Genetics: Why COVID-19 Is Worse for Some

| November 26, 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has been unpredictable from the beginning.

It didn’t take long to notice that some people were more susceptible to the virus than others. While there were many cases in which those with pre-existing conditions were hit hard by the virus, thousands of cases in which seemingly-healthy individuals were deathly ill, and those with pre-existing conditions sailed through unphased.

How is this possible? How could young, healthy individuals be more impacted by the virus than at-risk individuals?

Science is discovering that genetics could be at play. For instance, studies have found:

  • Some genes provide protection against COVID-19, while others increase the risk of susceptibility
  • Those with O-type blood have better protection against COVID-19, but scientists aren’t sure why
  • Individuals with a gene called toll-like receptor 7, or TLR, are more likely to get severe COVID-19

While science has made many advances, genetic tests to determine your susceptibility to developing severe COVID-19 are too unpredictable. Although you may see direct-to-consumer tests about COVID-19 susceptibility, it’s best to do thorough research beforehand or talk with your physician about the accuracy of these tests. Genetic information is helpful to staying healthy–but only if results are accurate!

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

How to Protect Your Genetic Information

Should You Buy a DNA Kit for Christmas?

| November 12, 2022

‘Tis the Season!

With Thanksgiving fast approaching and Black Friday just a day later, you know what that means: time to start your Christmas shopping.

A popular gift at Christmas is a DNA test kit. These simple kits let you spit in a test tube, send it to the lab, and get your genetic results in a few weeks. These test kits range in results from five generations to 60,000 years.

Genome sequencing test kits are all the rage. These claim to predict your susceptibility to future diseases or help you find your ideal diet.

While either option might seem like the perfect gift, you may want to reconsider.

Direct-to-consumer DNA test kits are notorious for having security issues. From data breaches and mail interceptions to companies giving forensic access or selling information to pharmacies, you can’t be certain that your genetic information won’t be stolen, examined, or leaked.

If you truly value privacy, then it’s best not to give a DNA kit as a present. Once your relative submits their genetic sample, there’s no going back.

DNA Paternity Testing knows the importance of protecting your privacy. We are not a direct-to-consumer company that makes an extra profit by selling your DNA to a pharmaceutical or food company. We keep your genetic information locked away, following all HIPAA safety standards. You can feel confident releasing your DNA to us.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Is My DNA Safe?

DNA Clears Man of Murder Charges After 38 Years

| October 30, 2022

We hear many stories about how DNA convicts the right criminal, but this story is a little different. Instead of convicting the criminal, DNA has cleared Maurice Hastings of murder charges that have kept him behind bars for 38 years.

Hastings was tied to the murder of Roberta Wydermyer, who had made a late-night supermarket trip and was abducted, sexually assaulted, and killed.

Hastings endured two trials, the second of which the jury proclaimed him guilty of murder. The prosecutor recommended the death penalty, but the juror opted for life in prison with no parole.

However, Hastings sought his innocence through his decades in prison. In 2000, the District Attorney denied Hastings’ request for DNA testing of semen found on an oral swab of the victim in 1983.

Finally, the DA allowed genetic testing of the sample in June, proving Hastings’ innocence. Instead, Wydermyer’s tragic death was tied to another prisoner who had passed away in 2020.

LA County District Attorney George Gascon described his conviction as a “terrible injustice” and apologized for the judicial system failing him.

Hastings can now appeal for wrongful imprisonment. Hastings would receive $1.9 million if granted, but he says he’s looking forward to having dinner with his family.

It might not be your typical reunification story, but everyone is glad to have Hastings reunited with his family.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable, networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Does DNA Influence Gut Health?

Friends Before Sisters: A Reunification Story

| October 15, 2022
They say friends are the family you can choose, but this reunification story is about two ladies who were friends before knowing they were biological sisters.

Julia Tinetti and Cassandra Madison have been friends for years. They met at the Russian Lady Bar in New Haven when Madison’s Dominican flag tattoo caught Tinetti’s attention. Both Tinetti and Madison knew they were adopted from the Dominican Republic, so they were able to strike up a conversation that began their friendship.

As they spent more time together, Tinetti and Madison would be confused for sisters; nearly all their friends and acquaintances said they looked alike. Tinetti and Madison would politely decline the bond.

But about five years ago, their curiosity peaked. Were Tinetti and Madison sisters? The two took DNA tests and waited for weeks to hear the results.

