The scientific advancements I’ve experienced in my short lifetime are amazing. In 2003, the Human Genome Project was completed by the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium. A genome is a complete set of DNA.
At this point in 2003 we had figured out the whole sequence of the human genome, which basically gives us the complete manual.
Fast forward to Christmas 2016 when my thoughtful wife Cory bought me a DNA analysis kit for a gift. From a simple saliva sample, the DNA analysis company was able to tell me all sorts of things about myself that I wouldn’t have possibly known otherwise.
In the past when someone inquired where my ancestors came from my reply would be “England, Ireland and Wales”. It turns out that was mostly accurate, with 61.9 per cent of my DNA originating from Britain and Ireland. I was surprised to learn that I’m 5.3 per cent French and German and I find it quite hilarious that 3.3 per cent of my DNA is from the now extinct Neanderthals!
The health and inherited condition information provided is extremely interesting.
I’m happy to know that I’m not a carrier of Gaucher disease, polycystic kidney disease or the 39 other inherited conditions that were analysed. It’s also nice to know that I’m at a low risk for Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
I’m fascinated by the fact that I can learn so much about myself from a small amount of saliva. It makes me wonder how much more we will discover about ourselves, the world and universe while I’m still around.
