Category: DNA Testing


Angelina Jolie 27 150x150 Angelina Jolie Opens the Door for Predisposition TestingBy now many people have heard about Angelina Jolie undergoing a double mastectomy surgery earlier this month. Jolie, who learned she possessed a mutation of the BRCA 1 gene after taking a predisposition test, decided to go “under the knife” in an attempt to eliminate her risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Although it differs among women, Jolie said her doctors estimated a risk of 87 percent chance of breast cancer and a 50 percent chance of ovarian cancer in her future, based on the newly found mutation as well as her family history with breast cancer. As a result, Jolie chose to undergo surgery in an attempt to minimize her risk of acquiring this deadly cancer

Being a woman of her stature, Angelina Jolie’s decision to undergo a double mastectomy received a lot of media attention. However, one of the most note-worthy portions of the story occurs before the surgery does. That is, the power of predisposition testing. As mentioned earlier, Jolie learned about her condition after taking a predisposition test. The test spotlighted the mutated gene, which allowed doctors to warn her of her elevated risk of breast cancer and enabled Jolie to take the necessary steps, in her case, surgery, to get rid of the disease. Jolie is not alone.

Although Jolie’s case helped her spot breast cancer ahead of time, predisposition testing is not just for women. Aside from making millions of women aware of their risk for breast and ovarian cancer, predisposition testing has helped millions of men and women spot potential life-threatening illnesses they may be susceptible to in the future. Testing can help save a person from various types of cancer, immune disease, cardiovascular conditions and other general health conditions.

DNA predisposition testing takes a look at a person’s DNA in an attempt to identify certain indicators that, if present in the DNA, could leave a person prone to various immune, cardiovascular and cancerous diseases. So, while you may feel healthy today, the test identifies conditions and diseases that may affect you in the future. To an extent, predisposition testing allows doctors to see into the future in regards to you your physical health.

angelina jolie and brad pitt family in new orleans1 300x205 Angelina Jolie Opens the Door for Predisposition Testing

These tests are very effective. In Jolie’s case, her test picked up irregularities in her BRCA 1 gene, something that is normally very hard to detect in the early stages of the cancer’s development. And, while many people saw Jolie’s decision to undergo surgery as a possible risk, Jolie felt it was important to note that everyone deserves to have options. Early detection of a condition can, at the very least, provide a person with choices. Having a choice is much better than catching it too late and having no other options.

After her surgery, Angelina Jolie’s risk for breast cancer dropped from 87 percent and is now under 5 percent. She admitted a driving force in her double mastectomy was her children. Jolie said she can now tell her children they do not need to worry about losing her anytime soon to breast cancer. For a mother, this has to be one of the most satisfying things one can tell one’s kids. Jolie was able to overcome her high risk of breast cancer thanks to a predisposition test. It helped save her life, it can help yours too.

Bloodsamples 150x150 Roadblocks Set Up by Police to Collect DNA Blood Samples in AlabamaDuring a recent weekend, Alabama motorists encountered roadblocks with off-duty police officers standing by in different locations throughout Bibb and St. Clair counties. The purpose of the strange sight involved asking for the cooperation of vehicle occupants for a research study requiring body fluid samples. If motorists declined, they merely continued on their way. Though law enforcement officials claimed that researchers planned on detecting the alcohol and drug content, they also used the phrase “DNA testing.” Genetic Testing Laboratories, Inc. and other laboratories extract a wealth of information from DNA.

Voluntary Paid Participation

When vehicles arrived at the roadblock, officers asked occupants if they would participate in the study by anonymously donating saliva or blood samples. In return for their cooperation, participants received $10 for a saliva sample and $50 for a blood sample. If willing to participate, officers redirected motorists to a designated area where study workers collected samples.

Law enforcement authorities advised that the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation was in the process of conducting the study. The group planned on continuing sample collection through the fall and hoped to receive 75,000 samples. The group was working in collaboration with the National Highway Safety Administration. Alabama was not the only location requesting study volunteers, the group also reportedly set up sites in a total of 60 locations around the country.