Finally, the DNA results came! To their surprise and delight, Tinetti and Madison were biological sisters!

Madison connected with family in the Dominican Republic as they dove deeper into their family tree. She visited family last year, but Tinetti didn’t join her. She was anxious about meeting the family members. After hearing about Madison’s experience, Tinetti agreed to go.

The two sisters were reunited with their family this year at a huge family reunion in the Dominican Republic.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Is My DNA Safe?

California Case Raises Questions About DNA Safety

| September 25, 2022
A recent California case has raised many alarming questions regarding the security of genetic information databases, who has access to them, and for what purposes.

The case involves the genetic information of a woman who was raped in 2016. But police didn’t use genetic information to find the woman’s rapist; no–police used the woman’s rape information to implicit her for another crime.

The woman in question was raped in 2016 and allowed her genetic information to be gathered to convict her rapist. Collecting the victim’s genetic information is standard procedure in these cases to determine the difference between the victim’s and criminal’s DNA. Further, the victim’s and criminal’s DNA is held in separate databases.

However, without her consent, the San Francisco police placed this woman’s genetic information in a database for suspected criminals.

Then, in 2021, genetic information gathered at an unrelated burglary flagged this woman as a potential suspect. Horrified, the prosecutor dropped the case once he learned of the DNA origin. But that hasn’t stopped people from worrying about the safety of their DNA.

DNA Paternity Testing knows the importance of protecting your privacy. We are not a direct-to-consumer company that makes an extra profit by selling your DNA to a pharmaceutical or food company. We keep your genetic information locked away, following all HIPAA safety standards. You can feel confident releasing your DNA to us.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Is My DNA Safe?

Is My DNA Safe?

| September 11, 2022

More than 26 million people worldwide have taken DNA tests. Over the years, genetic testing has evolved from ancestral discovery and curiosity to promises of finding the perfect diet for your genes or predispositions to certain diseases or cancer.

Most people use a direct-to-consumer company like Ancestry.com or 23andMe. With these companies, you purchase a test kit, spit into a tube, and mail your test to the company. A few weeks later, you’ll receive your results, which vary in detail depending on which test kit you purchased.

For most of us, the fun is over once the high of your results has worn off (for adoptees or refugees, their search may just be beginning). You’ll rarely think of your results again. But what does the company do with your genetic information?

The answer to this question may shock you. Once you have submitted your genetic information, it is no longer yours, and your privacy has been breached. The company essentially owns your DNA. Most companies don’t require your consent to share your information with pharmaceutical manufacturers, and even if they did, they reserve the right to change their policies at any time.

In 2018, GlaxoSmithKline paid 23andMe $300 million dollars for genetic information.  FamilyTreeDNA admited in 2019 that it gave genetic information to the FBI. There have also been countless database breaches, such as the breach to DNA Diagnostics Center in 2021.

The bottom line is that direct-to-consumer genetic companies are not careful with your genetic information. But DNA Paternity Testing has the highest privacy standards, so you can rest assured your DNA is safe with us.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

How to Protect Your Genetic Information

Sisters Reunited After DNA Test

| August 27, 2022

In 2018, DNA home test company MyHeritage gave away 15,000 test kits to adoptees to support their reunification with their biological families. The initiative, called DNA Quest, reunited countless individuals, including sisters Ashleigh Brown and Laurinda Collado.

Both sisters were born in the Dominican Republic to the same biological parents. Brown was adopted at 5 months old and grew up in Connecticut. Two years later when Collado was born, Brown’s parents were approached to adopt her. Brown’s parents turned down the offer and Collado was adopted at 6 weeks old and grew up in Barbados.

Brown and Collado each knew they had biological siblings, and they both feared they would never meet them. When DNA Quest was launched, Brown signed up.

Brown’s genetic results revealed a close match, but she thought it was only an aunt or cousin. But after emailing Collado, she discovered it was her sister!

The two spoke on the phone for two weeks and then decided to meet up in Canada.

Collado said, “My relationship with my sister is everything I have ever hoped and dreamed of. Not only is she my sister, but she is also my best friend.”

But there was more news for Brown! Collado had tracked down their entire biological family who still lived in the Dominican Republic. She had even flown to meet them. Now that she had her sister, her search was finally over.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable, networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

How to Protect Your Genetic Information

Unauthorized DNA Database in New York

| August 13, 2022

New York has a state DNA database that stores the DNA information of convicted criminals. The database is under the control of the FBI and New York’s State Commission on Forensic Science. No one has access to the DNA records except government officials.

