Don’t believe claims about your genetic ancestry!
July 7, 2009 by Grace Ibay
Filed under Health
Do you know that for as little as a $100 and a DNA swab of your cheeks, a company can reveal your family tree and ancestral homeland?
Well, don’t believe them! Don’t believe a company who will tell you you’re descended from Genghis Khan, or Napoleon Bonaparte or some (in)famous person in history.
According to researchers who analyzed genetic ancestry testing, it’s a common misconception that the test can reveal information about an individual’s ancestry. In reality, genetic tests will only tell you that there are people in the world who share your DNA pattern, but these tests can not tell you where your ancestors lived or the ancient somebody you’re related with.
Unless of course, they have DNA on those people too.
In fact, genetic ancestry test can not also tell you about your complete family tree unless everyone that’s remotely related to you also take the test, or you’re a member of the royal families!
A genetic family tree, also known as pedigree, like the one shown above, require every member of the family to submit their DNA and other relevant personal information. But if you think submitting your cheek swabs will tell you what specific part of the world your ancestors came from, forget it. Save your $100. Your grandparents can probably tell you more.
Image: University of Wisconsin
Hi. I’m an intern at Johns Hopkins Medicine and working on a women’s health conference. You may be interested in knowing that Johns Hopkins Geriatrician Dr. Michele Bellantoni will discuss normal aging and aging caused by chronic disease, current research regarding the impact of genetics, and the importance of lifestyle and strong, preventive primary care to preserve your health at A Woman’s Journey, Saturday, November 14, 2009. The lecture is described on the conference website: http://www.hopkindmedicine.org/awomansjourney.
Glad I caught this. I’ve seen ads that claim they can tell what tribe in Africa you’re from.