DNA does not change; it remains the same from the day you are born. However, our ability to read and understand it is constantly improving. At tellmeGen, we provide a living analysis that grows alongside science. Here we explain why those percentages shift and why that is, in fact, excellent news for you.
DNA doesn’t change, but science does
As technology improves, we apply high-resolution filters: the image itself hasn't changed, but you can now see details that were previously hidden. In genetics, this happens for three main reasons:
1. The reference database is growing To tell you that you have a percentage from a specific region (for example, the "Iberian Peninsula"), we compare your DNA with that of people whose families have lived there for generations. As more people from across the globe join tellmeGen, our reference database becomes larger and more diverse. The more data we have, the more accurate the comparison becomes.
2. Smarter algorithms (The leap from v3 to v4) The algorithm is the "translator" that interprets your genetic code. We have recently updated our ancestry system from v3 to v4. This new version utilises much more complex mathematical models that allow us to differentiate between geographical regions that are genetically very close.
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Result: What was previously grouped as a single broad region is now broken down into much more specific areas.
3. The map becomes more detailed Not all companies divide the world in the same way. While one firm might use 20 global regions, at tellmeGen we work to identify hundreds of populations. By refining these genetic borders, it is normal for some percentages to readjust to fit their most exact location.
Why are my results different with other companies?
It is very common to compare results between platforms and see discrepancies. This happens because every company has its own reference panel and its own statistical methodology. The results will be similar, but the nuances will vary. At tellmeGen, we focus on offering the most comprehensive analysis on the market, integrating health and ancestry into a single platform.
The value of free tellmeGen updates
With most genetic services, if you want to see your results updated with the latest technology, you have to pay again or buy a new kit. At tellmeGen, we believe in open and continuous science.
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Life-long updates: Every time our scientific team improves the algorithm or discovers new genetic variants, we update your account completely free of charge.
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Increasing precision: Your results today are more accurate than those of yesterday, and tomorrow’s will be even more so.
If your percentages have changed, it is not an error. It is a sign that we are applying the latest breakthroughs from the scientific community to your personal report. Your DNA is a story written in stone, but we are learning to read it every day with better glasses.
If you are curious to know how your results have changed with the latest v4 ancestry update, log in to your private area and discover what new secrets your genes have revealed.