The samples supposedly determined if drivers had used OTC, prescription or illegal drugs. By swabbing the mouth or evaluating blood samples, researchers also determined each individual’s BAC or blood alcohol concentration. By recording particular day and time of day for each sample, the group additionally plans on calculating inebriation patterns across the board. According to authorities in both Alabama counties, this is not the first time national roadside studies occurred in the state. Alcohol related studies also took place four times between 1973 and 2007. However, this is the first study evaluating drug use.

Conspiracy Theories Arise

Some suggest that the appearance of police officers might have intimidated drivers into cooperating with study participation. However, county sheriff department commanders counter that the presence of officers merely served in a traffic control capacity. The question also exists as to whether participants understood that the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation began the survey on behalf of a government agency.

Additionally, what does acquiring DNA samples have to do with using saliva and blood samples for accurately detecting the presence of drugs or for determining the amount of BAC? Was someone mistaken as to the purpose of the samples? Some theorists conclude that though study workers told participants that they donated samples anonymously, license plates might easily coordinate the identity of drivers with submitted samples. However, there is no guarantee that the individual driving a vehicle owns that particular vehicle.

As reports of the roadblocks quickly spread through social websites like wildfire, some now question the validity of the data. If inebriated in any capacity, many very likely purposely avoided the reported roadways where roadblocks existed in fear of reprisal. For more information concerning the information contained within DNA samples visit GTLDNA.com.

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AutismGene 150x150 Researchers Link New Gene Variants to Autism The Centers for Disease Control reports that at least one in every 88 children in the United States suffers from a type of autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Asperger syndrome, autism and pervasive developmental disorder fall under the ASD heading. The array of disorders cause behavioral, communication and developmental difficulties for those affected. Symptoms exhibited range from mild to severe. Children and adults having one of the disorders perceive and process information differently than the majority of people. While much speculation and controversy surrounds the origin of the disorders, scientists recently uncovered genetic alterations linked with ASD.

Genetic Link Discovered

During one of the most comprehensive studies ever conducted researching the disorders; scientists identified over two dozen gene variations that increase the likelihood that a child develops some form of autism. Through a series of extensive DNA testing, researchers discovered that some people displayed duplicated or missing sections of DNA. The team also confirmed that 31 variations formerly associated with ASD might someday serve as markers for providing a definitive diagnosis. Chuck Hensel, a member of the Utah University research team claims that too often discoveries appear in medical journals but fail to convert into practical applications.

The Research Process

University of Utah researchers combined efforts with a team from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. They began the study by selecting 55 individuals having autism. These subjects also belong to families exhibiting a high incidence of the disorders. Evaluating genetic information obtained from the volunteers, scientists initially found 153 variations. The symptoms of the study participants varied and some DNA variations may relate indirectly to the disorders. Scientists endeavored at further narrowing down the list of genetic possibilities.

Researchers then obtained genetic material from over 2,000 children diagnosed with ASD along with samples from another 6,000 children not having the disorders. The DNA testing revealed 15 definite variations linked with autism. They also found nine more variants not before associated with any of the diagnoses. These 24 variations double the chances that a child has toward developing one of the disorders. The scientists continue studying the original 31 variations for the possibility that they may serve as predictive factors.

The Complexity of Genes Involved with ASD

Researchers suggest that between 200 and 400 genes play some role in ASD development. Countless gene combinations contribute in one way or another to the varying symptoms that autistic individuals experience. Not all have the same variations. Likewise, the vast number of variations and combinations may produce similar symptoms. With further research, one day scientists may know the function of each variation and how they contribute to the total picture.

Predisposition Testing

Thanks to the efforts of genetic researchers, laboratories now have databases that identify DNA markers related to dozens of medical conditions. Equipped with this knowledge, individuals and health care providers often adopt preventative treatment options designed to inhibit or delay the onset of disease processes.

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GeneticLink 150x150 Could your Genes Cause Weight Gain? Blaming obesity on inheritance is nothing new. People have used the phrase “it runs in the family” for generations. Although some might correlate being overweight with an existing hormone or glandular abnormality, the answer may actually lie in the much tinier components of the human body, the genes. Scientists in recent years have successfully identified various genes that may play a role in an individual’s weight.

