From Family Tree to Family Health: The DNA Revolution Is Here

^{Image via kjpargeter on Freepik}

Once relegated to the realm of scientific research, DNA testing has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming an accessible tool for exploring our ancestry. This has given us a way to look into our family's past and see where we came from—whether that's a good or bad thing. And in the case of DNA, knowledge is definitely power.

Initially, these kits primarily focused on uncovering ancestral origins. By comparing an individual's DNA to a vast database, they could pinpoint ethnicities, trace family lineages, and even connect with long-lost relatives. This newfound ability to explore one's roots has captivated millions, fostering a global community of amateur genealogists.

Today, DNA kits can reveal a wealth of information about our ancestry, health, and even our pets. They can enrich our understanding of ourselves and our furry companions, as well as help us detect, prevent, and treat disease. Those of us with curious minds could really have some fun with the information gleaned from home DNA kits and possibly change the way we live.

Here are some we think are worth checking out.

Uncover Your Roots: Full Ancestry DNA Kit

The Full Ancestry DNA Kit offers a chance to peel back the fabric of time to get a glimpse of your family's heritage. This advanced kit provides a comprehensive view of your ancestry, delivering insights through an intuitive, interactive online platform.

Receive detailed percentage results for over 150 regions, including sub-regional ancestry breakdowns. This allows you to pinpoint your heritage with incredible precision.

The kit covers up to 80,000 years of history, offering reports on maternal and paternal haplogroups. You'll have the chance to explore your ancestry at different points through history and understand the migration paths of your ancestors. You'll also be able to connect with relatives in the database if you happen to find any.

You won't need labs or needles to collect your DNA either. A simple 45- to 60-second swab inside your mouth is all it takes.

Get to Know Your Canine Companion Better

Since pets are family, too, your four-legged bestie can't be forgotten in the DNA kit experience. For dog owners, understanding your pet’s genetic makeup can be incredibly beneficial. The Orivet Dog DNA Test Kit offers a comprehensive analysis of your dog’s breed, health risks, and more.

You'll receive percentage levels of each breed in your dog’s genetic makeup, helping you understand their heritage. Besides being another way to get to know your dog and know him better, you can discover heritable health risks specific to your dog, which can help you care for the little (or big) guy better.

Orivet also offers you actionable advice on how to manage any risks. You get a personalized wellness plan taking all of his info into consideration to go over with the vet. Results are available in about four weeks.

Bond with Your Pup

Another excellent option for dog owners is the DNA My Dog Essential Breed ID Test, which also offers a detailed breed breakdown, along with additional health and personality insights. This one also covers your dog's possible unique traits based on breeds and provides advice for dog parents.

Its vast database has universal compatibility and over 350 breeds, which means it's a great option for those adopting a mixed-breed puppy or bringing home an older dog. You'll even get tips on how to bond with your dog based on their genetic traits and behaviors.

DNA My Dog results are ready in two to three weeks, which is a little sooner than Orivet.

DNA for Better Health Outcomes

This is where DNA kit technology can really make your head spin. Beyond ancestry and pet DNA testing, companies like Myriad Genetics are harnessing DNA technology to improve human health.

Myriad Genetics offers a range of tests that provide insights into genetically detectable healthcare risks, mental health, family planning, and more.

This company allows you to search for tests by topic, health condition, or test type. One game-changing test type is for cancer risk. This DNA test evaluates 48 genes to help healthcare providers identify their patients’ risk of developing 11 different types of hereditary cancers, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 for breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer.

Early identification allows for proactive prevention strategies, and this company's germline testing can help doctors guide cancer treatment.

Myriad Genetics offers testing for a number of conditions, including a GeneSight® Psychotropic test that analyzes how a patient might do on certain medications to treat mental illnesses. It also has tests like prenatal screening and carrier risk to help you prepare for expanding your family. 

Open New Doors With DNA Kits

DNA testing technology has come a long way, offering valuable insights across various aspects of life.

Whether you’re looking to uncover your ancestry, understand your pet’s genetic makeup, or gain critical health insights, DNA testing kits provide a wealth of information that can enrich your understanding and improve your quality of living.

StackSocial works with a variety of merchants and brands to bring you deals worth talking about. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links. Prices subject to change.