discovery

[whswhs]

Some weeks ago, C and I sent samples in to 23andme to see what they had to say about our ancestry and medical condition. The results came back a few days ago. My ancestry came out as nearly 80% British Isles, with nearly all the rest German and Swiss, Scandinavian, or generic northern and western European. But there were a couple of surprises

Comments

[shirebound]

How interesting. And they go back as far as Neanderthal genes!

23andMe

[attitude_boy]

I've been tempted a few times to submit my DNA to either 23andMe or Ancestry to see what secrets it holds, but I am concerned about their data security.

I also have a at least one half brother somewhere in the world, and don't know how I feel about half siblings contacting me.

Re: 23andMe

[whswhs]

I believe you have a choice about whether to allow that or not.

Re: 23andMe

[attitude_boy]

Good to know. Thank you.

[selenite]

My family sent samples to 23andme and ancestry.com. 23andme said I had some North African ancestry (0.4%) but ancestry.com declared my ancestry was all from the British Isles, except for one Norman via Quebec.

From researching the sites, apparently 23andme is focused on health-impacting genes, while ancestry, per name, tracks origins primarily. So I expect the results you're seeing may include some false positives.

[whswhs]

That would make sense. The Chinese part certainly looked like a false positive, and that suggests doubts about the other small percentages.