Mendel Brain, a psychogenomics company linked to the Parc Científic de la Universitat de València, specialized in genetics, psychology and data science, launches to the market the first DNA test that detects personality traits that helps in the early detection and prevention of behavioral problems that can lead to mental health problems
The Valencian startup, Mendel Brain, linked to the facilities of the Parc Científic de la Universitat de València (PCUV), develops a DNA kit specialized in the human psyche, which with just a saliva sample, sequences up to 710,000 genetic variations of interest and generates a report on the predisposition to anxiety, stress or temperament. It is the first company in the field of genetics worldwide to focus its study exclusively on the human psyche through the only genetic test aimed at the end consumer that is endorsed by the Spanish Agency of Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS).
Behind this breakthrough is the company founded by Manuel Pérez, professor of genetics at the University of Valencia and co-founder of Mendel Brain. His DNA kit specialized in the human psyche is capable, from the analysis of 54 psychological traits, of identifying those variations associated with psychological characteristics related to stress response, anxiety, extroversion, addictions, intellectual abilities or sleep disorders, among others.
The process for performing the test is non-invasive and painless, according to the startup, which explains that the user deposits a saliva sample in the DNA kit that is delivered to his home and subsequently analyzed in a laboratory through DNA sequencing.
Its DNA kit specializing in the human psyche is able, based on the analysis of 54 psychological traits, to identify those variations associated with psychological characteristics related to stress response, anxiety, extroversion, addictions, intellectual abilities or sleep disorders.
"Early detection of the risks of suffering from depression or other disorders through science is fundamental when it comes to preventing and protecting mental health," defends Manuel Pérez. These analyses become fundamental in a context in which mental health has become more important after the pandemic, since, according to the COSMO-Spain study carried out by the Carlos III Health Institute and promoted by the WHO, 32% of the population considers that their mental health worsened as a result of the health crisis.
For his part, Aitor García, CEO of Mendel Brain, explains that "the results report can be useful for the consumer in various fields of application such as the family or the professional." In this sense, this information can be very valuable in day-to-day life. For example, when choosing a job, knowing your own chronotype can help you make a decision about which option best fits your sleep pattern.
"Early detection of the risk of depression or other disorders through science is fundamental to prevent and protect mental health," Manuel Pérez, professor of genetics at the University of Valencia and co-founder of Mendel Brain.
Identifying the biological bases
"We wanted to discover what makes a person have that vision, that mentality, that disruptive thinking that leads them to undertake, to study or to be more creative; we wanted to identify the biological bases that make us exceptional people by nature," Mendel Brain explains.
They also add that "from something so ethereal arose the need to explore the psychological traits present in our genes and how they shape and affect our personality, to the point of modifying our relationship with the environment and our emotional wellbeing, depending on our genetics."
"We wanted to discover what makes a person have that vision, that mentality, that disruptive thinking that leads them to be entrepreneurial, to study or to be more creative; we wanted to identify the biological bases that make us exceptional people by nature"
Work team
Mendel Brain is present in Spain through its online store, where customers can purchase the DNA kit and discover more about the company and all the applications of genetic personality testing in their daily lives. In the short term, it also plans to expand throughout Europe and other international markets.
To achieve this, Mendel Brain has a multidisciplinary team made up of psychologists, bioinformaticians and geneticists, convinced that bringing genetics closer to the user is possible.
"We work with a precise but clear scientific method, which helps you to understand the results of your DNA, as well as those of science and the foundations on which it is based, making them accessible so that you can adapt your decisions according to your personality genetics," the company concludes.
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