DNA Testing Update

23andMe Launches Ancestry Finder

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 16:46:22 GMT

DNA testing company, 23andMe, has a new customer feature called Ancestry Finder. Since it's tied to their Relative Finder, it is only available to buyers of their Ancestry or Complete Editions. If you took one of those tests, you can find Ancestry Finder under Ancestry Labs on your menu. There are some Advanced Controls that allow you to loosen the match criteria to see more results. This feature cleverly summarizes the national origins reported by people you match in Relative Finder. That information is collected through the "Where Are You From?" ancestry survey. That survey asks you about the country of birth for your two parents and four grandparents. Current results will remain meager until more people complete the survey. If you tested with 23andMe, please complete the "Where Are You From?" ancestry survey. It is important to understand that the Ancestry Finder report is NOT measuring ethnicity directly from your DNA. It is based on a survey of where your matches SAY their ancestors are from. In that sense, it is similar to the Ancestral Origins and Maps reports for Y-DNA and mtDNA matches at Family Tree DNA. All of these reports are capable of revealing interesting ethnic patterns for many people.

Don't "Protect" Us from Our Own Genetic Information

Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:51:35 GMT

The FDA held a public meeting this week on Direct-to-Consumer genetic testing. The bureaucrats in Washington are itching to protect us from information in our own genes. Plus, the American Medical Association wants physicians to be gatekeepers for such tests so they can collect their fees in the process. Katherine Borgess, Director of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, spoke to the group and made some excellent points against over regulation. You can read her remarks in an article by Megan Smolenyak in the Huffington Post.

Y-DNA Upgrade Sale at Familly Tree DNA

Fri, 09 Jul 2010 15:15:02 GMT

FTDNA is currently offering special prices for Y-DNA upgrades. If you have done a Y-DNA test with them before, you can now increase the number of markers for less than the usual price. The table below compares the regular surname group rates with the sale prices. The promotion will end July 19, 2010. Kits need to be ordered and paid for by midnight on that date. Click on the link below to go to the FTDNA web site. Then log in to your personal page and click on the special offers link in the left hand navigation bar.

My SBI Story

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:19:18 GMT

How I Built This DNA Web Site and Made Money Doing It

Should the FDA Regulate Genetic Tests?

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:28:10 GMT

Politicians in Washington have jumped on the recent sample mixup at 23andMe to call for FDA regulation of DTC (direct-to-consumer) genetic testing. That one-time error was caught within 24 hours and promptly corrected. If the FDA regulates DNA tests with health implications, you will have to find a doctor that will order the tests and probably pay for another appointment to see the results. Worse yet, those regulations can easily expand to include genetic genealogy tests. To learn more about this issue and express you opinion in an important poll see the following page.

Minimize DNA Testing Cost for Genetic Genealogy

Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:35:27 GMT

Comparing Value Received with DNA Testing Cost

Sample Mixup at 23andMe

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 14:09:18 GMT

In the past 24 hours (starting 6/2)there have been numerous discussions in genetic genealogy discussion groups about nonsensical results from the latest batch of DNA tests at 23andMe. This included close family members not being related, incorrect haplogroup assignments, and health results inconsistent with family history. Company Admits Mistake Once they became aware of these discussions, the company quickly admitted there was a problem and promised to redo the tests. No explanation for the errors has been offered as yet. An Important Lesson Even with safeguards in place, mistakes can happen in any field. See the Gulf of Mexico oil crisis. If you ever get totally unexpected results from a DNA test, do not panic. Contact your testing company immediately and give them a chance to double check your results. In addition, I encourage you to participate in DNA message boards and check my What's New page to see if any problems are being reported. There are hundreds of people who discuss genetic genealogy topics daily online. In effect, we play an unofficial but important watchdog role over the DNA testing industry.

Guide to Ethnic Ancestry DNA Testing: How to Prove Your Ethnicity

Mon, 24 May 2010 16:03:03 GMT

Learn how DNA testing can reveal your ethnic ancestry and geographic origins, including native American, African American, and Jewish ancestry.

