To get your special deal, click here and enter the code GIZMODO99. Then the company will send you a kit, which contains a special test tube that you get to spit into like this:
Once you FedEx back your biohazard bag, you wait 6-8 weeks for 23andMe’s lab to analyse and genotype your DNA. During that time, you can poke around the forums on 23andMe’s site and nerd out about which ancestral population you hope you come from and what you’d do if you discovered you had a genetic marker for Restless Leg Syndrome. (Hint: nothing.)
But one thing you should consider before you buy is that there is a small bit of fine print: When you buy the kit, you also have to sign up 12 months of 23andMe’s Personal Genome Service at $US5 a month. That’s still a 68-percent discount, so it shouldn’t be too hard to stomach. Also, the Service keeps you up to date on the latest genetic news and stuff.
I’d still do it. I did, actually.
Big Al
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 9:16 AMFor Australians, a US$65 postage fee as well, that covers the too & fro.
Scott Canner
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 9:57 AMI’ve signed up for this, I have always wanted to get my DNA screened
Jason
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 11:45 AMI’d caution people to think twice about using these tests – if you discover any information regarding potential risks or health conditions then you are legally obliged to let insurers know when you’re getting a new policy. This includes life and income protection insurance, and may cause you large headaches when it comes to your premium.
Sometimes not knowing is a lot better, particularly when our legal and other systems haven’t had a chance to catch up to genetic technology.
G
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 2:00 PMnot sure im willing to give my gene code to a company … the people who use this service are probably the same morons who complain about google tracking their movements…
THINK PPL… -_-”
Gavin McConnon
Thursday, November 25, 2010 at 2:07 PMI signed up for this a few years back (about $700 at the time I think). Really cool to see the price way down. Its really interesting results, and I’d highly recommend it. Might want to opt out of the ‘contacting relatives’ bit though; I keep hearing from 4th cousins all over the world – yes, you might be my 4th cousin, but it seems so are about 4,000 other ppl too! ;)