Updated 5 October 2017: Much appreciation goes to Family Tree DNA and its customers who ordered kits in September. This banner on the website shows over thirty-five thousand dollars are being donated to help the victims of Hurricane Harvey. Thank you all.
Original post:
There are still two weeks during which you can help yourself and others at the same time.
Family Tree DNA is located in Houston, Texas, where many have lost homes, jobs, and everything they owned due to floods caused by Hurricane Harvey and the release of waters from the local reservoirs. For all sales and upgrades of DNA tests and paid data transfers made in September, Family Tree DNA is donating a portion of the proceeds toward Hurricane Harvey relief efforts. The banner on their home page today shows $14,882 has been collected so far. That is almost $1,000 per day!
Please consider ordering more DNA tests from Family Tree DNA before the end of September if you can do so. You win and you help the thousands and thousands of people who have been devastated by this disaster.
To cite this blog post: Debbie Parker Wayne, "Further Your DNA Research and Help Hurricane Harvey Victims at the Same Time," Deb's Delvings, 16 September 2017 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2017, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
Showing posts with label Family Tree DNA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Family Tree DNA. Show all posts
16 September 2017
19 April 2017
National DNA Day Sales 2017
National DNA Day is coming soon—25 April. Sales on DNA kits have already started!
Updates added 21 April 2017.
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) starts their sale on April 20, ending at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, 27 April.
Upgrades on prior Y-DNA and mtDNA tests are not included. Adding a new test to an existing kit will receive the discounted sale price. See all of the current sale prices on this product page once the sale starts. To add a test to an existing kit, login to the account first. To order a new kit for someone without an account, just click on the price button on the product page and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you are attending the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium conference at MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts on 26-29 April, the FTDNA crew will be in attendance. Kits can be purchased at special event prices at the conference until the Exhibit Hall closes on Saturday. The Exhibit Hall will be open to the public at no charge 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time on Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
AncestryDNA is offering 20% off—sale price is $79 for the autosomal DNA test. Be aware that if you do not pay a subscripton fee to Ancestry you do not have access to all features (see https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/ka215000000TzydAAC/Accounts-after-Cancellation). When viewed on 21 April 2017, this page indicates that with a guest account you can see ethnicity estimates, DNA matches, Genetic Communities, automatic updates to your ethnicity estimate as updates are released, shared matches, and you can contact matches; you do not have access to New Ancestry Discoveries, DNA Circles, Shared Ancestor Hints, viewing your matches’ trees, or lists of surnames and birth locations that appear both your tree and your matches’ trees.
MyHeritage is offering autosomal DNA tests for $79.
LivingDNA is offering $40 off their test for a sale price of $119. LivingDNA's test is different than what we have been using for DNA and there is no match list (so far). See Roberta Estes' blog post describing her LivingDNA test results for more info.
23andMe has no special listed on their website as of 21 April 2017, 4:30 p.m. CDT.
Have fun analyzing the shared DNA segments and determining how you are related to all of your DNA matches!
If you need to learn more about how to analyze your DNA matches check out our genetic genealogy workbook Genetic Genealogy in Practice, co-written by me and Blaine T. Bettinger.
To cite this blog post: Debbie Parker Wayne, "National DNA Day Sales 2017," Deb's Delvings, 19 April 2017 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2017, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
Updates added 21 April 2017.
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) starts their sale on April 20, ending at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, 27 April.
Upgrades on prior Y-DNA and mtDNA tests are not included. Adding a new test to an existing kit will receive the discounted sale price. See all of the current sale prices on this product page once the sale starts. To add a test to an existing kit, login to the account first. To order a new kit for someone without an account, just click on the price button on the product page and follow the instructions on the screen.
If you are attending the New England Regional Genealogical Consortium conference at MassMutual Center in Springfield, Massachusetts on 26-29 April, the FTDNA crew will be in attendance. Kits can be purchased at special event prices at the conference until the Exhibit Hall closes on Saturday. The Exhibit Hall will be open to the public at no charge 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. local time on Thursday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday.
