Snapshot Study

Thank you so much for your interest in the Snapshot DNA Phenotypic Trait and Ancestry Study!

In order to assist with troubleshooting, we've assembled the following list of Frequently Asked Questions. If you are having problems, please take a minute to search through the questions below...

1. I'm curious about this study. What does it entail?
2. Will you test my DNA/genotype my DNA sample?
3. There's language in the consent form about the risks if employers or insurers get my genetic data. Are you going to release my data to employers and insurers?
4. Why won't the study app let me join the study? I got a message saying I didn't qualify.
5. How do you define cosmetic surgery?
6. Which camera (rear or selfie) does the app use for the eye color and dark room photos?
7. What if I don't have an iPhone?
8. Why did you choose Apple over Android?
9. Why can't I do the whole study on my computer/laptop?
10. Where is my activation email? I have not yet received an email.
11. How do I reset my password?  I’m locked out of my account.
12. How do I get my raw data file from 23andMe?
13. How do I get my raw data file from AncestryDNA?
14. How do I get my raw data file from FamilyTreeDNA?
15. How do I get my raw data file from MyHeritage DNA?
16. I have multiple genotype files. Which should I submit?
17. How do I submit more than one genotype file?
18. Can my child participate in the study?
19. I live outside the US, can I participate?
20. What regulatory oversight is there of this research study?

Report Results

21. Will I get a prediction of what I look like if I participate in the study?
22. What is in the ancestry report?
23. Is the ancestry report similar to 23andMe?
24. Is this the same ancestry analysis you use in Snapshot casework?
25. Why are the results different from what I received from my DTC testing company / another analysis?
26. I expected to have ancestry from a specific region, but it doesn't show up.
27. I don't think I have ancestry from a specific region, but it's showing up.
28. Why don't you show populations below 5%?
29. Why does a population show up in my global ancestry but not in my regional ancestry?
30. Why does it look like I'm in the middle of nowhere on the ancestry plot?
31. Why does it look like I'm in the middle of a random population on the ancestry plot?
32. I still really have a question that I need to ask you!

• I'm curious about this study. What does it entail?

  Using the Snapshot Study App, participants will be asked to read and complete a consent form, answer questions about their ancestry and appearance and take images of their face from different angles.

• Will you test my DNA/genotype my DNA sample?

  At this time, we are using existing genotype data files and the information participants submit through the phenotype survey and photos to study the genetics of physical appearance traits.

• There's language in the consent form about the risks if employers or insurers get my genetic data. Are you going to release my data to employers and insurers?

  That language is intended to be a general cautionary statement about protecting your genetic data. Parabon will not be giving your genetic information to insurers or employers. However, we need to make sure you are aware of all possible risks, including if the data were to become public (e.g., if you were to download the data and then post it online, email it to someone, or have your computer hacked). That way, you can make an informed choice about whether or not to participate.

• Why won't the study app let me join the study? I got a message saying I didn't qualify.

  Because this study is about researching the connection between genetics and physical appearance, we cannot accept subjects whose appearance or DNA have been altered.  If you would still like to participate, please email Snapshot-Research@parabon.com and we can determine whether there are any portions of the study that would be appropriate for you.

• How do you define cosmetic surgery?

  Any surgery that changes the shape of your face (including reconstructive surgery, eyelid surgery, etc.) will make it so your face shape no longer matches your DNA, so unfortunately we cannot accept you for the face shape portion of the study. Similarly, tattoos that obscure your face shape will interfere with the app's ability to accurately capture your face shape. However, techniques such as permanent makeup or microblading are acceptable. If you have had facial surgery or tattooing but would still like to participate in the phenotype survey and genotype submission portions of the study, please email Snapshot-Research@parabon.com.

• Which camera (rear or selfie) does the app use for the eye color and dark room photos?

  We use the rear camera so we can use the flash (at low intensity) to illuminate your face and eyes. Otherwise we can't get a good gauge of your eye color. You just need to turn the camera around, hold the camera up to your eye (for example), and snap the photo with either of the iPhone volume buttons. After you take the photo, you can click "Preview" to see it. If it looks good, you can click Done. Otherwise, you can retake the photo until you are happy with the results. There are more details on the help page that comes up before the camera opens.

• What if I don't have an iPhone?

  Enrolling in the study from a non-Apple device just means you will be participating in a portion of the study; the portion that does not involve providing images of your face, including 3D images, which must be done on the iPhone/iPad.

  If you don't have an iPhone and can't borrow one from a friend, and you would still like to participate, you can register, sign the consent form, upload your genotype file, and fill out the phenotype survey on the study website: https://study.parabon.com/snapshot using any device. If your genotype file is located on a computer vs an Android device, we recommend logging into the study website from your computer.

  Rest assured, you'll still be contributing to modern crime-fighting science!

• Why did you choose Apple over Android?

