3 chapters across the catalog
23andMe FDA Shutdown, DNA Data Privacy, Open Source Genetics
The hosts discuss the FDA's crackdown on 23andMe and the limitations of commercial DNA testing. Adam Curry advocates for using open-source tools like Promethease to analyze raw genetic data rather than trusting a Google-affiliated company with sensitive biological information.
SNPedia and the Limitations of Genetic Disease Prediction
The discussion explores the technical side of genetic data using SNPedia, an open-source database of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The hosts argue that while companies like 23andMe provide "recreational data," the actual predictive value for most diseases is low because many conditions lack a strong genetic component. They mention the Promethease software as a DIY alternative for analyzing raw genomic data.
Open Source Genetics and Silicon Valley Data Exploitation
The hosts reiterate their preference for open-source genetic analysis over commercial services that mine user data. They link the arrogance of 23andMe to broader tech industry trends, including Google's data practices and the monetization of NSA documents by figures like Glenn Greenwald.
