We had quite a week over at the Proctor DNA Project, with lots of inquiries. It looks like things are finally starting to heat up for us!
As a result, we had a new member sign up yesterday. He ordered the "Comprehensive Genome" product from FTDNA. This includes the 67-marker Y-DNA test, the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) and the new autosomal Family Finder test. (Wow!)
It appears that he and I are 8th cousins on our Proctor line. We both trace back to John Graye Proctor through his grandson Joshua. Since my Proctor first cousin once-removed will also be swabbing this week, their Y-DNA results should come in about the same time and, hopefully, match. He and I might even find an autosomal match on Family Finder! This should be VERY interesting...
[Disclosure - My company StudioINTV has an existing production agreement with FTDNA that has no bearing on the opinions I express. I receive no other compensation in relation to any of the companies or products referenced in my blog.]
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Thursday, August 19, 2010
A Lead from Y-DNA testing on my Travis line
You can read about the lead from Y-DNA testing on my brickwalled Travis line on my other blog here:
http://mytangledvine.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-elusive-great-great-great.html
http://mytangledvine.blogspot.com/2010/08/my-elusive-great-great-great.html
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Update on the search for my Proctor Y-DNA...
Just a quick post to announce that my Proctor first cousin (once removed) has graciously agreed to provide his Y-DNA and the kit has been ordered from FTDNA and is on its way! This came about much sooner than I expected, but has been a long time coming. Proof that persistence does pay off! I can't wait to analyze and report the results in a couple of weeks! For those who may not have read my earlier post about my search for my maternal grandfather's Y-DNA signature, please read it here.
On another note, I posted information about the Proctor DNA Project on a couple of genealogy boards this week and was happily surprised to receive a number of promising inquiries, including correspondence with the webmaster of the fantastic House of Proctor Genealogy site. He has kindly offered to post a link to our project on his heavily visited website which should greatly improve its visibility.
I am looking forward to making the project a great success for all of those involved!
[Disclosure - My company StudioINTV has an existing production agreement with FTDNA that has no bearing on the opinions I express. I receive no other compensation in relation to any of the companies or products referenced in my blog.]
On another note, I posted information about the Proctor DNA Project on a couple of genealogy boards this week and was happily surprised to receive a number of promising inquiries, including correspondence with the webmaster of the fantastic House of Proctor Genealogy site. He has kindly offered to post a link to our project on his heavily visited website which should greatly improve its visibility.
I am looking forward to making the project a great success for all of those involved!
[Disclosure - My company StudioINTV has an existing production agreement with FTDNA that has no bearing on the opinions I express. I receive no other compensation in relation to any of the companies or products referenced in my blog.]
Monday, August 9, 2010
Science vs. Censors and Scoundrels
[Note from Your Genetic Genealogist: I have a guest writer today who was determined to voice his opinion, so I have given him a forum. I think he makes very relevant points.]
Our Nation of scientific stagnation and regulatory constipation
I just finished reading a most excellent blog entitled “FDABLOG.” [Note from YGG: Please read the post "In wake of FDA offensive, genomics entrepreneurs look overseas" in the link.] There’s but one thing that I want to add, something that is already touched on in this excellent blog- i.e. that many are not speaking out on this, including executives and prominent venture capitalists because of fear of FDA retaliation. You might want to read that line again and let it sink in a bit. I did, and I have to admit this is a frightening thought.
It becomes more frightening yet when you consider that this statement did not come from some conspiracy theorist living in an underground compound in Pahrump, Nevada. Instead, it came from a highly credible source. If the same venture capitalists that are key to funding this genetic revolution (would-be revolution if the FDA will get its way) are hesitant to speak up in fear of retaliation from a regulatory body put in place to protect its citizens against, well, the line gets a little blurry here, then perhaps we need to ask what else do we need to be afraid of?
Now, how can I say this without sounding like a mad conspiracy theorist...but I have to: If this is true, what then is the real agenda? Why is it that the FDA had such a sudden “shift” in attitude lately? Is it that because of the transparency of information across all lines from scientist to consumer, the field of genetics and personalized genomics is moving away from the caring arms of the regulators? Are we getting close to some groundbreaking discoveries that will render current treatment methodologies archaic? If so, and because of this transparency of information, is it possible that such new discoveries would not qualify for “protection” under patent law? If that is truly so, at least we need no longer question why the FDA has suddenly become so protective over... what?
