
Ancestry Launches Genetic Traits Feature Allowing Customers to Determine 43 Inherited Parental Characteristics
Ancestry, a global leader in consumer DNA testing and family history tools, is introducing a new feature within AncestryDNA Traits that enables individuals to discover which parent has influenced their personal traits without requiring both parents to take a DNA test. AncestryDNA + Traits now boasts 43 different traits, with plans for more to be added in the near future. The innovative feature allows people to uncover a wide range of personal traits and attributes influenced by their DNA. Whether it’s visible physical traits or subtle behavioral and personality characteristics, the data collected from AncestryDNA Surveys provides insights into personal characteristics shaped by DNA.
Examples of some of the traits include a genetic predisposition to enjoy dancing, DNA traits associated with enjoying spicy food, whether your genetic code predisposes you to be an extrovert, whether you are likely to engage in risk taking behavior, or other eating preferences such as being a picky eater or your tolerance for dairy.
Crista Cowan, Corporate Genealogist at Ancestry, expressed excitement about how these features help people gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their familial connections. “We know that people around the world share the common human experience of being more ‘like’ one parent in some parts of their physical and emotional make-up. We hope this ignites more meaningful conversations and deeper bonds among families everywhere.”
To access Parental Traits Inheritance, users will need an AncestryDNA kit and an Ancestry subscription, including the new AncestryDNA Plus™ subscription available for $29.99 for 6 months on Ancestry.com.
Ancestry has stated that is has tested over 30 million people compared to rival 23andMe who has tested over 14 million in aggregate worldwide. There has been concerns in the industry with the market for consumer DNA tests having become saturated with testing trends peaking in 2018. There has also been increased concerns with consumer privacy such as the recent 23andMe data leak which has led to class action lawsuits. Consequently, consumer DNA test providers have been actively trying to expand the value proposition associated with their products.