BDNF and FTO Genes

Extensive research suggests that people having the brain-derived neurotrophic factor or the fast mass and obesity-associated genes, commonly referred to as BDNF and FTO, display an increased risk of developing obesity. Both of these genes and variants lie in the brains of adults and children and seem to have an effect on appetite. British researchers evaluated the eating habits and performed genetic testing on over 38,000 volunteers.

They discovered that individuals having BDNF variations typically preferred diets consisting of increased servings of diary and meat products along with eggs, nuts and beans. These people also had a tendency toward consuming 100 calories more per day compared to people not expressing the gene variant. Test subjects having FTO variations preferred eating more meals and snacks throughout the day. Throughout the day, these people leaned toward having diets containing higher levels of fat and sugar. The poor eating habits of people having either genotype may lead to obesity without adequate physical activity.

The levels at which the genes affect a person also depends on whether they inherit one or two copies of the variation. Researchers discovered that people having one copy of the FTO gene weighed around 2.6 pounds more than people not having the gene. Inheriting two copies of the gene increased body weight by 6.6 pounds.

SoftDrink Could your Genes Cause Weight Gain?

Lipin Gene

Researchers discovered that a gene dubbed “ob” triggers production of a protein called lipin, which regulates how the body uses stored energy. UCLA scientists discovered that the presence of the lipin gene may very well explain how two different people consume the same number of calories and only one experiences weight gain.

After eating a high fat diet for six weeks, laboratory mice having elevated levels of lipin in their fat or muscles gained twice the weight compared to mice not having the protein. When located in fat cells, lipin causes fat storage, when found in muscle tissue; muscles burned carbohydrates for energy in place of fat, which expends fewer calories. Mice void of the ob gene did not exhibit lipin levels and so maintained a normal weight.

Counteracting Genetics

While genetics may play a role in a person’s appetite or metabolism, physicians advise that making a conscious effort toward eating a healthy diet and getting sufficient amounts of exercise ultimately remain vital for maintaining a healthy weight. However, researchers based in the Netherlands take genetic information more seriously and suggest that gene dieting may be the wave of the future. They propose that knowing if an individual has obesity related genes, diet and exercise programs specially designed for that person may prove more effective in the battle against obesity.

Genetics Testing Laboratories offers inexpensive evaluation for obesity and dozens of other medical conditions. For more information visit GTLDNA.com.

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MasonPaternity 220x300 Scott Disick to Take a Paternity Test The Kardashian family has recently made headlines again, as someone from Kourtney’s past claims paternity of her three-year-old son Mason. Kourtney Kardashian has been in a relationship with model, reality star and businessman Scott Disick since 2006 who contends that he fathered the child. The couple also has an infant daughter together.

Model Suggests Tryst

Model Michael Girgenti came forward in 2009 proclaiming that he fathered Mason during an intimate tryst that he and Kardashian shared. Girgenti claims that he worked with Kardashian on a photo shoot while she and Disick were separated. He further goes on to explain the details of the incident, which he suggests led to the birth of the boy nine months later.

Though Girgenti continues claiming paternity and possible legal rights to the child, Kardashian holds that the allegations are lies. Disick reportedly agreed that submitting to a paternity test would end the allocations once and for all.

Girgenti remains confident that testing will prove that Disick is not the father. He also hopes that when the truth becomes evident that Kardashian might agree to Girgenti’s request for a relationship with the child, believing that the boy has the right to know his biological father.

Prevalence of DNA Testing

Every year, hundreds of thousands of men submit to DNA testing, as court evidence for declaring or denying paternity. Genetics Testing Laboratories performs thousands of tests for women who require confirmation of a child’s father while in pursuit of support. Occasionally, men suspect a partner of infidelity and desire testing as proof that they did not father a child. In any event, tests available to the public require nothing more than swabbing the inside of the mouth of the child and one or both of the parents.

KourtneyKMason1 Scott Disick to Take a Paternity Test

Process of Testing

Once the laboratory receives the specimens provided by the in-home kits, staff evaluate the child’s DNA sample for the genetic markers provided by the parents. The laboratory then isolates the genetic markers in question from the child and compares them to the parent. Using a genetic based algorithm database, the lab analyzes the parent’s DNA for the likelihood of paternity. The algorithm provides the test results as a percentage. The higher the percentage of similarity, the greater the chance that the man fathered the child.