AncestryDNA is offering 20% off—sale price is $79 for the autosomal DNA test. Be aware that if you do not pay a subscripton fee to Ancestry you do not have access to all features (see https://support.ancestry.com/s/article/ka215000000TzydAAC/Accounts-after-Cancellation). When viewed on 21 April 2017, this page indicates that with a guest account you can see ethnicity estimates, DNA matches, Genetic Communities, automatic updates to your ethnicity estimate as updates are released, shared matches, and you can contact matches; you do not have access to New Ancestry Discoveries, DNA Circles, Shared Ancestor Hints, viewing your matches’ trees, or lists of surnames and birth locations that appear both your tree and your matches’ trees.
MyHeritage is offering autosomal DNA tests for $79.
LivingDNA is offering $40 off their test for a sale price of $119. LivingDNA's test is different than what we have been using for DNA and there is no match list (so far). See Roberta Estes' blog post describing her LivingDNA test results for more info.
23andMe has no special listed on their website as of 21 April 2017, 4:30 p.m. CDT.
Have fun analyzing the shared DNA segments and determining how you are related to all of your DNA matches!
If you need to learn more about how to analyze your DNA matches check out our genetic genealogy workbook Genetic Genealogy in Practice, co-written by me and Blaine T. Bettinger.
To cite this blog post: Debbie Parker Wayne, "National DNA Day Sales 2017," Deb's Delvings, 19 April 2017 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2017, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
12 October 2016
Cost of DNA vs Documents
I keep hearing people complain about the cost of DNA tests. People saying that we cannot champion using DNA for every genealogical relationship problem because researchers cannot afford it.
(That is not a word we use often in Texas, but I can't use the word in public you would hear most often in Texas to express this sentiment.)
My last research trip to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) and the Copiah County Clerk's Office cost me over $800 (gasoline for the car, six hotel nights, meals, photocopy costs because the MDAH still does not allow digital cameras) plus the loss of seven days time when I could have been doing client work or preparing for a DNA workshop. The $800 breaks down to about ten dollars per page for each photocopy I made. In my mind I may think those pages cost me only twenty-five cents each, but the real cost includes the travel costs. I am not even adding in the lost income. And I needed all of those pages, not just one or two, to prove my case to a reasonable level.
On that trip I focused on proving the relationship between one man and his parents.
©, 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne
My Family Finder test from Family Tree DNA (which now costs only $79) gave me much more definitive proof of the relationship I was trying to prove on that research trip. I have multiple cousins on my match list who confirm this relationship using a record that never lies or gets lost or destroyed—DNA.
©, 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne
And the DNA test results also provide evidence for dozens and dozens of other relationships, not just the one I was focused on during my Mississippi trip.
©, 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne
We need both the documentary evidence and the DNA evidence to prove most relationships. But the DNA information cost me a lot less here. We should consider the true cost of research, not the cost to photocopy one page or order one vital records certificate, when making our own cost benefit analysis as to whether a DNA test makes sense for us.
Reasonably exhaustive research using DNA sometimes requires multiple targeted test-takers, but much of your tree can be confirmed by testing only yourself then using the trees and the shared DNA of those on your match list. For me, the DNA test has been well worth the cost, even priceless.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Cost of DNA vs Documents," Deb's Delvings, 12 October 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
(That is not a word we use often in Texas, but I can't use the word in public you would hear most often in Texas to express this sentiment.)
My last research trip to the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) and the Copiah County Clerk's Office cost me over $800 (gasoline for the car, six hotel nights, meals, photocopy costs because the MDAH still does not allow digital cameras) plus the loss of seven days time when I could have been doing client work or preparing for a DNA workshop. The $800 breaks down to about ten dollars per page for each photocopy I made. In my mind I may think those pages cost me only twenty-five cents each, but the real cost includes the travel costs. I am not even adding in the lost income. And I needed all of those pages, not just one or two, to prove my case to a reasonable level.
On that trip I focused on proving the relationship between one man and his parents.
©, 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne
My Family Finder test from Family Tree DNA (which now costs only $79) gave me much more definitive proof of the relationship I was trying to prove on that research trip. I have multiple cousins on my match list who confirm this relationship using a record that never lies or gets lost or destroyed—DNA.
©, 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne
And the DNA test results also provide evidence for dozens and dozens of other relationships, not just the one I was focused on during my Mississippi trip.
