DNA Testing Update

Feb 2, Who Do You Think You Are?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 15:13:08 GMT

Who Do You Think You Are is back for a 3rd season and will premier this Friday, February 3 at 8/7c on NBC. Martin Sheen will lead off the series and other celebrities exploring their family trees include Marissa Tomei, Blair Underwood, Helen Hunt, Jerome Bettis, Robb Lowe, and Paula Deen.

Feb 2, FTDNA Accepts Transfers from 23andMe

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 00:52:04 GMT

Family Tree DNA now accepts transfers of raw DNA data from 23andMe into Family Finder. If you were tested with the latest (V3) chip at 23andMe, you can now transfer your data to Family Tree DNA for an introductory price of only $50. If you were tested with the prior (V2) chip at 23andMe, you will need to be retested with an FTDNA test kit. But by going through the transfer process, you get certified as a 23andMe user and will receive a coupon for a steeply discounted Family Finder test. Family Finder is similar to the Relative Finder feature at 23andMe. So transferring lets you get matches in BOTH databases--an excellent move for both genealogists and adoptees. You become a full fledged Family Finder user with all the special tools and reports. This includes Population Finder, which provides the best available look at your ethnic ancestry. If you're already a Family Finder user, you don't have to do anything. But once the transfers are processed, you could pick up many more matches from the influx of new users. I transferred a V3 data set today to test the ordering and transfer process. I heartily recommend it to all 23andMe users. Since I don't know how long it will be before the price goes up, I encourage you to do it NOW! Click the link below, choose Products from the top of the page, and scroll down to the THIRD PARTY section. Select Transfer Relative Finder to learn more and initiate the process.

Jan 27, Adoption DNA Message Hijacked by NPR

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 15:01:07 GMT

On 1/26/12 NPR's Diane Rehm Show did a live segment on Adoptees Using DNA to Find Family. Bennett Greenspan, founder and CEO of Family Tree DNA was interviewed on the air. Since I had used DNA testing to find and confirm my birth family--and I maintained a web site on the topic--Bennett had suggested me to Diane Rehm as an additional panel member. On Wednesday Bennett called my home to see if Diane had contacted me. She had not and never did. Instead of creating an informative show to explain how adoptees are using this new tool and presenting a positive case history, they brought in Kimberly Leighton. This woman knows nothing about DNA testing but had an obvious negative viewpoint. She attacked the very idea of adoptees searching for birth parents as unnecessary and a violation of birth parents' right to privacy. Bennett did mention me as an example and suggested adoptees visit my web site. Wanting to counter the negativity being expressed by the other panelist, I tried to call in to the show but could not get past the busy signal. Diane Rehm and/or her producers clearly had an agenda. This is not uncommon with NPR programming. A year ago I had the opportunity to listen as an NPR reporter interviewed a relative of mine in a public place. All the questions were obviously slanted to elicit a response on one side of the issue being discussed. My relative ignored the bait and expressed the opposite viewpoint. The reporter quickly moved on and my relative's comments were never aired. My hope is that many more adoptees still learned about DNA testing and they won't be dissuaded from their search by one woman's opinion. Click the link below if you wish to hear the broadcast.

Jan 25, How Population Finder Discovers Ethnic Ancestry from Your DNA

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:15:27 GMT

An independent review of Population Finder, the ethnic ancestry report in the Family DNA test from Family Tree DNA.

Jan 23, New 23andMe Ancestry Ambassadors Group

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:52:00 GMT

23andMe has announced the formation of an Ancestry Ambassadors Group. These "ancestry enthusiasts," chosen from the 23andMe user community, will help guide and influence product development. Primarily a health testing company, 23andMe has been criticized periodically for lapses on the genetic genealogy side of its product offering. DNA blogger CeCe Moore will lead the group. Other members are Andrea Badger, Ann Turner MD, Larry Vick, Shannon Christmas, and Tim Janzen MD. Hopefully, this new group will result in improved ancestry services from the company.

Jan 9, 23andMe Responds to Complaints

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:51:59 GMT

The recent uproar over the handling of lapsed subscribers at 23andMe has prompted a lengthy response from the company. 23andMe co-founder and CEO Anne Wojcicki has announced that those who stop their monthly subscription after the 12-month commitment WILL retain access to their Relative Finder matches and health reports. They just won't get any new information. Furthermore, customers who purchased a subscription before 12/21/11 will have an opportunity to upgrade to a Lifetime subscription for $99 during the 30 days after meeting their commitment. More good news: Lapsed subscribers will NOT be removed from the Relative Finder database unless they specifically opt out. So others may still find them. Click the following link to read the full text of the company's response.