Legally Binding Home Testing

When required for determination by a court of law, subjects choose legally binding home test kits, available at GTLDNA.com. The lab ships the American Association of Blood Banks accredited test kits to an unbiased third party who supervises the DNA collecting procedure. The enclosed paperwork requires the signatures of the witness and test subjects. Required documentation must also include signed photographic evidence of each test subject. The witness then seals all of the lab samples and documentation in the envelope provided and ships the contents to the lab via a courier service. Clients receive results in three to five business days following receipt of the samples.

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Michelle Knight, age 32, had been missing since 2002. Amanda Berry had been missing since 2003. A third woman, Gina DeJesus was abducted in 2004 at the tender age of 14, while walking home from school. All three women are victims of a sadistic serial abductor who were found alive nearly 10 years later. Recent news reports have stated that they were confined to a house in Cleveland, Ohio.

MissingWomen Three Women Found Alive After Missing for a Decade

It is believed that Ariel Castro, age 52, and two of his brothers had kept the women chained and locked inside the suburban Cleveland residence. It has been confirmed that the women were beaten, raped and tortured on a daily basis for over a decade.

Berry was last seen on April 21, 2003. At the time, the 16-year-old was walking home from her job at a local Burger King restaurant, when she suddenly went missing. Family members became concerned when she did not arrive home for her birthday party, later that evening.

On May 6, 2013, Berry made a desperate escape attempt and wanted to return back home. She successfully phoned police from a neighbor’s house, which facilitated their rescue.

The three abductees are said to have potentially known Castro, making it believable that he could have easily swayed them into entering his web. Upon entering the house where Berry and her captive comrades were being held, police found a plethora of chains, ties and other apparatuses used in their 10 years of tortured captivity.

Neighbor Charles Ramsey : ‘I Got Amanda Berry, Send the Police Out’

WKYC in Cleveland is reporting that all three women were forced into sexual encounters with their captors on numerous occasions, which may have resulted in at least five pregnancies during their time spent captive. At least one child is believed to be born from Amanda Berry, survived and was rescued alongside the abducted trio.

Leading the way in law enforcement’s case against the suspected captors, is scientifically-accurate DNA testing. The process, which identifies specific genomic markers in a person’s genetic makeup can be used to accurately determine kinship, parenthood and other relationships via comparison. It can also assist in sexual assault identification. This form of scientific demarcation will seal the prosecution’s case against the men accused of this despicable act.

DNA testing has become a major force in assisting police with its crime solving applications. When biological crime scene evidence is collected properly, valuable DNA can be found, and extruded. Therefore, it is capable of identifying the perpetrator(s) of current and past crimes via the creation of a nationwide database.

Collected DNA profiles at the local, state and federal levels have greatly enhanced law enforcement’s efficiency. Offender databases store millions of DNA profiles. Against them, DNA profiles that have been developed from crime scene evidence can be analyzed and closely compared.

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PaternityTest 150x150 Why Should I Take a Paternity Test?The American Association of Blood Banks reports that laboratories perform over 300,000 paternity tests annually. This equates to laboratories receiving over 900,000 samples every year. The simplicity and relatively low cost of undergoing the tests account for the ever-increasing numbers of DNA tests performed.

Reasons for Paternity Testing

One of the most common reasons that individuals undergo a paternity test is to show proof of the identity for a biological father. Occasionally, a former female partner can confront a man claiming that he fathered the child through a brief intimate relationship. Men may suspect their female significant other of adultery and request a DNA paternity test in an attempt at determining the true heritage of a child. Similarly, grandparents may suspect promiscuity occurred and desire to verify their relationship to a child. Following the death of a parent, young adults may discover that the parent may not have had a biological tie and desire to learn their identity.

DNA Sample Collection Process

Anyone in need of DNA testing can order one to three test kits from a certified laboratory. Samples required for acquiring genetic material entails swabbing the inside of the cheek with a device that appears similar to a large cotton swab. Individuals then insert swabs into each individual container with the necessary information and send the kit back to the lab.