©, 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne
We need both the documentary evidence and the DNA evidence to prove most relationships. But the DNA information cost me a lot less here. We should consider the true cost of research, not the cost to photocopy one page or order one vital records certificate, when making our own cost benefit analysis as to whether a DNA test makes sense for us.
Reasonably exhaustive research using DNA sometimes requires multiple targeted test-takers, but much of your tree can be confirmed by testing only yourself then using the trees and the shared DNA of those on your match list. For me, the DNA test has been well worth the cost, even priceless.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Cost of DNA vs Documents," Deb's Delvings, 12 October 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
26 May 2016
mtDNA Match Fix for Genetic Distance at Family Tree DNA
For some time now there have been some odd matches, or lack of matches, in the mtDNA match list of many genetic genealogists due to the way genetic distance is calculated.
Family Tree DNA, as part of other hardware and software changes, has fixed this problem. The fix will soon begin showing up in our match lists. This was announced along with the recent changes made to the algorithms used for Family Finder matches.
Everyone who has taken an mtDNA test should check the match list in the coming days in case your list has changed. Here is wishing all of us see some exciting new DNA information with this change.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "mtDNA Match Fix for Genetic Distance at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings, 26 May 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
Family Tree DNA, as part of other hardware and software changes, has fixed this problem. The fix will soon begin showing up in our match lists. This was announced along with the recent changes made to the algorithms used for Family Finder matches.
Some of you may have dealt with mtDNA results that had some issues with genetic distance. The fix for the root cause of that problem was released awhile back, but we had to wait until all the hardware installations were complete and integrated before re-running those kits affected prior to that fix. We’re in the process of deploying that update now!
Over the next few days, those affected will likely see differences in genetic distance of some matches as the corrections are implemented. Those who have tested after the fix whose mutations were correct may see an increase in matches to existing testers. That’s to be expected.
Everyone who has taken an mtDNA test should check the match list in the coming days in case your list has changed. Here is wishing all of us see some exciting new DNA information with this change.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "mtDNA Match Fix for Genetic Distance at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings, 26 May 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
Updated Threshold Values for Family Finder
I remind researchers in my presentations that we are still at the cutting edge of DNA technology and genetic genealogy, or the bleeding edge as my techie friends phrase it. As we learn more, we change algorithms and techniques to incorporate the new knowledge. I don't expect the advances in genetics to slow down for quite some time so, as Bette Davis said in All About Eve, "Fasten your seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night." Although for us it won't be just a night, it will be months and years. Most of the bumps should also be major improvements, as is the one discussed below.
Experienced genetic genealogists and test-takers have been asking Family Tree DNA to modify the thresholds used to determine DNA matches in the company database.
The company delivers on those changes with this announcement.
Additional information was included in a message to all group administrators.
Blaine Bettinger's post includes a flow chart illustrating the changes:
Blaine T. Bettinger, “Family Tree DNA Updates Matching Thresholds,” The Genetic Genealogist, 24 May 2016 (http://thegeneticgenealogist.com/2016/05/24/family-tree-dna-updates-matching-thresholds/).
Other bloggers who have posted about the change include:
Rebekah Canada, "Coming updates from Family Tree DNA! 25 May 2016," Haplogroup (http://www.haplogroup.org/coming-updates-from-family-tree-dna-25-may-2016/).
David R. Dowell, "More Family Finder Matches?" Dr D Digs Up Ancestor, 24 May 2016 (http://blog.ddowell.com/2016/05/more-family-finder-matches.html).
Roberta Estes, "Family Finder Matching Thresholds Changing at Family Tree DNA," DNAeXplained, 24 May 2016 (https://dna-explained.com/2016/05/24/family-finder-matching-thresholds-changing-at-family-tree-dna/).
Debbie Kennett, "New match thresholds for Family Tree DNA’s Family Finder test," Cruwys news, 24 May 2016 (http://cruwys.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/new-match-thresholds-for-family-tree.html).
Judy G. Russell, "FTDNA changes matching system," The Legal Genealogist, 24 May 2016 (http://legalgenealogist.com/blog/2016/05/24/ftdna-changes-matching-system/).
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Updated Threshold Values for Family Finder," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 26 May 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
Experienced genetic genealogists and test-takers have been asking Family Tree DNA to modify the thresholds used to determine DNA matches in the company database.
