Are freckles from your mum or dad? New tests can analyse your genetic make-up to tell you exactly which traits you inherited from each parent
- Test analyzes the genetic makeup to see which parent influenced a trait
It could be freckles or hair color, eating habits or dancing ability – we all curse our parents for our least favorite qualities.
And moms and dads can be just as bad: when they see their little darling accomplish something impressive, many can't help but shout, “She got that from me.”
Well, now those age-old family debates can be settled once and for all – as a new test analyzes your genetic makeup to tell you exactly which traits you inherited from each parent.
Family history site Ancestry has launched a kit that can show which parent influenced certain physical and behavioral traits. Consider whether you are an introvert or extrovert, whether you like risks, how well you tolerate spicy food and whether you are an early bird or a night owl.
The test can determine more than 40 traits in total, including which parent predisposed you to an alcohol flush, who is responsible for you being a vivid dreamer, whether you nap and how good you are at running. .
A new test analyzes your genetic makeup to tell you exactly which traits you inherited from each parent (stock photo)
It could be freckles or hair color, eating habits or dancing ability – we all curse our parents for our least favorite qualities
It works by analyzing DNA from a saliva sample to check for 'markers' associated with specific characteristics. The team investigates which markers are present and uses their 'SideView technology' to identify which DNA comes from your mother and which DNA comes from your father.
The scientists said, “For example, let's say your trait results show that you like to take a nap.
'SideView technology can reveal that your mother gave you 400 markers associated with napping and your father gave you 100 markers associated with napping. This means that the DNA you inherited from your mother had a greater influence on this trait.'
It works by finding other DNA matches in their database – someone who is related to you through one parent – allowing scientists to figure out which parts of each DNA region you inherited through your mother or father.
Ancestry said they currently have 25 million people in their DNA network, and the team explained that the “possibilities are endless” when it comes to what attributes they can add to the test in the future.
The DNA Trait Test itself costs £94, but is currently on sale for £69 until December 28 and requires a subscription to Ancestry.com.