Now, how can I say this without sounding like a mad conspiracy theorist...but I have to: If this is true, what then is the real agenda? Why is it that the FDA had such a sudden “shift” in attitude lately? Is it that because of the transparency of information across all lines from scientist to consumer, the field of genetics and personalized genomics is moving away from the caring arms of the regulators? Are we getting close to some groundbreaking discoveries that will render current treatment methodologies archaic? If so, and because of this transparency of information, is it possible that such new discoveries would not qualify for “protection” under patent law? If that is truly so, at least we need no longer question why the FDA has suddenly become so protective over... what?
I know this is pure speculation but is it that far off? Let’s look at some facts: Is it not true that in the Ritalin scam it was later discovered that pretty much every FDA panel member had a personal interest in the pharmaceutical companies that were peddling these drugs for kids and that dangerous, even deadly, side effects were purposely covered up in the approval process? [Source] Kids die, that’s ok, but we’re not allowed to see our genome… don’t get me going…
Whether this is all true, pure speculation or somewhere in between, one thing remains irrefutable: It is frightening and unacceptable when key players, vital to the future of this industry, are concerned about speaking out because of fear of retaliation. It is further frightening and, frankly, deplorable that we as a society will allow this to take place in our own back yard.
Whatever happened to that “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take it anymore” spirit? So – c’mon everybody, speak up, get mad as hell, write letters, emails, blogs, get involved … be American for Pete’s sake! Only action will reveal the truth. Inaction will continue to pave the way to a nation of scientific stagnation and regulatory constipation.
Love America, but Proud to be a Swede.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Should You Take An At-Home DNA Test? Knowledge is Power!
This week Mary Carmichael is writing a series of articles in Newsweek in her quest to decide whether or not to take an at-home DNA test. So, I have decided to share my experience with DTC genetic testing with Mary (and you) in hopes of encouraging her to go through with her test. Some of what I write may have relevance to her, while some may not, but I am including it all in case there are more of you out there wavering with the same decision who need a gentle nudge.
There has been a lot of attention on the DTC genetic testing industry as of late, much of it negative. This may discourage some who were considering taking an at-home DNA test. As I have related in earlier blogs, personally, I have experienced a wide range of benefits from my genetic tests and I have witnessed many others receiving benefits as well. These experiences are dismissed by many as "anecdotal," but they are very real to me and the others who have experienced them. "Experts" may disagree with me, but I can only report what I have experienced and witnessed in my many hours of working with DTC genetic testing. So, you've been warned, this is not a scientific study! I am writing from the perspective of a self-educated consumer of DTC genetic testing (and have no financial stake in the industry).
Mendelian Disease Carrier Detection and Prevention
I tested with 23andMe for purely genealogical purposes, but discovered some very surprising and important medical information. I am a carrier of Cystic Fibrosis. No one in all of my extended family has ever suffered from this disease as far as I know (and I know a lot about my family's medical history from my extensive genealogical research). When I was pregnant, my doctor never ran nor suggested any genetic tests, so I was not aware of this status even though I already have a child. I also tested my mother through 23andMe and found that, not only did I not inherit this trait from her, but that she is a carrier of a different Mendelian Disease. So I must have inherited the CF carrier status from my dad (who is deceased). This means that there was potential for my siblings and myself to inherit at least two Mendelian Disease carrier statuses. This knowledge could prove to be very important for my five nieces of child-bearing age, my own child and myself (if I plan to have more children). It is highly plausible that through the knowledge of my carrier status (or my mother's), one of my future family members may avoid inheriting a serious genetically predictable disease. This may be the case for you too. You may have the opportunity to inform your family of important health-related information and, potentially, avoid the occurrence of a devastating disease affecting your family, simply through a little knowledge and education. Many young couples do not even consider the possibility of bearing a child with a Mendelian inherited disorder. With education and access to DNA testing, many of those diseases can be avoided or even eradicated. While 23andMe does not test for all variants of the Mendelian inherited traits for which it reports carrier statuses, it does make one acutely aware of their existence. Some may decide to undergo prenatal genetic counseling that they, otherwise, may not have considered.
