I got an email from 23andme who are doing a huge study on the genetics of ulcerative colitis and crohns. Read this from their website.

“At 23andMe, we believe genetic data plays a critical role in research. Knowing more about how genetics relate to a disease can provide additional information on how people might respond to treatments, which may eventually lead to a cure.

Today, there are very few medications for IBD. Maintaining the quality of daily life can be a challenge. It is not known which medications will be effective on individuals and some IBD medications stop working over time. There is very little those diagnosed with IBD can do and often times, surgery becomes the only solution available.

We believe DNA may play a critical role in IBD treatment. Genetics has started playing a larger role in medicine over the past few years. And genetics could provide insight as to why some people are more likely to get IBD and why people respond differently to treatment options and drugs.

No one can promise a cure or a treatment, but we promise to be transparent in our research efforts and to empower other researchers and scientists with IBD genetic data in a time when resources and funding can be scarce.

We believe your genetic data can be used for good.”

They are asking for participants to provide a DNA mouth swab along with an online questionnaire. In return you will be part of a massive study that could help future patients with IBD and they give you a full genetic ancestry data of your own!

Unfortunately it’s only open to US patients, sorry to my other readers around the world!!

For more information or to enrol, go to their website.

To be eligible…
You’ve been diagnosed with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis by a qualified physician.
You’re willing to submit a saliva sample for DNA testing and complete online surveys related to your condition.
You have access to the internet.
You are at least 6 years old (minors under 18 require parental consent to enroll).
You are not a 23andMe customer.
You reside in the United States.

Love Sam x