How Personal Genomics Can Screen Your DNA for Genetic Disorders

Fri, 14 May 2010 14:37:16 GMT

Learn about personalized genetic testing, including your disease risk, carrier status, drug response, and which personal genomics companies to trust.

Compare Autosomal DNA Tests for Genealogy and Adoption Search

Tue, 11 May 2010 13:54:02 GMT

How Family Finder from Family Tree DNA and Relative Finder from 23andMe are alike and how they differ. Which should you order for autosomal DNA tests?

Tracing Birth Parents by Testing Your DNA

Wed, 05 May 2010 14:19:14 GMT

Adoptees are finding biological families through DNA testing. Learn how Y-DNA and new autosomal tests, Family Finder and Relative Finder, can help with tracing birth parents.

Family Finder Now Available to Everyone

Mon, 03 May 2010 17:49:20 GMT

Family Tree DNA announced today (5/3/10) that its new autosomal DNA test, Family Finder, can now be ordered by anyone. Family Finder represents a major advancement over earlier genealogical tests, which revealed only connections along specific paternal lines (for males) or maternal lines (males or females). Family Finder enables anyone, regardless of gender, to look for connections such as grandparents, aunts and uncles, half siblings, and first, second, third, and fourth cousins. Genealogists and adoptees are already using Family Finder to confirm suspected biological relationships. I have tried Family Finder myself and recommend it for others.

How Autosomal DNA Testing Can Enlarge and Prove Your Family Tree

Fri, 30 Apr 2010 12:12:34 GMT

Discover unknown relatives and confirm relationships with autosomal DNA testing. Includes link to a comparison of Family Finder and Relative Finder.

The Adoption Search Guide: How DNA Can Find Your Biological Parents

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 16:14:57 GMT

Learn how DNA Testing has changed adoption search. Find your biological parents through genetic genealogy. Get tips from one who did it.

First Impressions of Family Finder

Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:56:27 GMT

I am Beta testing a new autosomal DNA test from Family Tree DNA called Family Finder. With my initial results in hand, I can report that my first impressions are positive. Family Finder can pick up matches out to the 5th cousin level from any branch of your family tree. Males and females are equally good test subjects. You can sort your matches by any of the columns in the Matches table. Users can enter their family surnames either manually or by uploading a GEDCOM file from their genealogy program. Then people who match can see each others surname lists. Surnames common to both parties stand out automatically in bold type. As with other FTDNA tests, you can send an email directly to any of the people you match. Unlike a similar autosomal test that I have used, Family Finder does not restrict your introductions to some proprietary correspondence system. A nifty chromosome browser lets you visually compare up to three of your matches to see where you have matching segments. You can select from several segment size minimums to be more or less selective. As your list of matches grows, some available filters will make it easier to focus on certain matches. There are several options for viewing and downloading the details of each match. Theres also a Personal Details window where you can add Notes about that relative. Overall, Family Finder has a far more convenient user interface than competing products. I suggest you follow the link below and then click the Sign up to be notified button. That way you will know when Family Finder becomes available to the public.

Family Finder DNA Demo Now Online

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 14:51:38 GMT

The new Family Finder autosomal DNA test is now featured on the home page of Family Tree DNA. I expect this test to be extremely popular with genealogists and adoptees. Thats because it can find genetic matches for men and women from any branch of your family as far out as 5th cousins. Besides learning more about this test, which is now in Beta testing, you can sign up to be notified when Family Finder becomes available to the public. Be sure to scroll down the page and click the link next to demo login. Click the LOG IN button on the next page. You will see a set of personal pages for a sample customer. Look in the menu for the new Family Finder pages. The user interface is well thought out and easy to follow. Be sure to click the Chromosome Browser Tutorial on the Chromosome Browser page.

Can an Indian DNA Test Find or Prove Native American Ancestry?

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:15:35 GMT

Learn the uses and limitations of Indian DNA test alternatives in Native American genealogy.