However, information has leaked that there is a separate, unauthorized DNA database that skirts government control. Alarmingly, this database stores thousands of New Yorker’s genetic information. These profiles are of individuals with no criminal record, and some of them are children 12 years old. The database is called the “Subject Index.”

Genetic information for the Subject Index has been acquired in various ways. For instance, one 12-year-old boy was suspected of a crime. During his interview, the interviewers gave him a soda to drink with a straw. They later extracted his DNA from the straw. Neither the boy nor his parents knew about this.

Although the boy’s DNA didn’t match the DNA at the crime scene, his DNA was still put in the Subject Index. It stayed there for over a year. Unfortunately, this poor boy became a perpetual suspect in crime investigations; his DNA was evaluated against thousands of crime scene DNA samples until his parents filed a lawsuit to have his profile removed from the database.

It’s more imperative than ever to guard our genetic information and only submit your DNA to a company you trust.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable, networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

Does DNA Influence Gut Health?

 

Family Reunited At Last

| July 30, 2022

Matthew Robertson has hardly ever celebrated Mother’s Day.

Robertson was adopted at birth, but his adoptive mother passed away when he was six years old. However, over forty years and a DNA test later, Robertson was able to celebrate Mother’s Day with his biological mother.

Robertson began his search for his parents when he was in his twenties. He hired a private investigator who found his adoption decree. The decree included the name of his mother–Mary Judith Vaughn–and a description of each parent, including height, weight, and hair color.

It wasn’t much, but it was a start.

Nearly thirty years passed, and Robertson received an AncestryDNA test kit for Father’s Day in 2020. He submitted the kit and got in touch with the cousin he matched with. He asked about Mary Judith Vaughn, who asked their family members about the name.

A few weeks later, his cousin sent a picture of Mary Judith, who was indeed Robertson’s mother.

Robertson reached out to Mary Judith, who now goes by Judy Llyod, via Facebook, but she needed time to adjust to the news. However, they soon connected with a phone call that quickly led to Lloyd visiting Robertson at his home in California.

Robertson and Lloyd had an almost immediate bond, and it is one that has continued to grow.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable, networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

What Happens to DNA Submitted to DTC Companies?

Can DNA Kits Predict Your Death?

| July 16, 2022

Direct-to-consumer DNA companies have advertised their test kits can do many things, from finding your ideal diet to predicting future diseases. Now, Dante Labs claims to have created a DNA kit that can predict your death and how to prevent it.

Dante Labs capitalizes on genome sequencing. According to Explore BioTech, genome sequencing analyzes DNA for “genetic diseases, gene therapy-based treatments, genetic engineering, and gene manipulation.”

Dante Labs uses genome sequencing to determine a patient’s likelihood of disease or what medications work best for their genetic makeup. They claim this will, in essence, determine someone’s cause of death and how they can prevent it.

This is an understandable claim: if you can predict a disease, you can potentially prevent it from happening. While genetic technology has undoubtedly made advancements, this promise stretches a bit too far. Genetic testing cannot determine your cause of death or how to prevent it because millions of factors play into the development of disease.

Although genetics play a factor, disease is not caused merely by genetics. For instance:

  • Diet – You are what you eat! Those who focus on nourishing foods have better health.
  • Exercise – Moving your body daily improves your mental, physical, and spiritual state.
  • Stress – Stressful jobs or lifestyles pushes your body to its maximum, which causes susceptibility to disease.
  • Living environment – The cleanliness of your home can affect your health.
  • Toxic exposure – Certain occupations, such as construction or healthcare, have higher levels of toxin or disease exposure.

So while genetic testing may offer some insights into your genetic makeup, take it with a grain of salt. There’s much more to living a healthy life than knowing what cards you were dealt genetically.

DNA Paternity Testing provides rock-solid answers to important questions like parentage and ancestry. With over 2,000 centers nationwide, DNA Paternity Testing Centers is one of the largest, most affordable networks of accredited DNA testing labs in the United States. Our price is unbeatable without sacrificing quality. We offer DNA testing for paternity, maternity, and all other relationships (grandparents, siblings, aunts/uncles).

Call us today at 866.944.9546 or ORDER ONLINE!

What’s Next

How to Protect Your Genetic Information