Ancestry has now grown a big enough genetic database to be able to tell their customers what side of their family they get different genes from. In an article from The Verge describing Ancestry's recent feature launch and research, it was explained that by using the genetic data collected from all of the users they could tell you where your genes come from. This is because it connects the genetic data of different family members that use its services and subsequently narrows down whether that gene came from your mom or dad based on that. It was also speculated that it is possible to use such information to identify possible health/genetic risks based on the information. Although it was admitted that Ancestry would not be doing that research as they no longer offer heath services.
According to MedlinePlus, "Genetic ancestry testing, or genetic genealogy, is a way for people interested in family history (genealogy) to go beyond what they can learn from relatives or from historical documentation. Examination of DNA variations can provide clues about where a person's ancestors might have come from and about relationships between families. Certain patterns of genetic variation are often shared among people of particular backgrounds. The more closely related two individuals, families, or populations are, the more patterns of variation they typically share."
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