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Race and DNA ancestry tests

We look into the racial bias in DNA databases and how companies are trying to correct this to ensure more of their customers can get a fuller picture of who they are.

Find out more about the DNA ancestry company aiming to increase its appeal across a wider range of ethnic groups. They're attempting to correct the racial bias in DNA databases, so customers get a fuller story of who they are.

Genetic studies have primarily been done nearly exclusively in European populations to date and DNA databases are four to one skewed in favour of European DNA.

But diversity drives are unearthing genetic treasure. Slavery scrubbed the family histories of generations. Genetics is helping African Americans, for one, piece together their stolen stories.

In this episode David Reid hears the story of Jamila Zheng who found her ancestral home and relatives she didn't know existed after taking a DNA test. We also hear from Dr Steven Micheletti, Population Geneticist at 23andMe and Dr Anjali Shastri, Senior Research Programme Manager at 23andMe about the diversity drive at their company.

Producer / Presenter: David Reid
Image: Jamila Zheng; Credit: 23andMe

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18 minutes

Last on

Wed 22 Jun 2022 07:32GMT

Broadcast

  • Wed 22 Jun 2022 07:32GMT

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