Knowledge is power!
Health Risk Factors
I have also been made aware of some potential genetic health risks through my results at 23andMe. Are they 100% correct? It really doesn't matter in my case because it has inspired me to make more thoughtful lifestyle choices - like eating more fiber. Of course, I had been advised of this before, but, like many of you, I wasn't doing it. Don't our doctors, our parents and the media remind us over and over of the need for healthier lifestyle choices? Of course they do, but, does it really sink in? Judging by the behavior of the majority of us, the answer is NO. However, for many of us, hearing what our genes seem to be telling us does make a difference! There is something intensely personal about having your own body remind you and provide the hints and tips to a healthier lifestyle. For me, getting the results of my 23andMe genetic test, has encouraged me not only to make better choices, but to become better educated about my body and the diseases and illnesses that may afflict it. The potential for self-education is endless, starting with 23andMe's informative resources and extending to all that you can take in from the vast amount of information available on the Internet - like countless health-related academic studies and the mesmerizing concept of personalized medicine (read about Leroy Hood's P4 Medicine). We are truly so fortunate to have all of this at our fingertips!
Knowledge is power!
Research Benefits
Many suffering at the hands of a disease feel powerless to it. Customers of 23andMe have expressed to me that it gives them a sense of empowerment by participating in the research at 23andWe. They feel that they are fighting the disease in a large scale manner by contributing to research that may eventually enable scientists to conquer the disease that plagues them. The benefits of these research efforts to society as a whole are obvious. There is still so much to be learned about the links between our genes and disease and, by testing, we can help!
Knowledge is power!
Citizens of the World - Blurring of Racial Lines
On a lighter note, the Ancestry portion is fascinating! For a person who is interested in genealogy, anthropology, geography, history or racial studies, it is unbelievably entertaining. For those of you who don't care much about those subjects, it will still be of great interest because it is all about you! Learning about yourself, what makes you unique and what connects you to others around the world is a very enlightening experience. Personally, I feel much more connected to my ancestors (and even to their homelands) knowing that I carry their DNA. Further, when you are "introduced" to your living relatives all over the world, you start to feel like a true international citizen and some of the things that separate us all seem a little bit less significant. If some, by learning how truly interconnected we all are, are able to decrease or overcome their prejudices, what a benefit that will be!
Knowledge is power!
Summary
Because of 23andMe, I have evolved from a genetic genealogy hobbyist into a personalized medicine advocate. I truly believe that the more information and, thus, knowledge that we have, the better we will all be. In a society where we desperately need to start taking responsibility for own well being, genetic testing and the education that comes with it, should be encouraged not demonized. My fear is that with misdirected regulation and the recent negative press about this industry, people will be discouraged or, even, obstructed from educating themselves about their genomes. If that happens, the much needed progress in this important field will be halted.
My experience is this:
1. People take more responsibility for their own health with increased knowledge and education.
2. People take pride in contributing to research and increasing general knowledge about the human genome.
3. People feel more connected to the world and people around them with increased knowledge of their personal genome.
Knowledge is power!
Obviously, I sincerely hope you will decide to be tested and, through this experience, gain as much as I have.
There has been a lot of attention on the DTC genetic testing industry as of late, much of it negative. This may discourage some who were considering taking an at-home DNA test. As I have related in earlier blogs, personally, I have experienced a wide range of benefits from my genetic tests and I have witnessed many others receiving benefits as well. These experiences are dismissed by many as "anecdotal," but they are very real to me and the others who have experienced them. "Experts" may disagree with me, but I can only report what I have experienced and witnessed in my many hours of working with DTC genetic testing. So, you've been warned, this is not a scientific study! I am writing from the perspective of a self-educated consumer of DTC genetic testing (and have no financial stake in the industry).
