23 Things I Know from 23 and Me

23 and Me is Time’s invention of the year.

23 and Me is a way to access one’s genetic information.

All of us have 23 pairs of chromosomes.

17% of us are left-handed

44% of us have attached earlobes

88% of us have wet earwax

None of us are world-class sprinters

14% of us have perfect pitch

13% of us have Restless Legs Syndrome

All of us can smell the asparagus odor in our urine

22% of us are lactose intolerant

67% of us have a family history of cancer

19% of us have a family history of Alzheimer’s Disease

41% of us have a family history of migraines

56% of us have a family history of male pattern baldness

29% of us have a family history of diabetes

17% of us have a family history of Multiple Sclerosis

Frequently asked questions about 23 and Me.

1. How does 23andMe genotype my DNA?
2. Why can’t 23andMe diagnose me?
3. What is the difference between genotyping and sequencing?
4. How accurate is the genetic data you provide?
5. Which countries do you ship to?
6. How can I give the Personal Genome Service as a gift?
7. What is 23andMe’s return policy?

2 3 and Me costs $399 and some spit.

Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) is U.S. federal legislation that protects Americans from discrimination (in health insurance and employment decisions) on the basis of genetic information. It was signed into law this year, May, 2008 by President Bush.

Give it a year or so, and the Japanese will find a better/more accurate way to do the same testing that 23 and me can do.