Your genes, your health, our future
Join the Genetic Insights Project, a community health research program from Nebraska Medicine in partnership with Helix, a population genomics company. Through this study you can learn about your:
How to participate
Taking part in the Genetic Insights Project is easy, and there is no cost to participate. This study is open to people who are 19 or older and have not received a bone marrow or stem cell transplant from a donor.
Click Join Now to confirm your identity by logging in to your One Chart | Patient account. Follow the steps to enroll and set up an optional account through our partner, Helix. Once the login is complete, some of your contact and personal information will be shared with Helix to assist with the enrollment process.
If you do not have a One Chart | Patient account, you can easily create an account to participate.
Upon enrollment, you will have the option of submitting your DNA sample through a blood draw or saliva collection. If you select a blood draw, you will receive instructions through your One Chart | Patient account to make an appointment at a Nebraska Medicine lab. If you choose saliva testing, an at-home kit will be mailed to you.
We will send a copy to you in the One Chart | Patient portal. You can also access your results through the optional free account with Helix.
If you're found to have an increased risk for a serious health condition, a study team member will contact you to offer the opportunity to make a no-cost appointment with a genetic counselor to discuss your results.
What to expect from your screening results
Your DNA will be screened for three conditions. If you discover you are at risk for one of these conditions, there are specific actions you can take to reduce your risk. Gaining a better understanding of your risk for certain health conditions can help your doctor provide preventive care and customize your care plan.
Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
Specifically linked with abnormalities in the two most common genes (BRCA1 and BRCA2).
Lynch syndrome
The most common cause of hereditary colorectal (colon) cancer.
Familial hypercholesterolemia
A hereditary form of very high cholesterol that causes heart disease at an earlier age.
Your genetic ancestry and traits
In addition to your health results, Helix will provide access to your traits and ancestry information through their online portal. It is offered as an option at no cost to you. Your genetic ancestry report will show where your ancestors likely lived, and your traits report will explain how your DNA may influence traits including:
Hair curl and texture
Learn what type of hair texture you’ll likely have based on your genetics, from straight to wavy to curly.
Earwax type
Did you know there are two different types of earwax? Learn whether you are more likely to have wet or dry earwax.
Circadian rhythm
Find out if you’re more likely to be a morning person or a night owl.
Sweet and bitter taste perception
Some people tend to reach for something sweet when they crave a snack or are sensitive to bitter flavors.
Eye color
Curious what color your future child's eyes may be? Find out how your DNA influences your eye color.
Caffeine metabolism
Your genetics can determine whether you're likely a caffeine fanatic or consume less than average.
Support research in our community
We aim to enroll 100,000 people in Nebraska and western Iowa. The information you consent to will contribute to our secure genetic research database which will help researchers understand how DNA affects health, what causes certain diseases and how to treat them more effectively. Together, we can advance health care in our community.
Frequently asked questions
Learn more about the Genetic Insights Project and get answers to the most frequently asked questions.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria:
- 19 years or older.
- Have not received a bone marrow or stem cell transplant from a donor.
In order to sign up, you must have a One Chart | Patient account.
If you are not a current Nebraska Medicine patient, or you do not have a One Chart | Patient account, you'll need to create one.
Yes, you can still join the Genetic Insights Project. You will just need to create a One Chart | Patient account before joining. One Chart | Patient is our secure, online patient portal.
You can create a One Chart | Patient account by clicking here and selecting Request an account. You can also download the Nebraska Medicine app and tap the Sign up button on the log in screen.
If you need assistance, please call 402.559.0700.
Once you have an account, click here to confirm your identity and log in to join the Genetic Insights Project.
Once we have collected your sample, we will send it to our partner, Helix, for DNA analysis. It may take eight to 12 weeks to get your results.
When your results are ready, we will send a copy to you in the One Chart | Patient portal. You can also access your results through an optional free account with Helix. You can access more information, such as your regional ancestry and certain inherited traits, through their online portal.
There is no cost to you to participate in this program. Participants will not receive compensation.
Contact Us
If you have questions or need help, contact the study team at GeneticInsights@NebraskaMed.com or 402.559.1350.
The principal investigator of this study is Douglas Stoller, MD, PhD. Genetic Insights Project, IRB #0645-23-CB. University of Nebraska Medical Center, 982265 Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198