23andMe is now tapping their user base to look for links between H1N1 susceptibility/severity via another user survey. I can’t keep up with all the surveys they’ve been launching recently!
23andMe launches Longevity Survey
DTC personal genomics company 23andMe has just launched a new Longevity Survey that aims to tease out the genetic basis of a long life.
Early studies in longevity were pioneered in the model organism C. elegans, a roundworm. C. elegans is a perfect model system for studying aging. It’s small (1mM in length), it develops from an egg to an adult quickly (2.5 days), and has a short lifespan (2-3 weeks). Coupled with the ability to conduct chemical mutagenesis, it’s relatively easy to look through 1000s of animals with an extended lifespan, and in turn to identify the genes responsible. One of these genes, daf-2, is a receptor tyrosine kinase and the C. elegans insulin/IGF receptor ortholog.
Typical lifespan is about 2-3 weeks. And since you can do chemical mutagenesis, it’s possible to easily look for
You can read more about the survey on 23andme’s blog, The Spittoon.
Working at 23andMe; reviews on GlassDoor
23andMe splitting products, raising prices
The direct-to-consumer personal genomics company 23andme is revamping their product offerings and raising prices.
Starting November 19th, 23andMe will offer three products: an Ancestry Edition (USD $399), a Health Edition (USD $429), and a Complete Edition ($499).
The Complete Edition is most similar to the current genotyping kit but is priced $100 higher. Ancestry or Health Edition customers will be able to upgrade to the Complete Edition for $150 or $100, respectively.
Current customers will be upgraded to the Complete Edition automatically.
Read more on 23andMe’s blog The Spittoon.