Jan 5, New User Interface at Family Tree DNA

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 15:55:09 GMT

In November I was one of the DNA project administrators that tested and provided feedback on a new user interface at Family Tree DNA. That interface has just been released to all users. In addition to better organization the interface includes new features like Advanced Matching and updated educational resources. I suggest you begin by selecting the Interactive Tour. Then start clicking to explore your account. Click the following link and then Log In with your Kit Number and Password.

Jan 4, Family Tree DNA Extends Sale to Jan. 7

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:02:05 GMT

The Holiday Promotion at FTDNA has been extended through Saturday, January 7, 2012. Both new kits and upgrades are discounted.

Dec 30, Reminder: FTDNA Sale Ends Saturday

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 19:43:58 GMT

Sale prices on genetic genealogy DNA tests at Family Tree DNA expire 12/31/11.

Dec 22, 23andMe Sucker Punches Lapsed Subscribers

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 15:29:02 GMT

About a year ago, 23andMe repositioned its DNA test as a Personal Genome Service with a monthly subscription fee. New users were required to pay the fee for a minimum of 12 months. Those who cancelled after that would no longer receive new Relative Finder matches or new health findings. But they could continue to access existing matches and health reports. That seemed fair enough. But blogger CeCe Moore reports that 23andMe has now revised their terms of service. Customers who allow their subscription to lapse will NOT have access to their Relative Finder matches, health reports and all other features that "rely on your genetic data." Customers who ordered their test before the subscription service was instituted are not affected, as far as we know now. This retroactive change in terms is the opposite of customer-friendly. Subscription customers may wish to lodge protests with the Better Business Bureau and the California Attorney General, the state where 23andMe operates. Click the link below for more details from CeCe Moore.

Dec 15, Save $23 on DNA Test at 23andMe.com

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:39:43 GMT

I just learned about a brief sale at 23andMe.com. Use the link below and pay $76 instead of $99. Offer expires 12/27/11. They market this as their Personal Genome Service. Once you get your results, you pay an additional $9/month for Relative Finder matches and new or updated health results. The minimum is 12 months, so your total minimum investment will be $76 + $108 = $184. There is no coupon code to enter. But you must click the following link to get the reduced price.

Dec 15, Finding Family with 23andMe

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:05:35 GMT

DNA testing company 23andMe is now featuring some DNA success stories on its web site. Use the link below to read about the reunion of an adopted man with his biological sister.

Dec 7, How Autosomal DNA Testing Can Enlarge and Prove Your Family Tree

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:30:11 GMT

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

Nov 29, Get It Now: DNA and Social Networking

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:22:50 GMT

Debbie Kennett, a genetic genealogist in the U.K., has published DNA and Social Networking: A Guide to Genealogy in the Twenty-First Century. While the hard cover edition will not be available in the U.S. until April, you can get the Kindle edition NOW from Amazon.com for just $9.99. I don't have a Kindle, but Amazon offers free Kindle Reading Apps for PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Blackberry, Android, and Windows Phone 7. Positive reviews by enthusiasts I respect--CeCe Moore, Emily Aulicino, and Tim Janzen--convinced me to buy and download Debbie's book. To order your own copy, use the link below to reach the About Me page of my web site. Scroll down to my Recommended Reading list and click the icon for this book.

Nov 23, Archives.com Partners with Family Tree DNA

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:27:30 GMT

Archives.com, a similar but less expensive alternative to Ancestry.com, has announced a partnership with Family Tree DNA. This family history website now sells FTDNA's most popular Y-DNA and mtDNA tests plus Family Finder. Prices are the same as at FTDNA, but this should expose more genealogists to the concept of DNA testing. Getting more people into the already large databases at FTDNA should result in more and better matches for both genealogists and adoptees. So I consider this a good thing. Richard Hill DNA Testing Adviser

Nov 16, 30 Adoption Portraits in 30 Days

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:09:03 GMT

In honor of November being National Adoption Month, Portrait of an Adoption is running a special series called 30 Adoption Portraits in 30 Days. Designed to give a voice to the many different perspectives of adoption, this series will feature guest posts by adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents, waiting adoptive parents, and foster parents-turned-adoptive parents.

