Editorial Policy
I’m Debbie Moon, founder of Genetic Lifehacks. I have a BS in engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and an MSc in biological sciences from Clemson University. I started this site to help people understand how their genes affect their health, and what they can do with that information. This page covers how I research and write the articles, how the site is funded, and how your genetic data is handled.
How articles are researched
Genetic Lifehacks articles are built on the research itself, not on health news headlines or other people’s summaries.
- Peer-reviewed sources: The genetic associations and variant information in each article come from peer-reviewed studies, mostly found through PubMed. Articles link to the studies they cite so you can read the research yourself. Citations are included as links in the paragraph, making it easy to find more information on every fact.
- Weighing the evidence: I give more weight to large human studies, especially large population studies such as GWAS, meta-analyses, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials. A single small study, or one that hasn’t been replicated, is described as such.
- Cell and animal studies: These are often the best way to understand how a gene works. When an explanation relies on cell or animal research, I say so.
- Specific variants: Articles list the gene symbol, the rsID, and the alleles, so you can compare them against your own raw data.
- No hype: Having a variant usually shifts the odds a bit. It doesn’t decide your fate. I try to be clear about how big an effect a variant actually has.
Your genetic data stays on your computer
I built the reports and features on Genetic Lifehacks to run in your browser, with your data stored only on your own hard drive.
- When you connect your raw data file (from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, or another service), it is not uploaded to or stored on Genetic Lifehacks servers.
- The matching and report generation happen locally, in your browser.
- The site doesn’t use Google Analytics, advertising networks, or social media tracking pixels, and your information is never sold. For details on the limited data the site does collect (like your name and email for membership), see the Privacy Policy.
Funding and independence
Genetic Lifehacks is supported by its members.
- No advertising, sponsored posts, or paid partnerships.
- No affiliate links and no commissions from supplement companies or pharmaceutical manufacturers.
- When an article discusses a nutrient, supplement, or lifestyle change, it’s there because the research supports it. Nobody pays to be included.
Keeping articles current
Genetics research moves fast, and new studies can change how a variant is understood.
- I regularly go through newly published research and update articles when the evidence changes.
- Each article shows the date it was published or last updated.
- Corrections: If you spot an error, like a broken citation, a missing known genetic connection, or an interpretation that’s out of date, please contact me! I read every message and correct or update articles when the evidence calls for it.
Medical disclaimer
Everything on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice, and it is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk with your doctor or another qualified healthcare provider before changing your diet, supplements, medications, or lifestyle based on genetic information.