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Chat with Deb—Hereditary Ear Wax
Sometimes you find something useful from DNA. Other times, not so much.
ME: I’m genetically inclined to wet earwax.
DEB: (after pausing to mentally replay what I just said) Earwax. Like in ears? And this is important because…?
ME: Oh it’s not. I don’t think. But the All of Us group that I sent my spit sample to got back to me with my genetic results, and my group is inclined to wet earwax. Also—and I did not know this—people with wet earwax are more likely to have smelly earwax.
DEB: I… do not think I ever noticed that, Jackster. Nor have I ever noticed anything about how my earwax smells.
ME: I’m also more likely to notice bitter tastes and dislike cilantro.
DEB: But you love cilantro!
ME: I know! Although mostly when I have cilantro it’s in chili. Might be different?
DEB: Is there any methodology to things they report, or is this just stuff that turns up at random?
ME: Uhh… not sure. I think they just report results as they get more data from people and something pops up.
I have volunteered for various research projects online. Most are monitored through my iPhone and Apple Watch—this lets them measure things…
