Short Wave What DNA kits leave out: race, ancestry and 'scientific sankofa'
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Feb 28, 2023 Dr. Janina Jeff, a population geneticist and host of In Those Genes, dives into the nuances of genetic ancestry testing. She discusses what these tests reveal and what they overlook, particularly regarding race and identity. Janina introduces the idea of 'scientific sankofa,' connecting cultural roots with genetics. She critiques the historical misuse of genetics in racial discussions and emphasizes the importance of integrating community perspectives. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of future genetic research and its potential to address past inequities.
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Genes as Words
- Genes function like words in a book, with the entire human genome being the book itself.
- Humans share most genes, but variations in letter order, like spelling differences, make us unique.
Race vs. Genetics
- Humans are 99.5% genetically identical, yet the social construct of race persists.
- Physical differences mainly reflect adaptations to ancestral environments, not inherent differences in intellect or capability.
Genetic Ancestry Test Considerations
- Understand that genetic ancestry tests are not 100% accurate and consider the potential for painful historical discoveries.
- Prioritize data privacy by reading the terms and conditions and understanding how your data might be used.