People over at Genetics & Health bring to our attention the fact that this holiday season there is no need to do something lame for your friends and family, like naming a star or planting a tree. Instead, the suggestion goes, take a genetic sample from your family members and store it for only $39.00. Here is how DNAPrint Genomics, Inc., a Sarasota, FL company, describes its new DNA Storage Service:
“We offer this service because everyone should establish genetic profiles for themselves and their children,” stated DNAPrint Genomics President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Gabriel. “The Company’s line of DNA ancestry products, such as AncestryByDNA(TM) and EuroDNA(TM), can be used in this way and to explore family heritage at the same time. DNA testing may also be used to predict individual sensitivities or side effects to certain drugs. Moreover, with the current backlog of cases at various investigative agencies, we feel that establishing a sample file with DNAPrint could help speed up the process of finding anyone — especially children — who may go missing. For these reasons among many, we would certainly encourage individuals to have their DNA tested at the same time that it is stored.”
The basic DNA storage plan is available at an initial cost of $39.00 and is renewed annually. The Company also offers fully paid storage at a discount for 5-year increments. An STRmap analysis service is also offered for those wanting their DNA to be typed at 16 genetic markers that may be used for human identity in addition to storage. The Company’s AncestryByDNA(TM) and EuroDNA(TM) products are available separately and can be used to trace genetic heritage among the four anthropological groups: Native American; East Asian; Sub-Saharan African (areas south of the Sahara Desert); Indo-European (Europe, Middle East, North Africa, Western Asia).
“We also appreciate that this is the time of year when people are looking for unusual and unique gift ideas,” Mr. Gabriel said. “This service, in conjunction with DNAPrint’s complete line of genetic history products, would certainly qualify as a special gift, providing a great opportunity to share a new understanding of one’s family tree and help strengthen the bonds between generations.”
“DNA is very stable when stored under the proper conditions and DNAPrint is an expert in this area,” said Anthony Frudakis, Ph.D., Chief Scientific Officer and founder of DNAPrint. “There have been many requests from the general public about storing DNA, so the Company has put together a retrieval and storage package that is painless and doesn’t involve the use of blood. Storing DNA can be important to couples and families who may want to have their DNA evaluated and have the results reported back to them.”
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(hat tip: Genetics & Health)