Before visiting my parents for spring break, I thought, “Gee, wouldn’t it be fun if I bought them those genetic ancestry kits?” But I never got around to making that purchase, and after reading Tina Hesman Saey’s cover story in this issue, I realize I might have inadvertently made a wise decision.
Consumer DNA test kits have become wildly popular, with millions of people hoping for a peek into their family history, their risk of diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, or even a suggestion on what wine will pair well with their genes. While tests like the genetic wine guide are clearly frivolous, others, like those predicting disease risk, can come with consequences.