The world of commercial or fee-based genealogy websites is constantly changing. Just recently
Ancestry.com LLC announced that it is ending a 15-month effort to sell customers genetic insights into their health. Ancestry.com, best known for its products that allow their customers to explore their family trees launched AncestryHealth in an effort to compete with 23andMe Inc. and other companies that sell tests that can show a person’s risk for developing certain genetic diseases.
It appears that consumer interest in DNA testing has leveled off and both companies have cut jobs. There is no change at this time to the company’s traditional DNA services to help customers identify their ethnic and geographical origins nor any change in helping individuals find distant and sometimes not-so-distant relatives. Dr. Lior Rauchberger, CEO of leading Australian genomics company, myDNA, has announced a merger with the U.S., Houston-based consumer DNA test company, FamilyTreeDNA, and its parent company, Gene by Gene.
Dr. Rauchberger will step into the role of CEO of the merged companies, effective immediately. Gene by Gene co-founders Bennett Greenspan and Max Blankfeld will join the Board of Directors. The two businesses come together as one of the leading global experts of genealogy, pharmacogenomic and nutrigenomic services.
According to Dr. Rauchberger, an M.D. who practiced medicine for nine years before becoming a leading expert in personalized medicine and the intersection of medicine and technology, “The Personalized Wellness revolution is only just beginning and we’re eager to be able to offer FamilyTreeDNA and myDNA members a box seat to a wider range of services thanks to the merging of these fantastic businesses.”
The Brownsville Historical Association presents “Behind the Badge: Experience: The Brownsville Police Department” exhibit during regular hours of operation Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm at the Brownsville Heritage Museum, 1325 E. Washington St., Brownsville.
This exhibit allows visitors to explore the past, present, and future of the Brownsville Police Department and examine its history, daily work, and commitment to the local community. This is a student-curated exhibit by UTRGV students: Adam Cavazos, Angel Flandes, and Susannah Holliday. The students were very involved in learning about the museum’s collections and were excited to have the opportunity to experience the many aspects of museum curatorial work. For more information and admission information visit the Association’s Facebook page or call 956-541-5560.
The Family History Writing Studio with writing and accountability coach, Lynn Palermo will be hosting “The Family History Writing Challenge.” For the 28 days of February, you’re invited to become a confident family history writer shaping your genealogy facts into shareable and entertaining stories.
Sign up for free and receive daily writing instruction in the form of a Daily Dose Video Lesson that will educate and motivate you to becoming a better family history writer. Join them in their private Facebook group for a supportive community where you can share your successes, missteps, and even your writing if you wish! Visit The Family History Writing Studio Facebook page to register or for more information.
Stay safe!
