Latest news with #AncestryDNA
The Age
3 days ago
- Health
- The Age
Caitlin longed to find her genetic family. What she learnt about her mother was a surprise
In 2016, on a whim, American woman Dani Shapiro submitted her DNA for analysis through a genealogy website. Weeks later she received the results: her 'beloved father' was, in fact, not her biological father, a revelation that shook Shapiro to the core. In her bestselling 2019 memoir, Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love, Shapiro documents her experience opening Pandora's genealogy box and explores the personal and profound impacts that DNA tests can reveal. But Shapiro is far from alone, with 2021 figures showing more than 30 million people have submitted their DNA via commercial tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, CircleDNA, GenoPalate and MyHeritage. While there are numerous motivations for people to undertake a DNA test – from genealogy, gaining health information, and locating a biological relative, to plain curiosity – the results can often reveal more than anticipated. 'DNA testing is an interesting phenomenon because of the 'big unknown' that could be revealed in the results,' says clinical psychologist and author, Dr Rebecca Ray. 'Sometimes, unexpected results can bring confusion or emotional distress if they uncover family secrets or challenge personal beliefs, leading to a complex set of feelings.' And sometimes, Ray adds, the results can have the opposite effect. 'The tests can also bring clarity, healing and connection, especially for those searching for identity or lost family members.' Here's what happened when three women with very different stories tried a commercial DNA test. 'I had a longing to find my genetic family': Caitlin Leishman, 18 'I'm double-donor conceived. This means that while my mum was pregnant with me, I am not biologically related to her. When I was born, I had no idea who my genetic parents or family were.
Sydney Morning Herald
3 days ago
- Health
- Sydney Morning Herald
Caitlin longed to find her genetic family. What she learnt about her mother was a surprise
In 2016, on a whim, American woman Dani Shapiro submitted her DNA for analysis through a genealogy website. Weeks later she received the results: her 'beloved father' was, in fact, not her biological father, a revelation that shook Shapiro to the core. In her bestselling 2019 memoir, Inheritance: A Memoir of Genealogy, Paternity, and Love, Shapiro documents her experience opening Pandora's genealogy box and explores the personal and profound impacts that DNA tests can reveal. But Shapiro is far from alone, with 2021 figures showing more than 30 million people have submitted their DNA via commercial tests such as 23andMe, AncestryDNA, CircleDNA, GenoPalate and MyHeritage. While there are numerous motivations for people to undertake a DNA test – from genealogy, gaining health information, and locating a biological relative, to plain curiosity – the results can often reveal more than anticipated. 'DNA testing is an interesting phenomenon because of the 'big unknown' that could be revealed in the results,' says clinical psychologist and author, Dr Rebecca Ray. 'Sometimes, unexpected results can bring confusion or emotional distress if they uncover family secrets or challenge personal beliefs, leading to a complex set of feelings.' And sometimes, Ray adds, the results can have the opposite effect. 'The tests can also bring clarity, healing and connection, especially for those searching for identity or lost family members.' Here's what happened when three women with very different stories tried a commercial DNA test. 'I had a longing to find my genetic family': Caitlin Leishman, 18 'I'm double-donor conceived. This means that while my mum was pregnant with me, I am not biologically related to her. When I was born, I had no idea who my genetic parents or family were.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Six Memorial Day Reads
This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. This Memorial Day, catch up on Atlantic stories about an AncestryDNA test that revealed a medical secret, why public pools are in decline, 24 books to get lost in this summer, and more. Your Reading List A Woman's AncestryDNA Test Revealed a Medical Secret As a cancer patient, she had received cord-blood cells from an anonymous donor. The DNA from those cells led her to him. (From 2019) By Sarah Zhang The Decline of America's Public Pools As summers get hotter, public pools help people stay cool. Why are they so neglected? By Eve Andrews 24 Books to Get Lost in This Summer The Atlantic's writers and editors have chosen fiction and nonfiction to match all sorts of moods. The Atlantic Culture Desk My Shipwreck Story On my first time out as a commercial fisherman, my boat sank, my captain died, and I was left adrift and alone in the Pacific. By Alec Frydman $350,000 a Year, and Just Getting By Financial confessionals reveal that income inequality and geographic inequality have normalized absurd spending patterns. (From 2019) By Annie Lowrey The Wrong Way to Motivate Your Kid When children fall short, many parents' instinct is to take away something they love. That's the wrong impulse. By Russell Shaw P.S. Read 'I Remember,' the latest poem by William H. McRaven, a retired Navy admiral and the former commander of U.S. Special Operations Command: 'I remember their faces. / I cannot forget their faces.' When you buy a book using a link in this newsletter, we receive a commission. Thank you for supporting The Atlantic. Article originally published at The Atlantic
