The Gift, Radio 4 documentary series

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

Anybody else listening to this? It's only being released weekly, I think. It's a series of at least three episodes looking at the life-changing discoveries some people have made as a result of uploading DNA to genealogy websites like Ancestry. Last week's was an eye-opener - it was about children conceived with the help of fertility clinics long ago and tracking down sperm donors. This week's is about a man trying to find out something about his father's family and getting a huge shock. It's thought-provoking stuff. As the intro to each episode says, without anybody really noticing it, far less regulating it, an enormous database of DNA has been created worldwide and the ramifications are enormous.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p0gd2dgb

[Saker]

Yes I have listened to the first episode of this. It was very interesting and quite shocking. I am quite interested in family history and geneaology, but I have held back from taking a DNA test because I am concerned about consequences. Also about privacy issues and what uses might be made of that database with your DNA on it in the future. Not that I have any reason to think there's anything major in my family to find out 😀, but that's the point isn't it? And in fact I know that my great grandfather was illegimate by an unknown father so who knows what might be out there.

[PermanentTemporary]

Yes, I've heard the first 2 episodes. The second about the search for his dad was particularly gripping for me - I wondered about the film rights...

I think the whole series is up on BBC
Sounds?

[nauticant]

I'm also listening. Great radio, the episodes so far have really gripped me.

[SiouxsieSiouxStiletto]

I've come across this series after it was recommended in a thread in the Genealogy Section.

I've listed to the first 3 programmes already today and the stories are truly shocking.


You're right about the huge database too @Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g. Every time they repeat that line it sends shivers down my spine.

[BaconAndAvocado]

I’m enjoying this series immensely.

I too have avoided sending off my DNA, for privacy reasons and the fact that my Dad was a bit of a lady’s man in the 1960s and one brother is enough for me!

[SiouxsieSiouxStiletto]

@BaconAndAvocado

I’m enjoying this series immensely.

I too have avoided sending off my DNA, for privacy reasons and the fact that my Dad was a bit of a lady’s man in the 1960s and one brother is enough for me!

I'd do it @BaconAndAvocado you could have a whole new tribe to met, it might make Christmas more interesting...

I've listened to the whole serious now and thought it was really well researched and presented.

[Halsall]

I’m gripped too - it’s really fascinating. I did do a test a few years ago as, yes, I was given a kit as a gift….no massive surprises, fortunately, except that there was a small but still significant mystery strain of Eastern European in the mix when, as far as we knew, the entire family is solidly confined to these islands. So there may be something lurking somewhere down the line. Hopefully nothing sinister…

[2Rebecca]

I thought it was excellent. I now have no desire to ever do a DNA test

[BlowingAway]

Yes, just listened to the first couple but it's really good.

[CharAStar]

@Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g I've just bookmarked this
I shall listen whilst at work

[Candleabra]

Very interesting.
I was taken aback by the health episode. Opens Pandora’s box. Would you want to know if you had a degenerative illness that wouldn’t materialise for decades? Makes you wonder what you’d do.

[goldennavy]

Thanks for the heads up

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

@Candleabra

Very interesting.
I was taken aback by the health episode. Opens Pandora’s box. Would you want to know if you had a degenerative illness that wouldn’t materialise for decades? Makes you wonder what you’d do.

I had similar thoughts. On the one hand, when there was no possibility of finding out, life was simpler, but on the other hand, at least now you can tell your children and they can make an informed (but very difficult) decision whether to have children at all, and whether to have genetic counselling/tests in early pregnancy to try to avoid the inherited disease.

[Candleabra]

It’s a difficult one isn’t it, too much knowledge is a dangerous thing sometimes. I mean, you could have a genetic predisposition towards dementia but still die in a car crash years earlier. What a lot of wasted energy and worry.
For me, I know it would completely overshadow my life so id prefer to live in ignorance (whilst making hopefully decent lifestyle choices to minimise other health risks).

[SiouxsieSiouxStiletto]

@Candleabra

It’s a difficult one isn’t it, too much knowledge is a dangerous thing sometimes. I mean, you could have a genetic predisposition towards dementia but still die in a car crash years earlier. What a lot of wasted energy and worry.
For me, I know it would completely overshadow my life so id prefer to live in ignorance (whilst making hopefully decent lifestyle choices to minimise other health risks).

I think I feel the same. There's a high probability that I would focus on it too much and the ensuing anxiety might overshadow my life.

[nauticant]

There's a bonus episode, being broadcast now:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001w6z0

[Gasp0deTheW0nderD0g]

Thanks for that, @nauticant, very interesting.

[CadyEastman]

Thanks @nauticant. I'll have a look for that too.