This is the blog for GW students taking Human Evolutionary Genetics. This site is for posting interesting tidbits on: the patterns and processes of human genetic variation;human origins and migration; molecular adaptations to environment, lifestyle and disease; ancient and forensic DNA analyses; and genealogical reconstructions.

GWHEG figure

GWHEG figure

Monday, February 5, 2018

The fine print: what do personal genomics companies do with your genetic information?


personal genomics nuviun
Before spitting in that plastic tube one might wonder what companies like 23andMe and Gene by Gene  actually do with your genetic data after they give you your report. A paper published in the journal, Applied Translational Genomics, aimed to understand just that. The 2016 study looked at 4 companies that offer whole genome sequencing (WGS): Illumina, Gene by Gene, GeneYouIn, and Inneova. Three of the four companies stated that they may use genetic data for purposes outside of the consumer genetic report. The authors state that this information is not indicated on the companies' main web pages, therefore, it is possible that many consumers are unaware that their genetic information might be used for other purposes. Moreover, two of the companies state that the consumer will not receive compensation if their data is used in scientific research. Just another thing to consider before hitting that "Accept Terms and Conditions" button.

Access the original article here.

Angie Peña

No comments:

Post a Comment