Genome Mapping Now Only $99

1,662 views · Published 13 December 2012 · 1:03 · Indexed 17 October 2026

Channel: Slate · 2012 · Science & Technology

Watch on YouTube

How about this for an unconventional holiday gift? For $99, you can tell someone close to you whether he is likely to die of cancer or Alzheimer's, along with a forecast of when that might happen. 

It's not tarot cards, it's the most personal, scientific fortune-telling there is: genome mapping. The home-testing service 23andMe has mined the DNA of more than 180,000 customers for genetic predispositions and likely future ailments. The company's reports reveal a host of data, including your likelihood of Parkinson's or drug addiction. 

Marked down from $300, the $99 price comes courtesy of a generous new round of funding for the venture and declining technology costs.  

23andMe ultimately hopes to reach 1 million customers who don't mind a particularly stark look into the crystal ball.

More from this channel

• 0:56 Barack and the Boss: Clinton's Attack Ad

  Slate

  1,528 views · 8 May 2008

• 2:07 How To Spend Your Tax Rebate

  Slate

  849 views · 19 May 2008

• 4:37 Reviews of: Moon, The Taking of Pelham 123, and Imagine That

  Slate

  1,618 views · 12 June 2009

• 2:21 Dear Prudence: Riding Shotgun with Tipsy Pal

  Slate

  2,634 views · 29 June 2009

• 2:15 How to Save Newspapers

  Slate

  2,860 views · 10 July 2009

• 1:50 Killer Apps: Wolfenstein 3-D

  Slate

  2,584 views · 31 July 2009

• 4:14 Reviews of: Inglourious Basterds, Post Grad

  Slate

  2,221 views · 22 August 2009

• 2:05 Dear Prudence: Is Short Hair Ruining My Love Life?

  Slate

  4,892 views · 31 August 2009