Genomics

The two parties will explore the role of genetics and its influences in families experiencing unusual longevity using Ancestry's databases, tools and algorithms.

The first offering is a free service, that allows users to compile their family health history information with the help of their Ancestry family tree.

Toward the same goal, the company has recently hired Genentech veterans Robert Gentleman and Richard Scheller, who led drug discovery there.

The two parties will be working together to improve DNA analysis and help cure diseases through personalized healthcare based on an individual's DNA makeup.

Intermountain Healthcare, Healthbox and Tencent provided the capital, helping the company's efforts to enable genome-guided, individualized medicine.

The fresh capital will allow the company to accelerate into a beta commercial launch this fall; the money will also go towards enhancing the user experience.

Built on the BaseHealth assessment engine, the API leverages genomic data, clinical and behavioral analysis to provide evidence-based health assessments.

The financing will help the company develop the next-gen genome editing platform and significantly accelerate the development of its product pipeline.

The apps, based on Apple's ResearchKit platform, will offer some iPhone owners the chance to get their DNA tested, many of them for the first time.

It's not really the same thing as 23andMe's original offering which screened for 254 diseases, but it's an important step in the right direction.