Nov 15, Year-End Sale at Family Tree DNA

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 21:31:07 GMT

Family Tree DNA, the leader in genetic genealogy, announced a year-end sale--effective today--on new tests and upgrades. For example, the Family Finder test has been reduced from $289 to $199. The 37-marker Y-DNA test, regularly $149 is now on sale for $119. Upgrades are also on sale, e.g. you can go from an existing 37-marker Y-DNA test to 67 markers for only $79 vs. the usual $99. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED AND PAID FOR BY MIDNIGHT DECEMBER 31st 2011 TO RECEIVE THE SALE PRICES.

Nov 9, FTDNA Group Administrators' Conference

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 17:34:33 GMT

Last weekend I gave a presentation at the Family Tree DNA Group Administrators' Conference. These citizen scientists are at the leading edge of genetic genealogy. So Family Tree DNA uses this forum to announce and explain new developments in DNA testing. Several attendees have blogged about the conference. Debbie Kennett has thoughtfully created a one-stop web page with links to these reports. You can get to that page at the following link.

Oct 31, Richard Hill to Speak at FTDNA Conference

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 17:56:12 GMT

Richard Hill, the adoptee founder of DNA Testing Adviser, will speak at Family Tree DNA's 7th International Conference for Group Administrators. The annual conference will be held in Houston, Texas on November 5-6, 2011. The title of Richard's presentation is An Adoptee Journey to His Ancestral Surname. To learn more about Richard's background, read his bio at the following link:

Sep 26, 36-Hour Sale at Family Tree DNA

Mon, 26 Sep 2011 18:39:22 GMT

START: Monday, September 26 (TODAY) at 12:00pm CDT END: Tuesday, September 27 at 11:59pm CDT For NEW customers: Y-DNA 12 . . . $59 (was $99) mtDNA . . . $59 (was $99) Y-DNA 37 . . . $129 (was $149) Family Finder . . . $199 (was $289) mtFullSequence (FGS) . . . $229 (was $299) Y-DNA 12 + mtDNA . . . $118 (was $179) Family Finder + Y-DNA 12 . . . $248 (was $339) Family Finder + mtDNA . . . $248 (was $339) Family Finder + Y-DNA 37 . . . $328 (was $438) Family Finder + mtFullSequence . . . $398 (was $559) Comprehensive Genome (Family Finder + mtFullSequence + Y-DNA67) . . . $597 (was $797) Upgrades & Add-Ons: mtDNA add-on $59 . . . (was $89) mtFullSequence upgrade (HVR1 to Mega) . . . $199 (was $269) mtFullSequence upgrade (HVR2 to Mega) . . . $199 (was $239) mtFullSequence add-on . . . $219 (was $289) Family Finder add-on . . . $199 (was $289) Prices will be automatically adjusted on the Family Tree DNA website -- no coupon code needed! Important: Promotional orders need to be paid for by the end of this sale.

Sep 20, Richard Hill, DNA Author/Coach/Speaker

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 18:21:14 GMT

Adoptee Richard Hill identified his birth family through DNA testing and created the web site DNA-Testing-Adviser.com

Sep 20, New ISOGG Adoptees Group

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:50:53 GMT

The International Society of Genetic Genealogy has launched a new Yahoo group for adoptees. The group is designed for adoptees and others of uncertain parentage--or anyone with a mystery in their lineage that might involve either a formal or undocumented adoption. Such mysteries can often be solved through DNA testing. Members are encouraged to post questions and share their successes. The co-moderators are Katherine Borges, Director of ISOGG and adoptee Richard Hill, author of the DNA Testing Adviser web site.

Aug 25, Dick Eastman Praises New DNA Testing Guide

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 18:19:23 GMT

Last night Dick Eastman reviewed my new Guide to DNA testing in Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter (EOGN). His closing words: "I'd call this a great resource for anyone who wishes to learn more about DNA. Congratulations to Richard Hill for creating it." That review alone has created a lot of requests for the Guide. If you're a genealogist and don't already know about EOGN, I suggest you subscribe to his newsletter while you're on his site. Click the link below to see his review.