March Sale at 23andMe: To Buy or Not?

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:02:09 GMT

DNA testing company, 23andMe, has created a web page where Oprah viewers (or anyone else) can order their Ancestry Edition for half price ($199). But you must order by March 31, 2010 and use the link below. Genealogists Should Wait If you are a genealogist hoping to expand your family tree, I recommend you pass on this sale and wait for the new Family Finder product from Family Tree DNA. I am a Beta tester for Family Finder as I was for the Relative Finder on 23andMe. So I know both products. Family Tree DNA founded genetic genealogy and most customers are genealogists. People you match are likely to answer your inquiries. And many will have the genealogy data needed to determine common ancestors. Plus, Family Finder has a far better user interface, designed specifically to support the needs of genealogists. 23andMe does medical testing. Most people in their database tested for health reasons and will not respond to genealogical inquiries. Many of those who do respond have little knowledge of their family trees. Then Who Should Take Advantage of This Sale? Some people need a DNA test to confirm or deny suspected close relationships. Has an adoptee really found her birth family? Did two siblings have different fathers? If two people only want to solve a relationship mystery, this is a good time to buy two Ancestry Edition kits for the price of one. The new Family Finder from Family Tree DNA will also work for relationship testing. But 23andMe has a lower price this month. A Savings Tip for Medical Testers If you want a medical analysis of your DNA, there is a way to get $200 off the 23andMe Complete Edition this month. That gives you medical plus ancestry for $299. Use the Order Now link from the page below. Click Continue Shopping and add the Complete Edition. Then remove the Ancestry Edition by choosing zero in the quantity box.

Genealogy on TV This Week

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 17:38:39 GMT

This will be a great week for viewers in the Unites States to learn about DNA testing in genealogy and be entertained at the same time. Two very important shows will be airing: Faces of America This four-part series on the Public Broadcasting System will conclude on Wednesday evening, March 3rd. The first three episodes have captivated genealogists, history buffs, and celebrity watchers. The concluding episode finally gets into the subjects DNA to help them understand their ancient ancestry. Who Do You Think You Are This show, often abbreviated WDYTYA, has been a huge hit in Great Britain and the long-awaited US version will begin Friday evening, March 5th on NBC. The show is scheduled for 8:00 PM Eastern and 7:00 PM Central time. Like Faces of America, the show will explore the family history of celebrities. Im hopeful that DNA testing will be included to some degree. The initial seven are Sarah Jessica Parker, Emmitt Smith, Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Broderick, Brooke Shields, Susan Sarandon and Spike Lee. Check your local, cable, or satellite listings for times and stations in your area. Im setting my TiVo and plan to watch them all. Use the link below to reach the WDYTYA web site.

New Autosomal DNA Test from Family Tree DNA

Fri, 19 Feb 2010 17:37:03 GMT

Genetic genealogy testing company Family Tree DNA has announced a new autosomal DNA test called Family Finder. This test is similar in concept to the 23andMe Relative Finder, which I have discussed in the Relationship Testing section of my web site, DNA Testing Adviser. This test is different from the Y-DNA test that tracks a mans paternal line and the mtDNA test that tracks a persons maternal line. By measuring the autosomal DNA contributed by all ancestors, Family Finder can identify relationships as distant as 5th cousins or more, along all ancestral lines. In addition to helping genealogists expand their family trees, the test could be a huge breakthrough for adoptees searching for biological families. I was a Beta tester in the Relative Finder project at 23andMe. Now I am testing the new Family Finder as well. Once I have enough product experience, I will cover it more extensively. But I am initially quite excited about Family Finder for the following reasons: Most people in the 23andMe database tested their DNA for medical purposes. Many will not respond to contact requests. And those who do respond may not know enough about their family tree to identify the common ancestors responsible for your match. Formed specifically for genealogy, Family Tree DNA does not analyze or report any medical implications. With their huge database of genealogist customers, I expect participation in Family Finder to expand rapidly. This should provide an ongoing stream of new matches for participants. Plus, those matches shouldon average--be more eager to compare data and more knowledgeable about their ancestors. Family Finder is rolling out in stages to current Family Tree DNA customers and should be available to the public in mid-March.

