Fun with Genetics: What DNA Testing Is Capable Of
You have likely already heard of some companies online willing to perform DNA testing on your sample. It might seem a strange notion, but DNA testing is common enough that people tend not to think too much of it. There was a time when such a process was unthinkable, but because dealing with genetics is not something a typical individual would find a use for, it has quietly slipped past the radar.
That said, DNA testing is common enough that you can perform the test yourself and send the results over to a company that can help. The best DNA testing kits are quite easy to use, and the results will arrive before you know it. Here are just a few examples of what can be done with DNA testing to hopefully convince you to give it a try!
All about genealogy
There was a time when people would dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to mapping their family tree. These days, all you need is a sample of your DNA, and many companies are more than happy to do the rest. The DNA you provide is compared to the DNA the business currently has on record, which can go a long way to figuring out your ancestry.
While it might be nothing new for those with European descent, African Americans, in particular, tend to have a challenging time when it comes to figuring out their ancestry. Fortunately, the best African American DNA tests are available to make the process more comfortable. Even if you might not necessarily be too interested in the mapping of your family tree, there is a lot you can learn from a simple DNA test!
DNA testing can help individuals make difficult decisions
Aside from checking on your family tree and figuring out which line you descend from, there are also plenty of other ways to take advantage of DNA testing. For example, there are some people out there who are carriers of specific diseases. It is in the best interest of parents who are carriers to learn whether or not their child might end up with the same condition. If both of the parents happen to be carriers – a fact you can learn through DNA tests – it might be best to settle for adoption.
Predictive testing
There are some unfortunate individuals who end up suffering from physical and mental conditions later in life due to a fault in their genetics. Taking a DNA test can help find such conditions early on, which will allow those vulnerable to take precautions. It might not be the cheeriest thought, but DNA testing can change lives for the better.
While it might not necessarily be a top priority for most individuals, there are plenty of uses for DNA testing. Whether it has to do with predictive tests or mapping out your ancestry, there are many testing kits that can make it happen!
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