You asked for it - we listened!
For several years the genetic genealogy community has asked for adjustments to the matching thresholds in the Family Finder autosomal test. After months of research and testing, we have implemented some exciting changes ...
Currently, the current matching thresholds - the minimum amount of shared DNA required for two people to show as a match are:
- Minimum longest block of at least 7.69 cM for 99% of testers, 5.5 cM for the other one percent
- Minimum 20 total shared centiMorgans
Some people believed those thresholds to be too restrictive, and through the years requested changes that would loosen those restrictions.
... the following changes will have been implemented to the matching program.
- No minimum shared centiMorgans, but if the cM total is less than 20, at least one segment must be 9 cM or longer.
- If the longest block of shared DNA is greater than 9 cM, the match will show regardless of total shared cM or the number of matching segments.
The entire existing database has been rerun using the new matching criteria, and all new matches have been calculated with the new thresholds. Most people will see only minor changes in their matches, mostly in the speculative range. They may lose some matches but gain others.
We're excited about this update and hope you will be, too. If you have any questions, please let me know.
Additional information was included in a message to all group administrators.
Until now the amount of shared DNA required for two people to show as a match was a minimum of 20 total centiMorgans of shared DNA with a minimum longest block of at least 7.69 cM for 99% of testers, 5.5 cM for the other one percent.
With the adjustment, if two people share a segment of 9 cM or more, they will show as a match regardless of the number of total shared cM. However, if there’s not a block that’s 9 cM or greater, the minimum of 20 shared cM with a longest block of 7.69 cM applies.
We also slightly altered other proprietary portions of the matching algorithm that will, to a small degree, affect block sizes and total shared centiMorgans. These changes should have only marginal effects, if any, on relationships, generally in the distant to remote ranges.
There’s a separate proprietary formula that is also applied to those with Ashkenazi heritage, but you can, of course, expect to have more new matches than those not of Ashkenazi heritage.
The entire existing database has been rerun using the new matching criteria, and all new matches have been calculated with the new thresholds.
Please keep in mind this change will not affect close matches, only distant and speculative ones. Some matches will fall off, others will be added. Most people will likely have a net gain of matches.
Your myOrigins results may change slightly with the rerun, but we have not updated or changed myOrigins yet. We’ll let you know when that happens.
Blaine Bettinger's post includes a flow chart illustrating the changes:
Blaine T. Bettinger, “Family Tree DNA Updates Matching Thresholds,” The Genetic Genealogist, 24 May 2016 (http://thegeneticgenealogist.com/2016/05/24/family-tree-dna-updates-matching-thresholds/).
Other bloggers who have posted about the change include:
Rebekah Canada, "Coming updates from Family Tree DNA! 25 May 2016," Haplogroup (http://www.haplogroup.org/coming-updates-from-family-tree-dna-25-may-2016/).
David R. Dowell, "More Family Finder Matches?" Dr D Digs Up Ancestor, 24 May 2016 (http://blog.ddowell.com/2016/05/more-family-finder-matches.html).
Roberta Estes, "Family Finder Matching Thresholds Changing at Family Tree DNA," DNAeXplained, 24 May 2016 (https://dna-explained.com/2016/05/24/family-finder-matching-thresholds-changing-at-family-tree-dna/).
Debbie Kennett, "New match thresholds for Family Tree DNA’s Family Finder test," Cruwys news, 24 May 2016 (http://cruwys.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/new-match-thresholds-for-family-tree.html).
Judy G. Russell, "FTDNA changes matching system," The Legal Genealogist, 24 May 2016 (http://legalgenealogist.com/blog/2016/05/24/ftdna-changes-matching-system/).
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Updated Threshold Values for Family Finder," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 26 May 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
06 May 2016
Mother's Day DNA Sale at Family Tree DNA
Family Tree DNA sent the notice below about a great sale that includes the full mtDNA sequence that I have been recommending in my presentations. With the $99 regular price for Family Finder, this sale means the full mtDNA sequence is only $129. This is a great deal, especially considering this test alone cost $850 a few years ago.
Family Finder is the autosomal DNA test that can find cousins on all of the test-taker's ancestral lines. The mtFull Sequence finds others who share the same matrilineal line—the line from the test-taker to his or her mother to her mother to her mother and so on back to mitochondrial Eve.
