In recent decades, DNA testing has unlocked a world of capabilities across a number of industries. From healthcare to the court system, many fields now rely on DNA to draw important conclusions and make critical decisions. DNA provides life-changing insights in an array of areas; check out a few of them below.

Here is just some of the fascinating information DNA testing can tell us:

• Your Heritage: Some ancestry testing outlets can help you find new branches within your family tree. Your DNA can be matched with others who have already submitted theirs to help you establish connections among distant relatives. These resources can also give you a more distinct idea of your genetic ethnicity by comparing your DNA with other samples collected across the globe.  
• Relationships: DNA testing is commonly used to determine relationships among potential siblings or half-siblings, as well as other familial relationships. Parents and grandparents, for instance, may have paternity testing performed for legal reasons. In some cases, relationship testing may be performed among potential half or full siblings when both parents are deceased or unwilling to participate to help determine familial relationships.   
• Health Trends: In the future, DNA testing will likely increasingly be used to unveil insights about a person’s specific traits, which could make them more or less likely to experience specific health conditions. From predispositions to weight gain to serious illnesses, this data may eventually help healthcare providers craft more individualized care plans for their patients. For now, however, tests are most commonly used for the purposes described above.