23andMe

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. On yesterday’s Lost Women of Science podcast, our Founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki and her sister Janet opened up about their sister Susan and her battle with lung cancer. You can listen here: https://lnkd.in/gGi-B6xp Lung cancer is consistently one of the world’s deadliest cancers, responsible for more cancer deaths globally each year than any other type. This is due in part to late detection and the aggressive nature of many lung cancers. In July 2024, we collaborated with Troper Wojcicki Philanthropies and 20+ patient and research advocacy organizations to launch the Lung Cancer Genetics Study. Our goal is to understand more about how genetics influence lung cancer so that we can work to improve detection, risk reduction, and care. More on the study here: https://lnkd.in/gr5i2h3U

We are delighted to welcome Kael Reicin to the 23andMe Research Institute as our new CFO. Kael brings financial and operational nonprofit expertise as we continue to evolve into a nonprofit medical research organization. His financial insight and deep understanding of mission-driven stewardship will help us translate our ideals into sustainable action. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gqAGFKqf

Welcome Peggy Bodin, Fred Cate, and Jonathan Zittrain to the 23andMe Research Institute Privacy Advisory Board. These leading experts in health data privacy, data ethics, and consumer advocacy, will provide strategic guidance on the protection of member information and the organization’s responsible stewardship of personal data. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gqpfW6yX

We are proud to welcome Brad Margus and Stephen Quake, D.Phil. to the 23andMe Research Institute Board of Directors. Their deep experience in genetics, biomedical innovation, and translational science will help advance discoveries that improve human health for all. Honored to have their guidance as we shape the future of human genetics and research. 🧬 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gjHufjHk

We are proud to share that 23andMe has been named to the TIME's Best Inventions Hall of Fame! This milestone is made possible by the trust of our 13+ million customers and their commitment to advancing genetics and science. 🧬 🌎 A big thank you to TIME for this honor, and to our community for shaping the future of genetics and research.

One of the most depressing aspects of depression is that treatments often don’t work, at least initially. A staggering 60% of patients with major depressive disorder don’t find relief from their first medication, and one-third eventually face what’s called Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Using advanced machine learning techniques, researchers at Johnson & Johnson and the 23andMe Research Institute developed a predictive model that identifies individuals most likely to have Treatment-Resistant Depression, without relying on lab tests or genetic data. The research, published in the journal Nature, used only self-reported information with eight key predictive factors, including such things as residual symptoms, the duration of depression episodes, stress levels, and suicidal thoughts. Using this predictive model, researchers were able to accurately predict those at the highest risk for TRD 78% of the time. Why this matters: Clinicians could pivot faster to other treatments when one fails Care could be more personalized and effective Health systems could allocate resources more efficiently For millions living with depression, this work represents a step toward precision mental health care—and a shorter path to relief. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional. In the U.S., the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by dialing 988. https://lnkd.in/ejMWe5Px

As we start Breast Cancer Awareness Month, scientists at the 23andMe Research Institute and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute published a study with a surprising finding: Breast cancer patients with higher genetic risk scores actually showed longer average survival times compared to those with lower risk scores. Why this happens isn’t yet clear. One possibility is that inherited breast cancers driven by genetic risk may develop more slowly than cancers triggered by environmental factors, known as somatic mutations. This study builds on nearly 15 years of 23andMe’s breast cancer research and collaborations, including: - Discovering genetic factors linked to breast size and cancer risk - Understanding how people respond to learning their genetic risk - Revealing gaps in current screening criteria that miss many at-risk individuals - Receiving the first FDA authorization for a direct-to-consumer BRCA1/BRCA2 - Genetic Health Risk report, later expanded to include 44 variants and full exome sequencing across 33 cancer-related genes Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about highlighting the impact of early detection, access, and research. Findings like this one underscore how genetic science can continue to uncover new dimensions of risk, survival, and treatment. https://lnkd.in/eXSqraw5

A massive new genetic study of dyslexia using data from the 23andMe Research Institute uncovered dozens of previously unknown genetic factors linked to the condition that affects between 5-10% of school-age children. Many of the genetic associations play a role in early brain development and neuronal pathways. The study, the largest of its kind, advances our understanding of how the brain is wired for reading. https://lnkd.in/eY5zBaQY #Dyslexia #Genetics #23andMe

The largest genetic study of stuttering, powered by more than 1 million 23andMe research participants, is shining light on this poorly understood condition. Here are some facts you should know: Stuttering affects more than 400 million people worldwide. Stuttering begins in early childhood, but only about 20 percent of those who stutter as children continue to stutter as adults, and men are four times more likely to stutter as adults than women. Genetic research is shining a light on why that may be. This massive new genetic study found 57 genetic variants tied to stuttering. The study also found shared genetics between stuttering and conditions like depression and autism. They also found genetic overlap with "beat synchronization," which is important for speech. Read more about this groundbreaking work in the comments. #23andMeResearchInstitute #Vanderbilt #Genetics #Stuttering #Science

We’re teaming up with TROPER WOJCICKI FOUNDATION and Lifebit to launch an open-access platform for lung cancer research—one of the most diverse lung cancer cohorts ever assembled. And yes, it’s FREE for qualified researchers. With 1,200+ participants already enrolled and support from 20+ nonprofits collaborators, The Lung Cancer Genetics Study is ready to help accelerate discovery.  Get all the details in our latest blog. https://lnkd.in/e6X-Thff EGFR Resisters GO2 for Lung CancerHappy Lungs Project Lung Cancer Foundation of America Lung Cancer Initiative Lung Cancer Research Foundation LUNGevity Foundation MET Crusaders Cancer Advocacy Group Oncogene Cancer Research The ROS1ders Upstage Lung Cancer