Contact Family Tree DNA for more info:
In the chart below, each person with an "m" and a pink shade inherited mtDNA from the mother of the woman labelled as number 2. Other colors indicate mtDNA inherited from women who married into the family. Determine who to test by starting with the focus woman of interest, then following the daughters to a living person. The living person can be male or female but must have a line of only females back to the focus person.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Mother's Day DNA Sale at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 6 May 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
Family Finder is the autosomal DNA test that can find cousins on all of the test-taker's ancestral lines. The mtFull Sequence finds others who share the same matrilineal line—the line from the test-taker to his or her mother to her mother to her mother and so on back to mitochondrial Eve.
Contact Family Tree DNA for more info:
Happy Mother's Day!
We are excited to begin our 3-day Mother's Day Sale!
In honor of all of the Mothers around the world, we want to show our appreciation by celebrating this holiday with a special promotion on our Family Finder + mtFull Sequence (mtDNA) bundle – two genealogy DNA tests that focus on mom – for only $228!
Our Mother's Day Sale will continue through Sunday, May 8, 2016 (11:59 PM U.S. Central).
In the chart below, each person with an "m" and a pink shade inherited mtDNA from the mother of the woman labelled as number 2. Other colors indicate mtDNA inherited from women who married into the family. Determine who to test by starting with the focus woman of interest, then following the daughters to a living person. The living person can be male or female but must have a line of only females back to the focus person.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Mother's Day DNA Sale at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 6 May 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
21 April 2016
DNA Sales and Presentations for DNA Day Celebrations
Yes, there is an official National DNA Day! April 25th.
This year the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is presenting an online lecture on "Harry Potter and the Genetics of Wizarding." See more at https://www.genome.gov/10506367/national-dna-day/.
In Tyler, Texas, we will celebrate early on April 23 with an all-day DNA seminar to teach genealogists to begin analyzing DNA test results for evidence to apply to genealogical questions. See more at http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2016/04/hands-on-dna-workshop-april-23-tyler.html and http://etgs.org/meetings/etgsmtg04_a.html.
Both AncestryDNA and Family Tree DNA are offering sales on DNA test kits.
AncestryDNA is offering a $20 discount — $79 plus free shipping if you use the FREESHIPDNA code. Offer ends Tuesday, 26 April 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Testing at AncestryDNA allows easy comparisons between your public family tree on Ancestry, if you have one, and the public tree of your DNA matches, if they have a public tree. In-depth analysis of shared DNA segments will require the test results (the raw data file) be uploaded to a third-party tool such as GEDmatch.com. AncestryDNA does not provide the in-depth analysis tools most genetic genealogists need and want. AncestryDNA uses a saliva sample.
Family Tree DNA is offering a $20 discount — $79 for the autosomal DNA test called Family Finder PLUS discounts on most other Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. Offer ends Tuesday, 26 April 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The Family FInder test and AncestryDNA test are very similar, but only Family Tree DNA offers Y-DNA and mtDNA tests which can be done using the same DNA sample. Family Tree DNA uses a cheek swab which can be easier for some elderly relatives.
Testing at Family Tree DNA allows comparisons between your public family tree on Family Tree DNA, if you have one, and the public tree of your DNA matches, if they have a public tree. In-depth analysis of shared DNA segments can be done using the In-Common-With, Matrix, and chromosome browser tools provided by Family Tree DNA. In addition to using the company-provided tools, the raw data file can also be uploaded to a third-party tool such as GEDmatch.com. The shared segment data can be downloaded using third-party tools at DNAgedcom.com. That data can then be used in many other tools such as Genome Mate Pro and other Genetic Genealogy Tools.
Family Tree DNA's announcement includes this info and these prices for other DNA tests:
Let's celebrate DNA Day by adding thousands of test results to the databases!
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Sales and Presentations for DNA Day Celebrations," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 21 April 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
This year the U.S. National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is presenting an online lecture on "Harry Potter and the Genetics of Wizarding." See more at https://www.genome.gov/10506367/national-dna-day/.
