23andMe New Clustering Feature and Returning Chromosome Browser

It’s been an exciting past few weeks for DNA users at 23andMe. They quietly rolled out a clustering feature (for all users) and recently brought back the chromosome browser (for premium users). This is definitely a step in the right direction!

Some people might complain that the chromosome browser is only for premium subscribers now, whereas before it was for everyone. I can see how that is disappointing. But with the company’s recent bankruptcy, I can also understand the need for DNA businesses to be profitable. Testing costs are not prohibitive, which makes it great for anyone who wants to try DNA testing. Then for those who who use advanced features and want to support DNA testing companies (and help them stay afloat), the Premium plan provides that avenue. I’m glad to see DNA testing companies developing tools to help genetic genelaogists, even if it means we need to pay a little more for them.

DNA Relatives Clustering (All Users)

DNA Relatives Clustering (help article) at 23andMe is brand new, but it’s not a new concept in genetic genealogy. Cluster charts show DNA matches in your relatives list who share with each other. Many people who share with many other people in the same group form a cluster and probably descend from the same common ancestors, or the same line of your family. A great feature of 23andMe’s clustering is that you can see how much each person shares with each other person in the cluster by hovering over their intersecting cell.

Another benefit of the 23andMe clustering is that you can download your cluster results to a CSV file. The file shows how much individuals share with each other, which is really neat!

Chromosome Browser (Premium Users)

The Advanced DNA Comparison Tool (chromosome browser) does still allow you to compare one match to another match as it did before, making it extremely useful for triangulation. There has been a little confusion on Facebook about this. The difference is that matches have to be a “connection” with you or you can’t put them in the main spot to compare where the test-taker usually is.

Another benefit is that you can now see if DNA overlaps in the “Relatives in Common” list. Clicking on overlapping DNA takes you to the chromosome browser. There’s also a link near Relatives in Common about viewing the cluster that person is in.

Thank you 23andMe for giving us these helpful features!