Depending on the facility, laboratories complete tests within one to six weeks. Individuals typically receive the test results by mail. If a court determination depends on the results of the test, they must purchase legally binding tests which require notarized signatures of the people chosen to serve as the witness or witnesses during the swabbing process.

FatherandBaby Why Should I Take a Paternity Test?

Distinguishing between Two Possible Fathers

Samples obtained from the mother, child and more than one man provide more than enough genetic information for proving the paternity of either man with 99.99 percent accuracy. When a test on two related men is required, test results may exhibit lower numbers compared to tests of two unrelated men. If the men are twins, there is no possibility of accurately identifying the father.

The DNA Testing Process

Each child receives 23 chromosomes from their mother and 23 chromosomes from their father. Each cell contains a combination of these chromosomes for a total of 23 chromosomes. DNA tests analyze the chromosomes of the mother, the chromosomes of the father and compare these sequences with samples obtained from the child.

The accuracy of the testing process varies between laboratories. Some only identify DNA using five chromosomal markers while others use 16. The more markers identified and used for comparison increases the accuracy of identification. Each parent contributes these 16 markers to the child. The DNA of the parent in question must have all 16 markers. Technicians then compare these markers with a large database for any other possible matches. Using the general population as a guide, the results indicate the probability that a particular man contributed the DNA found in the child.

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DNA testing from home is a discreet and convenient way to establish the paternity of a child from the comfort and privacy of your home. Paternity testing is an important step in establishing who the biological father of a child is. This type of testing is extremely important when seeking child support or for fathers, who want parental rights. Genetic Testing Laboratories offer affordable and accurate in home DNA paternity testing.

DNAtest The Benefits of DNA Testing at Home

1. Accuracy of In Home DNA Testing

GTL DNA performs tests within their quality laboratories. Paternity testing is based on sixteen genetic makers to determine the father of a child. If a man is the actual father of a child, fifteen of these genetic markers will correspond exactly with the child’s genetic material. The sixteenth genetic marker is the one that determines the sex of an individual, so it does not factor into this test. These tests when combined with a sampling of the mother’s genetic material are 99.999 percent correct. GTL testing is a 1000 times more conclusive than tests that only have 99 percent accuracy.

2. The Importance of an Accredited DNA Testing Lab

An accredited laboratory must go through a series of thorough assessments and examinations of their testing sites and laboratory procedures. All testing is assessed to make sure it meets the highest standards for precise DNA testing. Laboratories that are not accredited may not deliver the same type of quality testing and may not be used to court cases to determine legal custody. GTL meets the AABB or the American Association of Blood Banks standards for sample collection and testing procedures.

3. Legal Paternity Testing Requirements

A legally admissible paternity test must meet certain criteria established by the AABB. This agency requires that the sample kit be sent to an individual, who does not know the person to be tested. Generally this is a professional collector. A photographic identification is needed to verify the identity of the person tested. This process is a way to establish the legal integrity of the DNA testing, because it is overseen by an unbiased third party. GTL DNA supplies all information to ensure a test will meet the standards required by the AABB to be recognized as an accredited legal paternity test.

4. Advantages of In Home Testing

The accuracy of GTL DNA genetic tests provide the peace of mind that the tests individuals receive are correct. For many individuals, knowledge of paternity is more important than a legally binding test. The “collect and send” test is a relatively simple way to collect DNA samples and send them back to the lab. Each test includes instructions on how to collect genetic material with an ordinary cotton swab. The DNA paperwork is ready to download and print. Then all that is needed is to send it to GTL for testing. Paternity is too important to leave to an unaccredited company. Go with an accredited laboratory and get quality results, when they matter most.

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PrinceHarry 238x300 Prince Harry’s DNA Test to Detect “Ginger Gene” Prince Harry’s antics in Las Vegas last fall understandably enraged members of the royal family. Sowing a few wild oats may not have invoked such ire if Harry had taken care to ensure the event remained private. However, nude photos of the young prince and a bevy of hookers emerged to the delight of media personnel. The indiscretion soon reached the confines of England’s royal palace. Influenced by her board of advisors, the Queen herself supposedly demanded that Harry undergo DNA testing to determine if he was in fact the product of royal blood.