  The Snapshot Study App makes use of the dedicated imaging hardware available in Apple iPhone devices. We are currently unable to offer an Android version at this time, but hope to do so in the future.

• Why can't I do the whole study on my computer/laptop?

  There is a special 3D imaging component to the study that can only be done with a mobile device and not a computer/laptop.

• Where is my activation email? I have not yet received an email.

  Please check your spam folders. You should have received the activation email within 5 or 10 minutes. If you still haven't received an activation email, please provide us with your email address, user name or subject Id and we'll check our mail server to make sure the message went out. Send an email with this information to Snapshot-Research@parabon.com

• How do I reset my password?  I’m locked out of my account.

  When your account was locked, you should have received an email containing a link to unlock your account.  Once you click the link, you should then be able to log in. If you don’t see the mail, please confirm you are checking the email you registered with and check your spam folder.

• How do I get my raw data file from 23andMe?

  Log on to 23andMe.com and download your raw DNA data to your computer using these instructions:

  1. In the upper right corner of the screen, click on the "down" arrow to the right of your name to open the menu (if you manage multiple kits, be sure to switch to the correct profile first), then click on "Browse Raw Data"
  2. Once on the Raw Data page, click on the "Download" tab at the top of the page or click the "download" link in the first paragraph on that page.
  3. Once on the Download Raw Data page, scroll all the way to the bottom and click the blue "Submit Request" button. Your screen will show that your download request is in progress.
  4. Once your raw data download is ready (which may be anywhere from a few minutes to several hours), you will receive an email to the email address associated with your 23andMe account.
  5. Click the "download raw data" link in the email message, which will bring you back to the Download Raw Data page at 23andMe.com with a message that your download is now ready. Click the blue "download raw data" button, which will start the download.

• How do I get my raw data file from AncestryDNA?

  Log on to Ancestry.com and download your raw DNA data to your computer using these instructions:

  1. Navigate to your "DNA Home Page" which you can get to either by double clicking the "DNA" tab in the top black navigation bar, or clicking the DNA Tab and then selecting "Your DNA Results Summary". You will know you're on the "DNA Home Page" when you see three boxes displayed across your screen - "DNA Story", "DNA Matches" and "ThruLines".
  2. Next, click on the "Settings" button in the upper right corner of the screen.
  3. Once on the Settings page, click on the "Download Raw DNA Data" button in the grey box at the top right of the page.
  4. Follow the instructions, which will prompt you to input your Ancestry password and then click on a confirmation email, which is sent to the email address associated with your Ancestry account.
  5. Save the raw DNA file to your computer in a place you'll be able to find it, but do not open the ZIP file until after you've uploaded the ZIP file to Parabon's study server.

• How do I get my raw data file from Family Tree DNA?

  Log on to FamilyTreeDNA.com and download your raw DNA data to your computer using these instructions:

  1. Sign into your Family Tree DNA account using your Kit Number and Password.
  2. In the "Family Finder" section of the Home page, click on the "Data Download" button.
  3. From the Download Your Data page, click on the "Build 37 Concatenated Raw Data" button at the bottom left corner of the page, which will download the file to your default download file.
  4. Save the raw DNA file to your computer in a place you'll be able to find it, but do not open the ZIP file or rename the file until after you've uploaded the ZIP file to Parabon's study server.

• How do I get my raw data file from MyHeritage DNA?

  Log on to MyHeritage.com and download your raw DNA data to your computer using these instructions:

  1. Sign into MyHeritage using your Username and Password.
  2. Hover over the "DNA" tab and then click on "Manage DNA Kits."
  3. Find the DNA kit you would like to download and click on the three dots at the far right side of that kit and choose "Download."
  4. Follow the instructions in the pop up windows, which will generate an email sent to your registered email address. Find the email and click on the download link. The link will direct you back to the MyHeritage site where you'll be prompted to enter your password again and click "download."
  5. The file will be downloaded to your computer. Save the raw DNA file in a place you'll be able to find it, but do not open the ZIP file or rename the file until after you've uploaded the ZIP file to Parabon's study server.

• I have multiple genotype files. Which should I submit?

  If you'd like, you can submit all your files at once! Using a computer (if that's where your files are stored) follow these instructions.

  When the upload dialog appears, click on the "Select file to upload link" and select all of your genotype files from the File dialog using the standard "Shift+Click" operation on windows or "Command-Click" on Mac. Click "Open", then "Upload" and the Snapshot Study upload process will transmit them. If you run into any problems please email Snapshot-Research@parabon.com.

  If you only want to submit one file, please select a file that contains autosomal DNA (vs. only X, Y, or mtDNA). If you were tested at FamilyTreeDNA, please select the Concatenated data file. If you have autosomal DNA files from multiple services, our preference is for data from AncestryDNA.

• How do I submit more than one genotype file?

  You can submit all of your genotype files at once from the device where they are stored. Using a computer (if that's where your files are stored) follow these instructions.

