Traits

Lactose Intolerance Genes

Your genes control whether you are likely to produce lactase as an adult. Check your 23andMe or other genetic data to see if you are likely to enjoy a big glass of milk.

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.

Asparagus Pee: Genes and Odor Detection

Can you smell asparagus in your pee? It is a smell that is inescapable, overwhelming, and unique. Right? Well, some people actually have no idea how pungent it can be.

Dyslexia – Genetic Connections

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.

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.

Trimethylaminuria: Genetic variants that cause a malodorous body odor

Often referred to as ‘fish odor disease’, trimethylaminuria causes a strong odor in sweat, urine, and breath. This article explores the FMO3 gene, which encodes the enzyme that breaks down trimethylamine.

DEC2 Gene: Short Sleep Mutation

Are you naturally a short sleeper? Mutations in the DEC2 gene decrease the need for sleep.

Are you a FUT2 secretor or non-secretor? How to check

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.

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)

Intriguing Genes: Differences in how we smell things

Take a look into the genetic variants in the odor receptor genes and how they influence one’s response to their environment. (Member’s article)

Genetics of Red Hair

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.

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)

Genetics and Cavities: Check your 23 and Me data

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)

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.

Will you go bald? Genetics and baldness

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.

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.