Atlantic
26-05-2025
- General
- Atlantic
Six Memorial Day Reads
This is an edition of The Atlantic Daily, a newsletter that guides you through the biggest stories of the day, helps you discover new ideas, and recommends the best in culture. Sign up for it here. This Memorial Day, catch up on Atlantic stories about an AncestryDNA test that revealed a medical secret, why public pools are in decline, 24 books to get lost in this summer, and more. Your Reading List A Woman's AncestryDNA Test Revealed a Medical Secret As a cancer patient, she had received cord-blood cells from an anonymous donor. The DNA from those cells led her to him. (From 2019) By Sarah Zhang The Decline of America's Public Pools As summers get hotter, public pools help people stay cool. Why are they so neglected? By Eve Andrews 24 Books to Get Lost in This Summer The Atlantic 's writers and editors have chosen fiction and nonfiction to match all sorts of moods. The Atlantic Culture Desk My Shipwreck Story On my first time out as a commercial fisherman, my boat sank, my captain died, and I was left adrift and alone in the Pacific. By Alec Frydman $350,000 a Year, and Just Getting By Financial confessionals reveal that income inequality and geographic inequality have normalized absurd spending patterns. (From 2019) By Annie Lowrey The Wrong Way to Motivate Your Kid When children fall short, many parents' instinct is to take away something they love. That's the wrong impulse. By Russell Shaw P.S. 'I remember their faces. / I cannot forget their faces.'
Indianapolis Star
02-05-2025
- Health
- Indianapolis Star
Is being a great mom in her DNA? Save up to 75% on an AncestryDNA kit for Mother's Day
Shop this Mother's Day sale now through Monday, May 12. If being a good mom were in our DNA, you could prove it to mom with an AncestryDNA kit. While that won't actually be one of the scientific results, we know it is true for our favorite women. During AncestryDNA's Mother's Day sale, the popular DNA testing kits are up to 75% off so you can help mom discover plenty of interesting family history. AncestryDNA helps people learn more about their roots through top-rated DNA testing kits, plus it offers membership plans that unlock even more about your family. Here's everything you need to know about about AncestryDNA kits and why they are a super thoughtful Mother's Day gift idea. How much does an AncestryDNA kit cost? AncestryDNA offers a DNA testing kit, as well as paid memberships to help you unlock things like U.S. records, military records and news articles. Here's how much each kit costs and what it includes: AncestryDNA kit: This is just the kit, the basic plan. It allows you to run your DNA and provides insights about your family's origins, plus you can connect with DNA matches. The AncestryDNA kit is currently $39 during their Mother's Day sale, which is about $60 off the original price of $99. AncestryDNA kit + World Explorer Membership: You get the benefits of the DNA kit, plus the added membership. The membership gives you access to billions of records in the U.S., it explains how 75+ traits influence your characteristics and can even track traits by parent. The kit and added membership is just $40 right now, originally $100. AncestryDNA kit + All Access Membership: This is the top tier plan, which gives you all the benefits of the DNA kid and the World Explorer Membership, plus access to news articles and photos and military records. Additionally, you can have up to four accounts to share your information with family. During AncestryDNA's Mother's Day sale, this membership is $49, or 75% off the original price of $199. How long does AncestryDNA take to process? When using an AncestryDNA kit, the process is fairly simple and user-friendly. Here's a step-by-step guide and estimated timeline: Order your kit: Purchase your AncestryDNA kit online and have it delivered to your doorstep in just a matter of days. Collect your sample: Follow the instructions to provide a saliva sample. The kit includes everything you need, from a collection tube to a prepaid return envelope. Send it back: Once you've collected your sample, mail it back to AncestryDNA's lab for analysis. Receive your results: In about six to eight weeks, you'll receive an email notification that your results are ready to view online. Save up to 75% on AncestryDNA kits What are the benefits of an AncestryDNA membership? You can purchase the kit by itself, but having a membership unlocks family records, which can include military records, as well as other benefits like building a family tree. Here are a couple benefits of including a membership with your AncestryDNA kit: Access to historical records: Browse billions of records to find information about your ancestors. Family tree builder: Use AncestryDNA's intuitive tools to construct a detailed family tree, complete with photos, documents and stories. Hints and suggestions: Receive automated hints about possible matches and connections to help you further your research. DNA insights: Integrate your DNA results with your family tree for a more comprehensive understanding of your heritage.
