How—and why—DNA Testing Uses Biased Reference Databases
Clip: Season 48 Episode 1 | 5m 20sVideo has Closed Captions
Are DNA ancestry tests equally accurate for all test takers?
Because of the Eurocentric bias of genetic reference databases, DNA ancestry test results for individuals of African and Asian descent are often less detailed than results for individuals of European descent.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.
Support provided by:
How—and why—DNA Testing Uses Biased Reference Databases
Clip: Season 48 Episode 1 | 5m 20sVideo has Closed Captions
Because of the Eurocentric bias of genetic reference databases, DNA ancestry test results for individuals of African and Asian descent are often less detailed than results for individuals of European descent.
Problems with Closed Captions? Closed Captioning Feedback
How to Watch NOVA
NOVA is available to stream on pbs.org and the free PBS App, available on iPhone, Apple TV, Android TV, Android smartphones, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Tablet, Roku, Samsung Smart TV, and Vizio.
Buy Now
NOVA Labs
NOVA Labs is a free digital platform that engages teens and lifelong learners in games and interactives that foster authentic scientific exploration. Participants take part in real-world investigations by visualizing, analyzing, and playing with the same data that scientists use.Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
Half Sisters Unite Thanks to DNA Testing
Video has Closed Captions
In 2018, June Smith takes a consumer DNA test, hoping to solve a longstanding mystery. (4m 19s)
Video has Closed Captions
What can DNA testing companies reveal about our ancestry and health, and at what risk? (27s)
Providing Support for PBS.org
Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorship
National Corporate funding for NOVA is provided by Carlisle Companies. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the NOVA Science Trust, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and PBS viewers.