Aug 19, Richard Hill's Guide to DNA Testing

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 14:41:43 GMT

Richard Hill, author of the web site DNA-Testing-Adviser.com, has just completed a 12-page overview of DNA testing that you can now download for free. The Guide is designed for genealogists, adoptees, and anyone else interested in their biological family tree. In plain English he describes and compares the major DNA test types. Then he explains their purposes, strengths and limitations in a unique table that you will not find anywhere else. Richard's web site has dozens of pages on DNA testing. Yet this new DNA Testing Guide provides the high level overview you need to put the various DNA tests in perspective. The title of this Guide is as follows: How to Identify Ancestors
and Confirm Relationships
through DNA Testing The link below will take you to the download page.

Aug 9, The Future of 23andMe's Relative Finder

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 15:19:09 GMT

In a few months thousands of people who took the 23andMe test on the subscription plan will complete their 12-month requirement. Many more will reach that point every month thereafter. No one knows how many will drop their subscription, but it's reasonable to assume that the number will be significant. When a subscription lapses, that person will stop getting new Relative Finder matches. That's fair enough. Those of us who already match those people will continue to see them as matches. The negative impact will be on new people who get tested at 23andMe AFTER the subscription lapses begin. The Relative Finder block is currently set to work BOTH WAYS. Those new subscribers WILL NOT BE NOTIFIED of matches to people with lapsed subscriptions. In my opinion this will cause unacceptable damage to the genealogy and adoption search communities. 23andMe will be HIDING DATA that would be useful to genealogists and potentially life-changing for adoptees. It should be technically possible to implement a one-way block. Lapsed subscribers would not see new matches to others, but all others would still see matches with the lapsed subscriber. Is anyone listening at 23andMe? If you take my suggestion, I will be happy to announce it.

Aug 4, Adoptee Rights Demonstration in Texas

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 23:53:35 GMT

The Adoptee Rights Coalition has announced the final itinerary for the annual demonstration. It will be in San Antonio, Texas on Sunday, August 7 and Monday, August 8. The demonstration is timed to coincide with the National Conference of State Legislatures. The goal is to change archaic laws that prohibit adult adoptees from accessing their own birth certificates.

Aug 2, $50 Coupon for DNA Test at 23andMe

Tue, 02 Aug 2011 13:52:25 GMT

Genetic health testing company 23andMe has just provided existing customers with a coupon code to share with new customers. The offer expires 8/9/11. This test includes the company's Relative Finder, which can help genealogists and adoptees find previously unknown cousins. If two or more people wish to confirm a suspected close relationship, e.g. siblings, or half siblings, this would be a good time for each of them to order a test. Follow the link below, add an order to your cart and click "I have a discount code." Then enter the code BQ8ABT to reduce the price by $50. The required $9/month subscription (12-month minimum) still applies.

Jul 29, Richard Hill Tells His DNA Story on WJRW

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:13:14 GMT

Yesterday, I was interviewed by Michelle McKormick, a local radio host on WJRW in Grand Rapids. She asked me about my adoption search story and my use of DNA testing to identify and confirm my birth father. She did a wonderful job asking questions and recapping my story for the audience as we went along. I hope the added exposure gives more adoptees the courage to get started with DNA testing. Click the link below to replay the interview.

Jul 21, New Donor Conceived Group at FTDNA

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 18:20:12 GMT

Genealogists and adoptees are not the only people using DNA tests to discover unknown genetic roots. Children of sperm and egg donors are testing their DNA in hopes of finding links to biological parents and siblings. Lindsay Greenawalt, who writes a great blog, Confessions of a Cryokid, has started a DNA project at Family Tree DNA. Both offspring and donors are welcome. The goup uses Y-DNA and Family Finder data to discover matches.

Jul 15, Summer Sale at Family Tree DNA

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 23:16:12 GMT

Family Tree DNA just distributed the following list of sale prices to project administrators: HTML Online Editor Sample

Y-DNA37 for $119 (Regular price would be $149)

Y-DNA67 for $199 (Regular price would be $239)

Family Finder for $199 (Regular price would be $289)

Family Finder + Y-DNA37 for $318 (Regular price would be $438)

Family Finder + mtDNAPlus for $318 (Regular Price would be $438)

mtDNA Full Sequence for $219 (Regular Price would be $299)

SuperDNA for $418 (Regular Price would be $518, includes Y-DNA67 and mtFullSequence)

Comprehensive Genome for $617 (Regular Price would be $797, includes Y-DNA67, mtFullSequence and Family Finder)

In addition, existing Family Tree DNA customers may order the Family Finder add-on for $199

The promotion will start today, Friday the 15th at 6PM CST and will end Thursday, July 21, 11:59PM CST. Kits need to be paid for by the end of the promotion.

