Part 1/8:
The Rise and Fall of 23andMe: A Cautionary Tale of DTC Gene Testing
The advent of direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing, epitomized by companies like Ancestry.com and 23andMe, once represented a revolutionary leap in how individuals could understand their genetics. By simply ordering a kit, providing a saliva sample, and mailing it back, users could unlock a host of insights about their heritage, health predispositions, and even reconnect with long-lost family members. However, this burgeoning industry has faced mounting controversy, particularly in the case of 23andMe, which saw its rapid rise go hand-in-hand with a staggering fall from grace.