In Tyler, Texas, we will celebrate early on April 23 with an all-day DNA seminar to teach genealogists to begin analyzing DNA test results for evidence to apply to genealogical questions. See more at http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2016/04/hands-on-dna-workshop-april-23-tyler.html and http://etgs.org/meetings/etgsmtg04_a.html.
Both AncestryDNA and Family Tree DNA are offering sales on DNA test kits.
AncestryDNA is offering a $20 discount — $79 plus free shipping if you use the FREESHIPDNA code. Offer ends Tuesday, 26 April 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Testing at AncestryDNA allows easy comparisons between your public family tree on Ancestry, if you have one, and the public tree of your DNA matches, if they have a public tree. In-depth analysis of shared DNA segments will require the test results (the raw data file) be uploaded to a third-party tool such as GEDmatch.com. AncestryDNA does not provide the in-depth analysis tools most genetic genealogists need and want. AncestryDNA uses a saliva sample.
Family Tree DNA is offering a $20 discount — $79 for the autosomal DNA test called Family Finder PLUS discounts on most other Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. Offer ends Tuesday, 26 April 2016 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
The Family FInder test and AncestryDNA test are very similar, but only Family Tree DNA offers Y-DNA and mtDNA tests which can be done using the same DNA sample. Family Tree DNA uses a cheek swab which can be easier for some elderly relatives.
Testing at Family Tree DNA allows comparisons between your public family tree on Family Tree DNA, if you have one, and the public tree of your DNA matches, if they have a public tree. In-depth analysis of shared DNA segments can be done using the In-Common-With, Matrix, and chromosome browser tools provided by Family Tree DNA. In addition to using the company-provided tools, the raw data file can also be uploaded to a third-party tool such as GEDmatch.com. The shared segment data can be downloaded using third-party tools at DNAgedcom.com. That data can then be used in many other tools such as Genome Mate Pro and other Genetic Genealogy Tools.
Family Tree DNA's announcement includes this info and these prices for other DNA tests:
The prices are below, and are valid on new tests and add-ons only. Discounts do not combine with existing group discounts. Upgrades will be discounted in June.
Product — Retail Pricing — Sale Price
Family Finder —$99— $79
mtFull Seq —$199— $149
Y37 —$169— $129
Y67 —$268— $199
Y111 —$359— $289
BigY —$575— $460
SNP Packs —$119— $109
mtDNA plus — Not on Sale
Let's celebrate DNA Day by adding thousands of test results to the databases!
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Sales and Presentations for DNA Day Celebrations," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 21 April 2016 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2016, Debbie Parker Wayne, Certified Genealogist®, All Rights Reserved
03 January 2015
Which DNA test should I take?
Which DNA test should I take? Is it worthwhile? What will I learn?
I see these and similar questions asked dozens of times a day on mail lists, forums, and social media sites. Some people recommend what worked for them, but what was "best" for us may not be best for the person asking today.
Chart of one person's number of Family Finder matches at Family Tree DNA over several years.
A DNA test is the genealogical resource that keeps on giving: as more people test you will get more matches. After taking a DNA test you need to periodically look at data for your new matches. You never know when the person whose DNA can solve your hardest genealogical problem will take a DNA test.
Knowing how DNA test results could contribute evidence to answer your genealogical question is critical to knowing which test to take and where. So here are some specific questions with the answer I would give today. As companies change their lab procedures, sequencing techniques, databases, tool offerings, customer service, and we learn more about DNA, these answers might change. As new companies are formed, these answers might change.
The three biggest genetic genealogy testing companies include Family Tree DNA, 23andMe, and AncestryDNA. For anthropological testing that may also be applied to genealogical research there is the National Geographic Genographic Project.
Many other companies also offer specialty testing and analysis services for those unable to do the analysis themselves. The "big three" will be the primary focus of this article. For the tests that are offered by all three companies, the base price of the tests is the same, although sale prices can provide significant savings. To find out about sales read the posts of genetic genealogists on blogs, Facebook, mail lists, and forums.
Debbie Parker Wayne, Partial Display of Mapped Chromosome Segments, 5 July 2014, created with Chromosome Mapping Tool by Kitty Cooper (http://kittymunson.com/dna/ChromosomeMapper.php : accessed 5 July 2014).
Is it worthwhile to take a DNA test for genealogy?
Is one company more economical than the others?
