Have you always wanted to try one of those DNA tests that tells you about your ancestry like 23andMe? Well now you can, for FREE. There is a program called Genes for Good that is run by the University of Michigan and they are giving people free DNA kits for answering surveys! The scientists there are trying to discover new links between certain genetic variants, health, and disease.
You have to fill out 35 health surveys to qualify for a free kit (it’s completely free.) Once you complete enough of their health surveys they will mail you a spit kit free of charge and they even pay for the return shipping. Once you mail it back, it takes about 2 months for your DNA data to come back. (A long time I know….but hey…it’s free!)
They will give you your ancestry based on these continental categories: Sub-Saharan African, European, Middle Eastern/North African, Central/South Asia, East Asian, Native American, Oceania.
The example results found on the site:
To get started, visit Genes for Good and create an account via their Facebook App. You need to be 18 or older and a US resident with a facebook account.
They will also give you a PCA plot and a chromosome painting and you can download your raw DNA data from them. If your interested you can take that raw DNA file and upload it to the site Promethease. For $5 USD you can upload your DNA data there and get your health reports (they’ll tell you what cancers you are most at risk for, do you carry the alleles for any diseases, how likely are you at risk for certain mental disorders, etc.) You can see a sample report here.
So what do you think? Are you going to try it?! Leave a comment and let me know.
