What is 23andMe and why is everyone interested in it? Why is it suddenly such a hot topic in cyberspace? Those were the questions that entered my mind when I saw '23andme' and '23 and me' topping Google Trends this morning. Is it just a fad, a flash-in-the-pan craze that will be forgotten in no time, or is it something significant, something that will help many of us. A few minutes of careful clicking and research revealed the answers I was looking for.

23andMe (23 and Me) is a personal genetics and biotechnology company based in California (Mountain View to be exact) offering affordable DNA testing services to help individuals understand their own genetic information, enabling users to search and explore genes contributing to their personal characteristics, such as lactose intolerance, athletic ability, and food preferences; learn how the research studies relate to their genomes; compare their
profiles to family and friends; and discover their genetic roots, as well as to gain insights into their ancestry, genealogy, and inherited traits. The health analysis also tests for about 90 predispositions ranging from what eye color you'll probably pass on to whether you're likely to get arthritis someday. 23and me is just one of many that offer such services. However, what sets it apart from the others is its easy and affordable approach to getting one's DNA tested and the unique way in which its clients can keep track of their results as well as updates on new health research that may well be significant to them through Web-based interactive tools.

Started in 2006 by Anne Wojcicki, a former health care industry analyst, and Linda Avey, a bio pharmaceutical industry veteran, 23andMe offered $999 to $2,500 priced tests in its aim was to encourage people to learn about their genetic information and thus help propel understanding of human genetics, bring the promise of personalized medicine and accelerate the discovery of new drugs. However, prices of DNA testing were recently reduced to $399. Upon ordering online, customers are sent a kit by mail that includes a test tube to spit in for the saliva sample and registration materials to log in online. Once the sample is registered and mailed back to 23andMe, customers can expect results in about 4-6 weeks.

TIME has recently named 23andMe (23 and Me) as its 2008 Best Invention of the Year. Though not as well-known as the iPhone (last year's winner) or YouTube (another winner several years back), the company was cited because "it does the best job of making them (DNA testing service) accessible and affordable." Not one to rest on their laurels, the company is continuously looking for other add-on services for its many clients. 23and Me is launching some online social networking features to create a place for users to learn about and share the insights they glean from their DNA. It also is working on a project with the Parkinson's Institute to use the internet to advance disease research. (Images courtesy of 23andme.com)

23andMe (23 and Me): Anne Wojcicki and Linda Avey Interview

If you like this post, then please consider subscribing to my RSS feed. You can also subscribe by email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox.