Question 1

1) Who is Nebula Genomics?

Answer

Our mission is to usher in the era of personal genomics by providing access to affordable Whole Genome Sequencing and creating technology to protect genomic data privacy. Nebula Genomics was founded by the DNA sequencing pioneer George Church who is a Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical School. Our offices are located in San Francisco and Boston, two global centers of tech and biotech innovation.

Click here to learn more about us!

Question 2

2) Is your service available in my country?

Answer

Yes! We ship our sample collection kits to almost every country in the world. Just select your country during checkout. After we receive your sample and decode your DNA, your genomic data and reports will be available through your account on our website.

Question 3

3) What is Whole Genome Sequencing DNA Testing?

Answer

A genetic test that decodes 100%<sup>*</sup> of your DNA is called Whole Genome Sequencing. It includes the sequencing of all genes (coding regions), regulatory genomic regions, the Y chromosome (for males), and mitochondrial DNA. In contrast, other types of genetic tests examine less than 1% of your genome (e.g. tests from DNA companies such as AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA, and Living DNA). It is the best DNA test for health, ancestry as well as the best test for genomic research (academia and pharmaceutical companies) and public health purposes. You can learn more about Whole Genome Sequencing (and genetics and genomics in general) on the websites of the

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

and

National Institutes of Health

.

Question 4

4) How is a Whole Genome Sequencing test done?

Answer

Whole Genome Sequencing uses a massively parallel DNA sequencing technology called Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). In contrast to earlier sequencing technologies (e.g. Sanger sequencing), it enables large scale sequencing of many short DNA molecules at the same time. This is much faster than sequencing the full length of the entire genome base-by-base. To determine the order of the short DNA fragments that are output by the sequencing machines, the fragments are computationally mapped to a reference genome and the full-length DNA strands of the newly sequenced genome are reconstructed. When comparing Whole Genome Sequencing with other DNA tests, it is important to note that DNA testing based on sequencing technology is much more advanced than DNA tests used by companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA.

Question 5

5) What can Whole Genome Sequencing DNA Testing reveal about health?

Answer

Whole Genome Sequencing identifies all genetic variation in the genome (e.g. single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), indels, and copy number variations) and it is not limited to single-gene sequencing for specific diseases. For this reason, it is the best DNA test to discover genetic health risks and for diagnosis of genetic conditions. For example, Whole Genome DNA Sequencing can determine if there is an increased risk of developing diseases like hereditary cancers (e.g. a high risk for breast and ovarian cancer) and genetic scores to many other health conditions. It can also uncover carrier status for rare diseases. It enables patients to receive comprehensive genetic counseling and improved medical care that takes the genetic disease into consideration. Furthermore, unlike other DNA tests, Whole Genome Sequencing works equally well for people of all ethnicities (e.g. African, Asian, Caucasian, Ashkenazi Jewish, or Native American). Please note that we do not offer diagnostic testing since our DNA test is not prescribed by a physician. Our reporting is intended for educational and informational purposes only. However, you can bring your Whole Genome Sequencing data to a physician or genetic counselor for various clinical analyses including carrier screening, evaluation of disease risks, and rare disease diagnosis.

Question 6

6) What can Whole Genome Sequencing DNA testing reveal about ancestry?

Answer

Whole Genome Sequencing is also the best DNA test for ancestry. Unlike other DNA ancestry services, we fully decode mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA testing; maternal lineage) and Y chromosomes (Y-CHR testing; paternal lineage) which can help identify connections between your DNA profile and distant family members through ancestors who lived a long time ago. This can be particularly useful to identify native American ancestries or, for African American’s, determining their African country of origin. Through our partnership with YFull (available now), a leading provider of deep ancestry DNA services, our users will also get access to a large reference population which enables accurate genetic ethnicity estimates (ethnic breakdown).

Question 7

7) I am interested in a specific gene. Can you decode that gene and identify mutations?

Answer

Yes! We do Whole Genome Sequencing which means that we decode all ~20,000 genes in the human genome. This includes any gene that you might be interested in.

Question 8

8) What is the cost of a Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test?