Using Forensic DNA Testing for Paternity Tests and Genealogy

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 19:59:41 GMT

Learn how the principles of forensic DNA testing can help you get DNA from people who are unavailable or unwilling to be tested.

New PBS Series Uses Genetic Genealogy

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 21:49:20 GMT

Wednesday evening, 2/10, is the premier of a new PBS series Faces of America with Henry Louis Gates, Jr. The Harvard scholar turns to the latest tools of genealogy and genetics to explore the family histories of 12 renowned Americans professor and poet Elizabeth Alexander, chef Mario Batali, comedian Stephen Colbert, novelist Louise Erdrich, journalist Malcolm Gladwell, actress Eva Longoria, musician Yo-Yo Ma, director Mike Nichols, Her Majesty Queen Noor, television host/heart surgeon Dr. Mehmet Oz, actress Meryl Streep, and figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi. I've got my TiVo set to record the show. If you're interested in genetic genealogy, I suggest you give the first show a try.

DNA Testing Labs An Independent Guide

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 22:07:05 GMT

How to choose the best DNA testing labs for paternity, genealogy, adoption search and other purposes.

Review of Family Tree DNA Testing Laboratory

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 18:18:41 GMT

The DNA Testing Adviser shares his Top 10 Reasons for Choosing Family Tree DNA for genetic genealogy tests.

How 23andMes Relative Finder Uses DNA to Confirm Kinship

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:37:50 GMT

How you can use Relative Finder from DNA testing company 23andMe to measure family relationships from full siblings to distant cousins.

How DNA Kinship Testing Can Prove Two People Are Related

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:13:53 GMT

Learn how siblings, half siblings & grandparents can confirm or exclude suspected relationships. See when DNA kinship testing can be used in court.

How DNA Relationship Testing Can Show Two People Are Related

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 15:08:12 GMT

Everything you need to know about DNA relationship testing. Includes sibling testing, kinship testing, and a new DNA test that measures relatedness.

Holiday Pricing on DNA Kits from 23andMe

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:28:51 GMT

As mentioned in my last blog, I've been participating in a Beta test of a new feature at 23andMe called Relative Finder. This feature compares your autosomal DNA with others in their database to find potential relatives. Automsomal DNA, sampled from all 23 chromosomes, reflects ALL your ancestors, not just your paternal (Y chromosome) or maternal (mitochondria) lines. Many genealogists in the Beta test are finding and confirming matches with previously unknown cousins. But I'm even more excited about the potential for adoptees and others who want to confirm that they have found their biological families. The 23andMe test is far more robust than traditional kinship testing. Any two people who take this test will see whether or not they are related. What's more, the Relative Finder can distinguish among full siblings, half siblings, first cousins, etc. Black Friday Discounts 23andMe is offering a special one-day sale on Black Friday, November 27th. Anyone buying three or more kits will receive a 40 discount, while those buying two kits will receive a 20 discount, and a single kit will receive a 10 discount. Holiday Season Pricing The deals after Black Firday are less generous and only on multiple-kit orders. From Saturday, November 28th through December 31, 2009 the following pricing will be in effect: 20 discount for three or more kits, and 10 for two kits. Each kit in multiple-kit orders can be assigned to a different person. But the entire order must be paid for by and shipped to only one person. I will be adding new pages to my site to discuss 23andMe and Relative Finder in more detail. Subscribers to my blog will be notified when these pages are added.

