Spit in a tube and, for about $100, discover secrets held by your DNA. That was the promise of 23andMe, a direct-to-consumer genetic-testing company. It proved popular—more than 15m customers coughed up to receive tailored reports. Insights ranged from the banal (there is a 48% chance you have freckles) to the potentially helpful (you have an increased risk of type-2 diabetes). Ultimately, though, the venture was unprofitable. On March 23rd the firm filed for bankruptcy.
The bankruptsy of 23andMe left many wondering about the safety of their DNA data. Not really sure why this matters, but it’s definitely a concern for those who trusted the company with their genetic information. Many are left questioning what will happen to their data now that the company is no longer in business. Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like a pretty big deal to have your most personal information up in the air like that.
In the midst of all this, other businesses are facing their own challenges. Musk Inc is under serious threat, lobbyists are hoping for a Trump-produced bonanza, and Barnes & Noble is back in the business of selling books. It’s a mixed bag of news in the business world, with uncertainty looming over many industries. Not really sure what the future holds, but it seems like it’s going to be a bumpy ride for a lot of companies.