  When the upload dialog appears, click on the "Select file to upload link" and select all of your genotype files from the File dialog using the standard "Shift+Click" operation on windows or "Command-Click" on Mac. Click "Open", then "Upload" and the Snapshot Study upload process will transmit them. If you run into any problems please email Snapshot-Research@parabon.com.

• Can my child participate in the study?

  We are currently limiting our study to individuals 18 or older.

• I live outside the US, can I participate?

  The study is limited to participants in the US due to regulatory restrictions.

• What regulatory oversight is there of this research study?

  In keeping with US human subject regulations, this study has been reviewed and approved by Advarra IRB under protocol number Pro00019551. Once you have registered for an account, and prior to actually participating, you will be asked to read and sign the Informed Consent Form, which details the goals of the study, how your data will be protected, the risks and benefits to participating in studies involving DNA, and who you can go to with questions.

Report Results

• Will I get a prediction of what I look like if I participate in the study?

  If you uploaded a genotype file, you can choose to receive an Ancestry report at the end of the study, but we will not be predicting your appearance. Instead, your anonymized data will help us train our models to make more accurate predictions on unknown individuals. So by contributing your data, you are making a significant contribution to modern crime-fighting science!

• What is in the ancestry report?

  It contains an assessment of your bio-geographical ancestry, that is, the proportion of your DNA that can most likely be attributed to different genetic populations. It will also contain graphs showing where your DNA falls relative to people with known genetic ancestry. The ancestry reports will be delivered at the end of the study.

• Is the ancestry report similar to 23andMe?

  Although we use different algorithms, it is somewhat similar. It is a PDF report that contains an assessment of your bio-geographical ancestry, that is, the proportion of your DNA that can most likely be attributed to different genetic populations. It will also contain graphs showing where your DNA falls relative to people with known genetic ancestry.

• Is this the same ancestry analysis you use in Snapshot casework?

  No, this is a simplified analysis intended for data from all the different arrays used by DTC testing companies, with results designed for popular consumption. In Snapshot, samples are run on a specific genotyping array and the results are presented with a significant amount of expert interpretation. We also report the ancestry proportions alongside an analysis of regions where such ancestry is common - for example, it is common for individuals from the Northern part of the British Isles to have a small amount of ancestry from the Caucasus or Spain!

• Why are the results different from what I received from my DTC testing company / another analysis?

  Ancestry inference is a statistical assessment of your most likely ancestry proportions, and it depends heavily on the exact markers, algorithm, reference subjects, and population definitions used. This means the exact results will differ from company to company, but the overall pattern should be approximately the same. See the final page of your ancestry report for our population definitions. The results are also probabilistic - if we ran your ancestry 100 times, it would come out with 100 slightly different proportions, but the overall pattern would be the same, and that is what's important.

• I expected to have ancestry from a specific region, but it doesn't show up.

  There are three main reasons why this could happen (assuming that you really do have that ancestry and it wasn't just a family legend!): A) We don't have that region defined as its own population (e.g., Korea comes out as China+Japan); B) The ancestry is below 5% and not show up; C) That portion of your ancestry is being assigned to a nearby region with similar genetics - for example, ancestry from Italy may be assigned to Spain and/or the Balkans, while some Scandinavian ancestry may be assigned to British Isles & Germany. Population borders are also not discrete, so ancestry from near regions' borders may be assigned to one side, the other, or both. In these cases, the ancestry plot may provide a clearer picture of your overall ancestry.

• I don't think I have ancestry from a specific region, but it's showing up.

  Assuming that you really don't have that ancestry (and it isn't an unexpected family mystery!), there are two main possible explanations: A) ancestry from a nearby region with similar genetics is being mistakenly assigned - this is especially true if you are from a region close to the artificial dividing line between defined populations; B) there is historical admixture in one of your ancestral regions.

• Why don't you show populations below 5%?

  While a population showing up at <5% may represent real ancestry, it could also be simple noise from the statistical nature of ancestry inference and could therefore be misleading.

• Why does a population show up in my global ancestry but not in my regional ancestry?

  Two possibilities: 1) Your ancestry from that global population is divided between multiple regional populations, each of which is less than 5%; 2) That global ancestry is actually folded into your regional populations (e.g., Southern Europe can come out as slightly Middle Eastern on a global scale).

• Why does it look like I'm in the middle of nowhere on the ancestry plot?

  This means we do not have reference subjects in our database with your exact ancestry.

• Why does it look like I'm in the middle of a random population on the ancestry plot?

  Two possibilities: 1) You are not admixed, but the points are not transparent and may be covering up subjects from your actual population; 2) You are admixed, and if you look at where your component populations are located, it's likely that you are located in the proportional center of them, which happens to be where another population is already located.

• I still really have a question that I need to ask you!

  Send us an email at Snapshot-Research@parabon.com and we'll do our best to help!

If you don't see your question listed above, feel free to contact Snapshot-Research@parabon.com for technical support. Thanks!