Lady Diana supposedly had an affair with a military officer by the name of James Hewitt. Many questioned whether the alliance produced the young prince. Like Harry, the gentleman dons red hair and fair skin covered in an array of freckles. According to reports, Prince Charles adamantly prohibited any DNA testing that questioned Harry’s heritage.

Prince Harry Test

In honor of the fun-loving royal, Britain’s DNA now offers couples the opportunity of determining the likelihood of producing a red-haired child. Couples interested in the possibility of passing the red hair trait along to offspring need merely submit a saliva sample for DNA testing. Technicians are able to identify the “ginger gene” by analyzing DNA samples. Dr. Jim Wilson, one of the company’s employees explains that having a child with red hair requires carrying one of three variations of the MC1R gene.

If both parents carry the gene variation, they have a 25 percent possibility of having children with red hair regardless of the hair color of the parents. Passed on from one generation to the next, statistics estimate that four out of every 10 people carry the variation. The company plans to offer the “Who Do You Think You Are?” test during a live exhibition at the London Olympia in February.

RedHeadGene 300x187 Prince Harry’s DNA Test to Detect “Ginger Gene”
Questions Answered by DNA Testing

While DNA testing has long been used for determining paternity, evaluating genetic markers provides a variety of information ranging from ancestry to disease predisposition. Analyzing samples supplied by individuals, technicians successfully separate genetic information donated by each parent. Using worldwide databases, laboratory technicians have the ability of determining the point of origin of genetic material spanning back many generations.

Modern DNA testing identifies when individual’s carry genetic markers associated with over two dozen known medical conditions. Genetic information reveals if individuals carry markers associated with aging processes that might include Alzheimer’s or macular degeneration. Testing also indicates when someone has a likelihood of developing seven different types of cancers. The test might additionally determine the possibility of experiencing cardiovascular disease or diabetes. Using this information, patients and physicians may formulate preventative treatments.

Predisposition testing requires that individuals submit the necessary sample in the office of a health care provider. Individuals may submit DNA samples for ancestry or paternity evaluation from the privacy of their home. After purchasing a test kit, clients merely follow the instructions for acquiring the necessary sample, which generally only entails swabbing the inside of the mouth. Once received by the testing laboratory, technicians perform the desired test and send the results back to the client.

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AncestralOrigins 206x300 Discover your Ancestral Origins with DNA Ancestry Testing Ancestral Origins DNA Testing is a way to discover more about your genetic heritage. Every person is born with their own unique DNA. This genetic information remains constant throughout an individual’s lifetime. Each human being’s DNA tells their individual story. It also charts the beginnings of humankind in Africa and the eventual migration of humanity to every part of the globe.

Criteria Used to Determine Your DNA Ancestry

The process of determining your genetic heritage is threefold. Ancestral Origins testing separates the genetic information into three basic areas; populations, indigenous regions and strength estimates.

Populations

Using a color coded rating system; your DNA is compared to all the populations in their system. The color green on the map shows the strongest connection to a specific group and location. The color yellow relates to a significant link to particular areas and populaces and red suggest little or no connection. There are also correlations made to dispersed populations. Dispersed relates to groups of people, who were indigenous to one region, but traveled to another country or continent. This pertains to more recent movements of populations around the world.

Indigenous Regions

This testing reveals an ancient ancestry dating back over 80 thousand years. During the history of humankind there have been notable ancient migrations. One of the first migrations occurred, when people traveled out of Africa and up into Europe, then Asia and eventually to Australia. The last two migrations were to North and South America and the final journey was to the Pacific Islands.

DNAHelix 300x239 Discover your Ancestral Origins with DNA Ancestry Testing
Strength Estimates

This primary evaluation is an estimate of all the populations that are your strongest genetic links. The next assessment shows the most significant connections to indigenous regions. These calculations give a clear overview of all the data, so it is easier to determine your closest genetic matches.

Discovering Your Ancestral Origins

Ancestral DNA testing helps you to appreciate your genetic connection to particular groups and geographic origins. The DNA Ancestry tests can verify genetic relatedness to 14 identified anthropological areas and populaces. GTLDNA.com contains beautifully designed maps and graphs which makes the history and science of ancestral origins easier to appreciate. These individualized prints will make lovely additions your home.

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