Mendelian Disease Carrier Detection and Prevention
I tested with 23andMe for purely genealogical purposes, but discovered some very surprising and important medical information. I am a carrier of Cystic Fibrosis. No one in all of my extended family has ever suffered from this disease as far as I know (and I know a lot about my family's medical history from my extensive genealogical research). When I was pregnant, my doctor never ran nor suggested any genetic tests, so I was not aware of this status even though I already have a child. I also tested my mother through 23andMe and found that, not only did I not inherit this trait from her, but that she is a carrier of a different Mendelian Disease. So I must have inherited the CF carrier status from my dad (who is deceased). This means that there was potential for my siblings and myself to inherit at least two Mendelian Disease carrier statuses. This knowledge could prove to be very important for my five nieces of child-bearing age, my own child and myself (if I plan to have more children). It is highly plausible that through the knowledge of my carrier status (or my mother's), one of my future family members may avoid inheriting a serious genetically predictable disease. This may be the case for you too. You may have the opportunity to inform your family of important health-related information and, potentially, avoid the occurrence of a devastating disease affecting your family, simply through a little knowledge and education. Many young couples do not even consider the possibility of bearing a child with a Mendelian inherited disorder. With education and access to DNA testing, many of those diseases can be avoided or even eradicated. While 23andMe does not test for all variants of the Mendelian inherited traits for which it reports carrier statuses, it does make one acutely aware of their existence. Some may decide to undergo prenatal genetic counseling that they, otherwise, may not have considered.
Knowledge is power!
Health Risk Factors
I have also been made aware of some potential genetic health risks through my results at 23andMe. Are they 100% correct? It really doesn't matter in my case because it has inspired me to make more thoughtful lifestyle choices - like eating more fiber. Of course, I had been advised of this before, but, like many of you, I wasn't doing it. Don't our doctors, our parents and the media remind us over and over of the need for healthier lifestyle choices? Of course they do, but, does it really sink in? Judging by the behavior of the majority of us, the answer is NO. However, for many of us, hearing what our genes seem to be telling us does make a difference! There is something intensely personal about having your own body remind you and provide the hints and tips to a healthier lifestyle. For me, getting the results of my 23andMe genetic test, has encouraged me not only to make better choices, but to become better educated about my body and the diseases and illnesses that may afflict it. The potential for self-education is endless, starting with 23andMe's informative resources and extending to all that you can take in from the vast amount of information available on the Internet - like countless health-related academic studies and the mesmerizing concept of personalized medicine (read about Leroy Hood's P4 Medicine). We are truly so fortunate to have all of this at our fingertips!
Knowledge is power!
Research Benefits
Many suffering at the hands of a disease feel powerless to it. Customers of 23andMe have expressed to me that it gives them a sense of empowerment by participating in the research at 23andWe. They feel that they are fighting the disease in a large scale manner by contributing to research that may eventually enable scientists to conquer the disease that plagues them. The benefits of these research efforts to society as a whole are obvious. There is still so much to be learned about the links between our genes and disease and, by testing, we can help!
Knowledge is power!
Citizens of the World - Blurring of Racial Lines
On a lighter note, the Ancestry portion is fascinating! For a person who is interested in genealogy, anthropology, geography, history or racial studies, it is unbelievably entertaining. For those of you who don't care much about those subjects, it will still be of great interest because it is all about you! Learning about yourself, what makes you unique and what connects you to others around the world is a very enlightening experience. Personally, I feel much more connected to my ancestors (and even to their homelands) knowing that I carry their DNA. Further, when you are "introduced" to your living relatives all over the world, you start to feel like a true international citizen and some of the things that separate us all seem a little bit less significant. If some, by learning how truly interconnected we all are, are able to decrease or overcome their prejudices, what a benefit that will be!
Knowledge is power!
Summary
Because of 23andMe, I have evolved from a genetic genealogy hobbyist into a personalized medicine advocate. I truly believe that the more information and, thus, knowledge that we have, the better we will all be. In a society where we desperately need to start taking responsibility for own well being, genetic testing and the education that comes with it, should be encouraged not demonized. My fear is that with misdirected regulation and the recent negative press about this industry, people will be discouraged or, even, obstructed from educating themselves about their genomes. If that happens, the much needed progress in this important field will be halted.
My experience is this:
1. People take more responsibility for their own health with increased knowledge and education.
2. People take pride in contributing to research and increasing general knowledge about the human genome.
3. People feel more connected to the world and people around them with increased knowledge of their personal genome.
Knowledge is power!
Obviously, I sincerely hope you will decide to be tested and, through this experience, gain as much as I have.
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