Jul 1, DNA Heritage to FTDNA Conversion

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:13:17 GMT

DNA Heritage ceased operations in April 2011 and transferred existing customer results to Family Tree DNA. FTDNA has now announced the conversion program. The Y-DNA conversion to the basic 25-marker level is free. Existing DNA Heritage customers should click the link below and opt in. Once the conversion is complete, you can order upgrades from FTDNA at discounted prices.

Jul 1, 23andMe Updates Relative Finder

Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:38:50 GMT

DNA testing laboratory 23andMe has updated the user interface for its Relative Finder feature. This is a huge improvement and anyone tested on this service should check it out. You can immediately see more information on your matches and drill down in various ways. New search and sort fields work well together. For example, put a surname in the search field and you will only see matches who have included that surname in their family surnames list. Then you can sort search results ten different ways. Unfortunately, most people have still not added any genealogical information. And only 20% of my matches have even made their names visible to the people who match them. If you're in the 23andMe database, PLEASE visit your Relative Finder page and Update Your Profile to be more visible. That will make this tool more useful for everyone.

Jun 19, Remembering My Fathers

Sun, 19 Jun 2011 13:06:11 GMT

Today is Father's Day, a day to remember and honor your father. Since I was adopted, I have two of them. My first father was the biological one. He gave me his Y-chromosome and contributed his half to each of my autosomal chromosomes. I never met the man. My search for him spanned 26 years. By the time I discovered his identity, he had been dead for 21 years. Still, his role in my life was crucial. And it was an interest in this newly found paternal line that got me into genealogy. My other father was the one who adopted me. He's the one who raised me, loved me, and supported me all the way from birth to college. Although he died in 1978, he will always be "Dad" to me. Today I want to thank each of these men for the different gifts they gave me.

Jun 16, Upgrade Sale at Family Tree DNA

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 05:27:21 GMT

Family Tree DNA has announced a one-week summer upgrade sale FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS. Those who only tested 12, 25, or 37 Y-DNA markers can add markers at reduced prices. Similarly, anyone with a prior mtDNA test can save major dollars on an upgrade to the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test. The biggest discount is on Family Finder. Existing customers can order it this week for $199--a savings of $90. These sale prices are NOT visible on the usual Product Pages. To order an upgrade at these special prices click the following link and then click the orange Login button. Enter your kit number and password where it says "Returning Customers." Then click the "Special Offers" link found on the left-hand navigation bar. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED AND PAID FOR BY MIDNIGHT, JUNE 22, 2011, TO RECEIVE THE SALE PRICE.

Jun 9, How to Find Birth Parents with DNA Testing

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:10:28 GMT

Adoptee Richard Hill explains how DNA tests have helped him and other adoptees find birth parents. Learn which tests work best for males and females.

Jun 7, Get DNA Answers for Paternity, Genealogy & Adoption Search

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 19:14:28 GMT

Learn how DNA testing can find lost family members, confirm relationships and much more. Read DNA Answers by Richard Hill at DNA Testing Adviser.com.

Jun 1, Understanding DNA Terms

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 17:32:13 GMT

Get the meaning of DNA terms related to paternity, genealogy, adoption search, and ethnic ancestry.

May 27, Child of Sperm Donor Tries a DNA Test to Discover Her Biological Father

Fri, 27 May 2011 18:44:45 GMT

Adoptees are not the only people with a need to know their biological roots. A writer with the user name Girl Conceived is a product of artificial insemination by an anonymous donor. She is using the Family Finder DNA test from Family Tree DNA to see if she can track down her biological father. You can read the first installment of her story at the link below.

May 23, Guide to Ethnic Ancestry DNA Testing: How to Prove Your Ethnicity

Mon, 23 May 2011 17:48:53 GMT

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

May 20, New Page Announced Too Soon

Fri, 20 May 2011 16:59:24 GMT

Oops! Today I accidentally triggered a blog post about a new page on my web site that deals with African ancestry. Unfortunately, I had only started building the page. So if you followed the link then, you didn't see much. The page is now complete. Follow the link below to read it. If you find it interesting, remember to share it using the Facebook or Twitter buttons at the bottom of the page.

