Join Here   |   Log In
How genetics influences weight loss with aerobic exercise

Skinny Genes: Weight Loss from Aerobic Exercise

Have you ever thought, “If I just exercised a little more, I could lose that extra 20 pounds!” A new study published in September 2024 looked at the relationship between weight loss, aerobic exercise, and genetics. It attempts to answer the question, “Who loses weight and why? Losers and gainers: … Read more

Environmental and Genetic factors that lead to dyslexia

Dyslexia: Genes + Early Life Stressors

While dyslexia is known to run in families, the role of genetics in dyslexia is still being determined. Here is a quick look at some of the genes involved in dyslexia, affecting around 10% of the population.

Genetic and Environmental facts for male pattern baldness and hair loss

Will you go bald? Genetics and hair loss

What causes male pattern baldness? A combination of genetics, nutrition, and environmental toxins come together to form the risk factors for baldness. But genetics really seems to rule the roost here.

Genetics and Color Blindness

Do you have difficulty seeing some colors? Discover how variants in genes related to color blindness may mean we all see things a bit differently.

Skin Aging: Using genomics to solve wrinkles and age spots

Some people age naturally with beautiful-looking skin. Others slather on creams and odd gunk in a futile battle to chase away wrinkles and age spots. What is the difference? Genetics and environmental factors, of course.

Taste Receptors Genetics, how taste receptors work

Taste Receptors: Bitter, Sweet, and Much More

Ever wonder why some people don’t like Brussel sprouts or strong, dark coffee? Some people love a good, dark roast, cup of coffee – and Brussel sprouts and cabbage taste just great. Genetic variants in the taste receptor genes mean that we taste things differently.

Red Hair and the MC1R Gene

To have red hair, you need to carry two variants in the MC1R gene. We all know our hair color, but it turns out that if you carry one MC1R genetic variant (and don’t have red hair) you are still at an increased risk for skin cancer.

ABCC11 Graphical Abstract: Body odor and ear wax. Variants cause body odor and wet earwax.

ABCC11 Gene: Ear wax and no body odor

The ABCC11 gene determines both the type of earwax a person has and their armpit odor. Learn more about how a change in a single spot in the DNA of this gene can cause the gene not to function.

FUT2 blood type secretor status gene

FUT2: Check to See if You Are a Secretor or Non-Secretor

A genetic variant in the FUT2 gene controls whether or not you secrete your blood type into your saliva and other bodily fluids, such as your intestinal mucosa. This alters the gut microbiome – and protects you from Norovirus.

FOXC2 double eyelash genetic variant, increased risk of varicose veins lymphedema

Genetics of Double Eyelashes

Elizabeth Taylor stood out in many ways – in part because of her thick lashes. Turns out a genetic variant is the likely source of her double row of lashes. Learn more about this variant and its other associated risks.

Tools for Hacking Your Health

Optimizing your health pays dividends in so many ways, and it is worth putting in a little time to prevent chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease. But it doesn’t have to be difficult! There are many cool tools available today to make figuring out your diet or understanding your sleep easy options to try for health management. (Member’s article)

TRPV1 gene: Spicy foods, cold, and CBD oil

The TRPV1 receptor is activated by capsaicin in spicy foods. But there is a lot more to this story… find out how this receptor impacts diabetes, metabolic function, and more.

Traits Summary Report

Utilize our Traits Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)

Are your cavities caused by genetics?

It turns out that genetics plays a larger role here than you would think. It is estimated by researchers that the ‘heritability’ or genetic component of dental caries is about 50%. (Member’s article)

Wine Tasting Genes: How your genetic variants influence the way that wine tastes to you

When you think of wine, do you wax poetically about the subtle notes of springtime apple blossoms with hints or truffles — or do you just hope that all your friends can’t tell that you secretly like “Two-Buck Chuck” the best? Your genetic variants definitely influence the way that your taste buds work when it comes to wine.

Caffeine sensitivity genetics, CYP1A2, ADORA2A

Caffeine Sensitivity and Your Genes

Caffeine remains the most popular ‘drug’ of choice for a large percentage of the population. Genetics determines how quickly your body processes and eliminates caffeine and whether it is likely to make you jittery or anxious.

Twins: Genetic SNPs that Increase the Odds of Having Twins

Twins tend to ‘run in families’, which is a colloquial way of saying that there is a hereditary component that increases the likelihood of having twins. Check your genetic data (women only :-) to see if you are more likely to have twins.