Good News for Genealogists from 23andMe

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 17:25:26 GMT

I've been participating in a Beta test of a new feature at 23andMe called Relative Finder, I've already confirmed a third cousin relationship with one of the other Beta participants. And I see a lot of potential for genealogists once the Relative Finder feature is launched across their entire user base. A 23andMe test does not replace traditional Y-DNA testing, because 23andMe only looks at SNPs and not STRs. And they do not test mitochondrial DNA quite as thoroughly as the Full Genome Sequence at Family Tree DNA. But they do read half a million locations in your autosomal DNA from all 23 chromosomes. Combine all that data with the new Relative Finder feature and you have the potential to find previously unknown relatives throughout your family tree. You're no longer limited to matches in the paternal and maternal lines. And the relatives you find may have information on your ancestors that you are missing. A New Ancestry-Only Edition Many people have been reluctant to try 23andMe because the ancestry data was only offered with health testing. Startng November 19th, 23and Me will offer separate Health and Ancestry editions. You will still be able to get both in their Complete edition or upgrade to the full package later. The only bad news, in my opinion, is that they are essentially using this opportunity to increase prices. The current full edition is priced at $399. The new Acestry-only edition will also be $399. And the Complete edition will go up to $499. If you are interested, I suggest you follow one of these strategies: 1. Order the current full editlion immediately before the new pricing starts this Thursday, 11/19/09. You will get the new Complete edition and save $100 over the new price. 2. Wait for a sale price on the Ancestry edition that MAY occur before the end of the year. I've seen hints of a sale but no guarantee it will happen.

Holiday Season Promotion from Family Tree DNA

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:43:37 GMT

Family Tree DNA has announced a holiday season sale on its popular Y-DNA tests: Y-DNA37 promotional price $119 (reg. price $149) Y-DNA67 promotional price $209 (reg. price $239) mtDNAPlus promotional price $139 (reg. price $149) SuperDNA promotional price $488 (reg. price $665) Orders for the above tests need to be placed and paid for by December 31, 2009 to receive the sale price.

My Adoption Search Story on Roots Television

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:23:27 GMT

My video interview with Family Tree DNA has been picked up by Roots Television. The interview explains how I used three different types of DNA testing to identify and confirm the identity of my biological father. The video clip has the following Title: Family Tree DNA: Adopted Man Identifies Birth Father. To watch the video, just follow the link provided here.

Meet the DNA Testing Adviser

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 21:28:52 GMT

Discovering my birth family through DNA testing inspired me to create the DNA Testing Adviser. My story also appears in The Wall Street Journal.

DNA and Deadbeat Dads

Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:03:25 GMT

See how a DNA paternity test can help get child support from deadbeat dads.

Using Blood Types to Confirm a Childs Father

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 17:46:04 GMT

How ABO blood types can sometimes save you the cost of a DNA paternity test

New Standard for Reporting
Y-Chromosome DNA Profiles

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:56:38 GMT

A standardized Y-DNA reporting system has been proposed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce. The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) supports this standard and was involved in its development. One company, the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) just announced that it has implemented the standard. In addition, the three largest U.S. providers of genetic genealogy DNA testing have committed to adopting the new Y-STR reporting standard. The Problem When Family Tree DNA pioneered consumer DNA testing of the Y chromosome in 2000, they were the only company in the field. As more companies got involved, they adopted slightly different formats for reporting the Y-STR results. While the results of different people are comparable within any companys own database, these small differences have made it difficult to compare results from different DNA testing companies. While conversion tables are available, many people are intimidated by the task and dont take full advantage of sites like Ysearch and Ybase. And some errors find their way into conversion tools.

The Benefit Once the standard is fully implemented, it will be easier for consumers to compare their results with people who have tested at other companies. More of us will take advantage of comparison sites. And people will find more matches.

Stop Paternity Fraud with DNA Testing

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:50:26 GMT

See how DNA testing can protect men from paternity fraud.

Save the Michigan Library

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 13:25:56 GMT

The number one genealogy resource in the state of Michigan is the Library of Michigan in Lansing. In a budget-cutting move our Governor has issued an executive order that could dismantle the library and scatter its collections elsewhere. Unless Michigan's House and Senate reject it, the executive order will go into effect Oct. 1. The first group to demonstrate against the proposed cuts is the Michigan Genealogical Council. Protesters should meet on the lawn of the State Capitol at 9:45 AM on August 5. At 10:30 the group plans to march to the library to join "Hands Around the Library" at 11:00 AM. Please be there if you can. I am trying to arrange my own schedule so I can participate.