May 20, How an African DNA Test Can Measure or Confirm African Ancestry

Fri, 20 May 2011 15:21:17 GMT

Learn about the top six alternatives for an African DNA test. Get answers about African heritage or help with African American Genealogy.

May 19, Forensic Genealogist Challenges Memoir

Thu, 19 May 2011 18:16:29 GMT

Dr. Colleen Fitzpatrick, a well known forensic genealogist, is among those challenging Holocaust survivor Alex Kurzem to provide a DNA sample. Kurzem, a resident of Australia, authored the international best-selling book The Mascot. The memoir portrayed him as a five-year-old Russian Jew who survived the Holocaust by working closely with an SS extermination squad during World War II. Dr Fitzpatrick and her team of researchers are attempting to persuade the Jewish Claims Conference - the US-based body which compensates Jewish Holocaust survivors from funds provided by the German government - to stop paying Mr Kurzem's pension on the grounds he might not be Jewish. Mr. Kurzem is demanding $100,000 to take the DNA test. It's an interesting story. Click the link below to read more.

May 18, New Web Design at Family Tree DNA

Wed, 18 May 2011 19:32:50 GMT

I noticed today that Family Tree DNA has redesigned their home page and several other pages on their web site. The new look seems a lot cleaner. I've only explored a couple pages, but I like what I see so far. I also notice that prices featured on the home page are clearly marked with "One time payment - no subscription fee." This is a good sign that they do not plan to adopt the subscription pricing model of 23andMe. Click the link below to check out the changes yourself. My name is Richard Hill and I am the sole author of DNA Testing Adviser.com and this DNA Update blog. If you enjoy my content, please Tweet it, share it on Facebook or on your preferred social network.

May 16, Update Completed at DNA Testing Adviser

Mon, 16 May 2011 17:58:10 GMT

To ensure that DNA-Testing-Adviser.com keeps up with changes in the world of DNA testing, I have just completed a wall-to-wall review of my web site. Many pages required no change at all. And some required only minor updates. Eight pages, however, required what I consider to be significant changes. That's why I added them individually to my blog as I completed the updates. To see these revised pages, follow the prior "permalinks" on the What's New page of my site. My name is Richard Hill and I am the sole author of the web site, DNA Testing Adviser.com and this DNA Update blog. To subscribe to my blog for DNA testing news and notices of new and updated content, subscribe to this site through one of the RSS options on the site menu.

May 16, Trace Your Ancient Ancestry with DNA Testing

Mon, 16 May 2011 13:36:20 GMT

Learn what Y-DNA and mtDNA tests, combined with archaeology and anthropology, can tell you about your ancient ancestry.

May 13, Can an Indian DNA Test Find or Prove Native American Ancestry?

Fri, 13 May 2011 18:57:25 GMT

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

May 13, Guide to Ethnic DNA Testing: How to Prove Your Ancestors’ Ethnicity

Fri, 13 May 2011 16:30:13 GMT

Learn how ethnic DNA testing can measure your geographical and racial heritage, including native American, African American, and Jewish ancestry.

May 11, How DNA Relationship Testing Can Show Two People Are Related

Wed, 11 May 2011 19:24:53 GMT

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

May 10, How Paternity Test DNA proves fatherhood

Tue, 10 May 2011 15:49:41 GMT

Learn how to identify a child's father with paternity test DNA. Everything you need to know about proof of fatherhood that will stand up in court.

May 10, My Deep Clade Test at FTDNA

Tue, 10 May 2011 14:40:31 GMT

When possible, I like to try a DNA test myself before recommending it. That's what I did with the Deep Clade Test at Family Tree DNA. For a flat rate of $89 this test will check whatever SNPs are needed to define or confirm a man's paternal haplogroup. My test found that I was positive for L51, P312, and L21. But I was negative for 13 lower level SNPs including M222. Now I know my exact position on the Y-Haplotree is R1b1a2a1a1b4. Since that nomenclature isn't easy to remember, many people express their subclade by the terminal SNP...in this case R-L21. My particular result supports my theory that my paternal line was in England or Ireland before coming to the US. You must have a Y-DNA test result at FTDNA to order this test. Click the link below and then log in to your account. Look for "Order Tests & Upgrades" under "My Account" on the menu.