What Is DNA? DNA is short for deoxyribonucleic acid. DNA is the material that makes up genes. Your DNA determines traits like your hair color, eye color, and risk for developing some diseases. Your DNA is more than 99% the same as everyone else’s DNA. The tiny amount that is different is what makes each of us unique.
DNA is an important source of information about health. Researchers can study DNA and other information from All of Us participants to make discoveries.
They could:
When you join All of Us, we will ask if you will let researchers study your DNA. If you agree and provide blood or saliva, we will analyze the DNA in the samples. Two ways we will do this are by:
If researchers want to study DNA information from our participants, they must complete special training first. They also must agree to follow the rules and values of All of Us by signing our Data User Code of Conduct. Researchers will not be able to see personal details like your name or where you live. Visit the Research Hub to learn more.
Between 2020 and 2024, All of Us returned research DNA results to eligible participants. While we are no longer offering research DNA results, we are exploring other opportunities to return different types of results to participants.