Child Custody Laws and the Impact of DNA Testing

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:11:04 GMT

See how DNA testing affects the interpretation of child custody laws.

The Adoptee Rights Demonstation

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:01:06 GMT

American-born adult adoptees in all but the states of Alaska, Kansas, Alabama, Oregon, New Hampshire and Maine do not have the right that unadopted American-born citizens do: The right to have a copy of their original birth certificate. The goal of the Adoptee Rights Demonstration is to bring awareness to the people, that this practice is discriminatory and harmful. The organizers wish to see the remaining states restore unfettered access to original birth certificates for all adult adoptees. The Adoptee Rights Demonstration will begin at 11am on July 21, 2009. It will start at The Peoples Plaza in Independence Park, Philadelphia, PA , and end at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, where the National Convention of State Legislatures will be taking place.

The Home DNA Test Guide

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 17:15:50 GMT

Learn how and when you can use a home DNA test for paternity, genealogy, or sibling testing.

Personalized Report of Your DNA Test Results

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:17:14 GMT

How to get a personalized report that explains the results of your Y-DNA and mtDNA tests

Can DNA Testing Connect This Man
to His Forgotten Past?

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:02:22 GMT

Almost five years ago, the man in this photo was found severely beaten, naked, and unconscious in Richmond Hill, Georgia. There was nothing to identify him and he suffers from retrograde amnesia. Probably in his 60's, he thinks his first name was Benjaman (spelled this way) and he is using Kyle as a temporary last name. As part of the effort to connect Benjaman with his past, he has undergone DNA testing. The markers on his Y-chromosome suggest that his surname may have been Powell. Somewhere, there are people who know this man and are wondering what happened to him. Please read additional details at the Wikipedia link provided here and share his story with others. Anyone with clues should contact Identifinders International

My DNA Success Becomes a Father's Day Story

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:55:32 GMT

When the editor of my local Grand Rapids Press saw the Wall Street Journal article about my use of DNA to identify my birth father, he thought it would make a great Father's Day story. He sent a reporter and photographer to my home and the resulting article appeared on the front page today.

Family Tree DNA Testing Guide

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 16:30:25 GMT

A step-by-step guide shows genealogists and adoptees how to use family tree DNA testing

DNA Surname Projects

Wed, 17 Jun 2009 14:18:09 GMT

Learn how DNA surname projects can extend your family tree

Presentation: "Finding Family with DNA"

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 12:37:01 GMT

This Saturday, June 13th, Richard Hill, the DNA Testing Adviser, will be speaking at the Western Michigan Genealogical Society in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His presentation, entitled "Finding Family with DNA" is built around his personal adoption search story that was recently covered in the Wall Street Journal. He will also show how he is using DNA testing in his own genealogy efforts. Along the way, he will be educating the audience on the basics of genetic genealogy. If any of you are in the West Michigan area, you are invited to attend.

Successful Birth Family Search in the Wall Street Journal

Sat, 02 May 2009 17:06:05 GMT

Learn how DNA testing helped this adoptee complete his 26-year birth family search. Read this report by a science writer for the Wall Street Journal.

DNA and Adoptee Search A Success Story

Sat, 02 May 2009 17:04:00 GMT

I tell my adoptee search story in a video interview with Family Tree DNA: How I found my biological family through DNA testing.

False Adoption Records Create Obstacles in Birth Parent Searches

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 18:53:17 GMT

Adoption records can be loaded with bad information. See how one adoptee used DNA to get around the lies and discover the truth about his birth.

Successful Adoption Reunions

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 18:20:40 GMT

An adoptee who reunited with both his birth mother's family and his birth father's family shares his thoughts on adoption reunions.