancestry DNA companies do a reasonable job. However, for people of other ancestries such as South Asian and East Asian and others, the existing tests leave much to be desired. You may want to explore niche offerings such as Xcode’s Origin which provides global ancestry composition, also present a deep dive into south asian ancestry. This is a welcome development for nearly 2 billion south asians whose needs for accurate ancestry estimates were largely unmet until the launch of Xcode’s origin ancestry analysis test. Xcode’s ancestry genetic test is the first and the only DNA based ancestry test to have a detailed South Asian population analysis. Given below is the table of all the populations and groups we consider and their labels.
Major Population Labels
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- Nutrition
- Fitness
- Health
- Allergy
- Skin
- Precision Medicine
- Methylation and MTHFR
- Carrier Status
- Personality
- Breast Cancer and BRCA
- ACMG
- COVID-19 Genetic Report
The vast majority of the people are trying to analyze DNA raw data results from ancestry genetic testing companies like 23andMe, Ancestry DNA, Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), Living DNA etc., and other raw DNA data providers. However, they are completely unaware that their raw DNA data also contains vast amounts of other information.
These companies do not perform genome sequencing. They instead use microarray genotyping to get ancestry and health information. This may be about their health aspects such as diet, nutrition, obesity, diabetes, fitness, allergies, weight loss, detox analysis, skincare etc.
Those who are aware are mostly familiar with Promethease, an SNPedia-based literature retrieval system. Promethease reports gained popularity after the FDA ban on 23andme providing health reports to customers. With the FDA ban, there was a huge demand for alternative 23andme health report providers. Promethease report was positioned well to benefit well from this development.
Fast forward to 2018, the landscape of alternative health report providers and third-party tools has matured significantly. A number of options are available to people with 23andme raw data and data from other ancestry DNA test providers. These options are well covered in our recent blog titled 10 Amazing Tools For 23andme Raw Data Analysis.
In this blog, we address, what more and what else you can do with your ancestry DNA test raw data? This blog will open up a number of possibilities to those who wish to explore their raw DNA to the fullest.
Hand-Picked article for you: Worrier Or Warrior? Analyze Your DNA Raw Data For COMT – The Warrior Gene
I. Health Reports
This is a concept most users of 23andme are familiar with.
Arguably, this is one of the motivations for people to opt for DNA testing services from 23andme in lieu of AncestryDNA.com, FTDNA and other ancestry companies.
23andme used to provide a health report before the FDA ban on their health results.
23andMe now provides a significantly scaled down version of the DNA health reports which are approved by the FDA for $99. However, a lot more health info can be gained from the ancestry DNA test raw data that you obtain from 23andme. Health conditions like hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and obesity are all manageable and very much preventable when detected early.
A number of genetic markers have been discovered for a variety of other health conditions, ranging from cancer to autoimmune conditions. Learning about your genetic predisposition helps you keep a tab on early symptoms and take preemptive action.
A comparison between Xcode Life and Promethease as third-party tools for raw data analysis have been done previously.
II. Nutrition Insights
Nutrition has a profound impact on human health. Several aspects of nutrition are genetically influenced. Macronutrient metabolism, micronutrient requirements, food intolerances like lactose intolerance and gluten intolerance are familiar to many people.
However, there are several more aspects that are genetically influenced. Third party raw data analysis tools will help you interpret your raw DNA data to get these results.
Once you understand your genetic nutritional tendencies, you can align your dietary habits accordingly. Your genetic data will help you eliminate many of the genetic food intolerance and sensitivity related symptoms. These are a useful set of insights to get from your ancestry DNA test genetic data.
Get your nutrition genetic report from your DNA raw data here
III. Fitness Reports
Human physical attributes are clearly genetically influenced, for example, height is largely genetic, so is wingspan and flexibility, etc.
Several other attributes such as red blood cell count, heart capacity, lung capacity, muscle strength, all are significantly genetically influenced.
Additionally, whether you are largely built for endurance type of activities or sprint or powertype activities is also genetically influenced. So, whether you are an amateur or professional sportsperson, all you need is your DNA raw data.
Fitness reports generated by analyzing your raw DNA data will help you align your activities with your genes.
Get your fitness genetic report from your DNA raw data here
IV. Allergy Reports
Those of us who are allergic to anything can relate to the nightmarish experience that seemingly harmless entities can cause. Allergy information can also be extracted by a raw DNA data analysis.
Close to 20-25% of the adrenaline administrations in schools happen because the allergies were unknown at the time of the reaction. More than 170 foods have been found to instigate allergic reactions in the body. Some of the common food allergies come from milk, egg, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish and crustacean shellfish. You can learn about your susceptibility to these allergens by analyzing your ancestry DNA raw data. These are only food allergies. An estimated 10% of the population is allergic to objects like pollen, animal dander, droppings of cockroaches and contact with dust mites.
Learning about your allergy susceptibilities can be life-saving. And it is as simple as a raw DNA data analysis. You can now extract this information about your allergy predisposition from your ancestry DNA test raw data.
Using hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific literature third-party tools examine genetic markers corresponding to each type of allergy. Based your variant gene, your body is at a higher or lower risk of invoking an exaggerated response to an allergen.
This keeps you alert. Also helps you take proactive measures like avoiding certain foods, saying no to tattoos.
Other forms of allergies covered in a genetic report are misophonia and histamine intolerance.
Get your allergy genetic report from your DNA raw data here
V. Skin Reports
Skin is one of the most dynamic organs in the body. It interacts with environmental agents like sunlight (ultraviolet radiation), pollutants, chemicals and internal factors like hormonal regulation. Maintaining skin health would require knowledge of your underlying genetics.
For example, each of us will display a different kind of reaction on exposure to light. This information can be extracted from your ancestry DNA raw data. Some skin types are immune to strong light but others develop rosacea characterized by red skin eruptions. This is often misdiagnosed as acne and hence becomes worse over time because it is not given specific treatment.
Another example is the development of cellulite or orange peel syndrome that manifests as skin dimpling and nodularity. This is common in the abdomen and pelvic regions. Cellulite affects about 85-98% women. Your susceptibility to cellulite is influenced by the type of gene variants you have in your raw DNA data results.
Even how much you tan is genetically influenced!
Now you can see why generic face creams and medications fail no matter how many times you change brands.
Analyzing DNA raw data will give you skin insights which will help you treat and manage skin conditions. Or just maintain a healthy and glowing skin.
Get your skin genetic report from your DNA raw data here
VI.Precision Medicine Reports
According to industry statistics, on average more than 50% of medications prescribed today do not benefit those who take them.
Precision medicine through genetics promises to deliver right drug at the right dose to the right patient using your personal DNA data.
Doing a DNA raw data analysis will help you learn about your genetic polymorphisms. Specifically those that impact the majority of the drugs you consume on a regular basis.
And what do you need for getting this precious information from your DNA data? Once you analyze your DNA raw data you can download the raw data DNA file. This has most of the information necessary to create your precision medicine drug sensitivity report.
Download your DNA files from the following genetic testing companies now:
Analyze your DNA raw data with caution
Please bear in mind that the vast majority of human traits are not influenced by a single gene. Rather, they are a combination of smaller effects produced by a number of genes. When you order a report from any DNA testing service, you must bear in mind that these are based on likelihood. This means that the effect was observed on a group of individuals, who also happen to carry the same genetic variants.
Whether or not you will see the same effect is dependent on a number of factors, the science of which has not been fully mapped out yet. So, use this information in that context and do not be alarmed when you see concerning information.
Genetics should be considered as additional information to be added to your analysis, not a diagnosis.
Here is another interesting article on What Else You Can Do With Your DNA Raw Data