Answer

The first human genome was sequenced by the Human Genome Project (HGP) at a cost of over $3 billion. This was the cost of sequencing a human genome 20 years ago. Today, Nebula Genomics offers 30x Whole Genome Sequencing for $299. This makes us the most affordable DNA testing company that is offering Whole Genome DNA Sequencing and genomic data analysis.

Question 9

9) Why is there a subscription? What happens if I cancel my subscription?

Answer

New scientific studies that advance our understanding of human genetics are published almost every day. We charge a subscription fee because we enable our users to benefit from these discoveries. For example, every week you will receive multiple new DNA reports that are based on the latest scientific discoveries. You will also get unlimited access to our genome exploration tools that will empower you to study your genetic blueprints at your own pace. Finally, you will receive premium support from our team of genetics experts. They will answer any question that you might have about human genetics, your reports, or the use of our exploration tools. If you cancel your subscription you will lose access to all these benefits. However, you will always retain access to your genomic data and will be able to download it anytime.

Question 10

10) Does it make sense to purchase Whole Genome Sequencing if I already uploaded my DNA data?

Answer

Definitely. Genetic data that you receive from companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA is very limited. It covers less than 1% of your DNA while our Whole Genome Sequencing decodes close to 100%<sup>*</sup>. This means that uploading your data won’t give you access to most of our reports. Furthermore, your results will be less accurate. We recommend Whole Genome Sequencing to everyone who is interested in comprehensive and accurate DNA testing.

Question 11

11) What is the difference between 30x and 100x Whole Genome Sequencing?

Answer

30x coverage means that every position in the genome is decoded on average 30 times. This is sufficient for most use cases. 100x coverage means that every position is read on average 100 times. We recommend 100x coverage if you intend to use the data to search for very rare genetic variants that might cause genetic diseases.

Question 12

12) Can I upgrade from 30x to 100x Whole Genome Sequencing?

Answer

Yes. You can upgrade easily if you have not yet returned your DNA sample to us. Just send an email to support@nebula.org. Upgrading at a later time might be possible as well. However, because we store DNA samples only for a limited time, the collection of a new sample might become necessary.

Question 13

13) How long does Whole Genome Sequencing take?

Answer

The turnaround time is similar to other DNA testing services. We will send you our at-home DNA testing kit immediately after the purchase. After we receive your DNA kit with your DNA sample (cheek swab or saliva sample) in the collection tube, our testing lab will process your sample in an average of 12-14 weeks. We will notify you when your DNA sequencing results are ready. Don’t forget to activate your DNA test kit to view your DNA results without delays!

Question 14

14) Does a Whole Genome Sequencing DNA test include mitochondrial DNA?

Answer

Yes. Whole Genome Sequencing is not limited to autosomal testing but also fully decodes sex chromosomes and mitochondrial DNA.

Question 15

15) Does health insurance pay for Whole Genome Sequencing?

Answer

In the United States, health insurance coverage for Whole Genome Sequencing DNA testing is generally not provided unless the patient’s medical history provides a very strong indication that a genetic disorder might be present that can be diagnosed only with Whole Genome DNA Sequencing.

Question 16

16) Can I purchase Whole Genome Sequencing as a gift for someone else?

Answer

Yes! The sample collection kit that you purchase can be used by anyone. For example, you can gift it to a friend or family member!

Question 17

17) Can I partner with you to sequence a large number of samples?

Answer

Yes. We partner with researchers, physicians, other DNA testing companies, and anyone else who is interested in using our Whole Genome Sequencing service. Please reach out to us at partners@nebula.org.

Question 18

18) I still have not received my package, what do I do?

Answer

Contact the Shipping provider linked in your packge tracking email and give them the tracking number to your order to locate your package. If they are not able to locate the package, contact support@nebula.org with their response and we will provide additional assistance.

Question 19

19) What is your return policy?

Answer

Please see our full return policy

here.

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FAQs

Results That Speak For Themselves

Our customers are curious about

What do you want to learn from Whole Genome Sequencing?

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FAQs

Results That Speak For Themselves

Our customers are curious about

What do you want to learn from Whole Genome Sequencing?

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