There are so many different companies that offer genetic analysis to any interested client. One such company, 23andMe, offers some interesting features for those who use itsservices.

It provides insight into a users ethnic history and even breaks down parts of their genetic codes to explain how DNA influenced their appearance or senses. In addition to these easy-to-understand hereditary summaries, it also gives clients a copy of their "raw data."

Here, we'llgo over whattools you can use to interpret your 23andMe raw data, and we'll define what exactly raw data is.

To understand raw data, you need to know a little bit about how DNA works. DNA is something we inherit from both of our parents and, subsequentially, all previous ancestors. Unless you have an identical twin, your genetic code is unique to you. Understanding what your "genetic code" is can help you learn about raw data.

Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is a molecule that dictates everything that makes us, us. It contains codes for everything from our basic biology to personalized features. While all humans share a majority of the sequence, humans experience small differences in base pairs, which may influence everything, such as our appearance, behavior, and predisposition to diseases.

Base pairs are the "building blocks" of our genetic makeup. When looking at a model of a DNA double helix, they are those little "steps" of the ladder. Each step is comprised of one of four bases: adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T), and its complementary base pair (A and T or G and C).

When you send your tissue sample over to 23andMe facilities, scientists perform a process called genotyping. As opposed to sequencing, where technicians attempt to calculate the exact sequence of a given length of DNA, genotyping offers an accurate (and cost-effective) shortcut.

Our genetic code is very long, and there are huge chunks of information we cant do anything with yet. Genotyping is a far more effective process for getting useful data for clients.

The process scans genetic code to look for specific gene variants that are very popular or ones that we already know about. 23andMe takes these datasets and transforms them into an easy-to-understand infographic.

What you'll see is a neat little printout letting you know where your ancestors originated from. What the scientists behind the scenes see is a printout containing various locations and a whole bunch of As, Gs, Ts, and Cs. This printout is your raw data that 23andMe sends you with your results.

Related:The Best Ancestry Tracing Sites

Your raw data may seem like a jumbled mess of characters, but its incredibly useful information. Although 23andMe offers some insight into the genetic information it analyzes, it doesn'texplain everything.

The raw data offers tons of surprise information that you can use. This information isnt just interesting from ahistoricalperspective; the information also offers insight into your health and can be a useful genealogy tool for you and your loved ones.

To access this information, you need to find how to "read" this information. Luckily, you dont need to be a renowned geneticist to take that raw data and do something with it.

While you could theoretically search through journals and try to analyze your raw data yourself, there are a couple hundred thousand markers to sift through. The best way to make the most out of your raw data is to utilize one of the many available tools online.

With countless platforms to chose from, it may be challenging to pick out the best one for you. Consider what information you want to learn from your raw data before you choose an analysis tool.

Xcode Life offers a variety of packages, so you can order exactly what you want. With many different reports to chose from, you can customize the information you want, as well as find options to fit your budget. It displays its findings in an easy-to-read format for everyone to enjoy.

There are over 15 options to choose from, including Gene Sleep, Traits and Personality,Gene Allergy, and more.There are also different bundles available so you can save money. Its packages start at $20.

If you are interested in finding extended ancestry information and basic health information, DNA Land offers free assessment packages.

Although it doesn'tgo into as much detail as some of the paid contenders, it offers great added insight at no extra charge. DNA Land will even use your anonymous submissions to further scientific research.

Nutrahacker takes gene analysis one step further. It designs your reports so that you can "empower yourself" with the newfound information.

Its specialized assessments determine an optimized list of supplements and fitness information for you, in addition to general health data. While its packages start at $25, it also offers some free basic assessments.

If you are on a tighter budget, Promethease offers more inexpensive health reports. It anonymously cross-references your raw data with SNPedia, a human genetics wiki. While it gives you a lot of information for the price, the process is not as straightforward as other options.

You dont need to be an expert, but many find the platform a bit more technical. However, having a super basic background in statistics should suffice. Health reports start at $12.

Research continues to advance every day, and Genomelink makes a point to keep its dynamic options updated by the week. It offers over 200 analysis options to investigate everything from your personality and career strengths to your health vulnerabilities and longevity.

If you're on a budget, Genomelink also has over 20 free analyses. These come with the option to order premium reports delivered via straightforward infographics.

There is so much information to learn from your genetic makeup. With so many easy and accessible tools to further explore the data you already paid for, why not make the most of what you have? It only takes a few clicks of a button to receive a comprehensive health report that is both interesting and informative.

Considering online DNA testing? Several options are available, but 23andMe and ancestryDNA are the top dogs.

Brittni is a neuroscience graduate student who writes for MakeUseOf on the side of her studies. Shes a seasoned writer who began her freelance writing career back in 2012. While shes mainly focused on technology and medicine shes also spent time writing about animals, pop culture, video game recommendations, and comic book reviews.

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Turn 23andMe Raw Data Into Meaningful Results With These Websites and Tools - MakeUseOf