What will I learn?
What kinds of tests are offered for genetic genealogy?
What can you learn from a Y-DNA test?
What can you learn from an mtDNA test?
What can you learn from an atDNA test?
Which company should I test with ... if I am interested in testing myself and I have no specific goal in mind? I just think DNA testing is cool and I want to do it.
Does my ethnicity affect which company I should test with?
Will I learn about health related issues from a genetic genealogy test?
Which testing company is easiest? I don't have time to learn how to analyze DNA.
geralt, stress___burnout-231452_1280.jpg, "Burnout Man Psychology Rays Stress Hand Face Old," PixBay (http://pixabay.com/en/burnout-man-psychology-rays-stress-231452/ : accessed 16 July 2014), Public Domain CC0 license.
How do I learn to make effective and detailed use of DNA to answer genealogical questions?
Choosing a testing company when you can't afford to test at all three may be affected by the following considerations.
Is support via telephone an important consideration?
Are you testing an elderly relative who has trouble producing saliva?
The ways we use DNA and the tools we use will continue to advance and change over the coming years. We will all need to continue our education as those advances come.
** Disclaimer: I coordinate the "Practical Genetic Genealogy" courses offered at GRIP and the "Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy" course offered in 2015 at SLIG. Back in 2010 I started planning topics I thought should be offered in a week-long institute for genetic genealogists. I then searched for the best people to help teach the course and found CeCe Moore and Blaine Bettinger. We had similar ideas about what was needed to bring the genealogy and genetic genealogy communities together. CeCe and Blaine helped refine the session topics based on their experiences. In July 2014 our plans came to fruition with the first "Practical Genetic Genealogy" course offered at GRIP. More and more institutes and conferences are offering more advanced genetic genealogy education.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Which DNA test should I take?," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 3 January 2015 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2015, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
I see these and similar questions asked dozens of times a day on mail lists, forums, and social media sites. Some people recommend what worked for them, but what was "best" for us may not be best for the person asking today.
Chart of one person's number of Family Finder matches at Family Tree DNA over several years.
A DNA test is the genealogical resource that keeps on giving: as more people test you will get more matches. After taking a DNA test you need to periodically look at data for your new matches. You never know when the person whose DNA can solve your hardest genealogical problem will take a DNA test.
Knowing how DNA test results could contribute evidence to answer your genealogical question is critical to knowing which test to take and where. So here are some specific questions with the answer I would give today. As companies change their lab procedures, sequencing techniques, databases, tool offerings, customer service, and we learn more about DNA, these answers might change. As new companies are formed, these answers might change.
The three biggest genetic genealogy testing companies include Family Tree DNA, 23andMe, and AncestryDNA. For anthropological testing that may also be applied to genealogical research there is the National Geographic Genographic Project.
Many other companies also offer specialty testing and analysis services for those unable to do the analysis themselves. The "big three" will be the primary focus of this article. For the tests that are offered by all three companies, the base price of the tests is the same, although sale prices can provide significant savings. To find out about sales read the posts of genetic genealogists on blogs, Facebook, mail lists, and forums.
Debbie Parker Wayne, Partial Display of Mapped Chromosome Segments, 5 July 2014, created with Chromosome Mapping Tool by Kitty Cooper (http://kittymunson.com/dna/ChromosomeMapper.php : accessed 5 July 2014).
Is it worthwhile to take a DNA test for genealogy?
Yes, unequivocally for most of us.
For yourself, how much you will learn depends on how much effort you are willing to put in to learning how to use DNA evidence. For more information see Debbie Parker Wayne, "Disappointed in DNA test results?," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 16 September 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2013/09/disappointed-in-dna-test-results.html : accessed 3 January 2015). There are hundreds of blogs posts out there from dozens of genetic genealogists on how to use DNA test results.
For others, your DNA and family tree may provide the match needed to break down a long standing brick wall. Or for someone who has no knowledge of her biological parents to connect to family.
For the future, one of the best reasons to take a DNA test is to "bank" your DNA or the DNA of elderly relatives for future testing. As much as we know today about DNA, more will be known in the future. Our grandkids and great-grandkids may learn more from our DNA than we will be able to learn.
Today, Family Tree DNA advertises DNA samples will be stored to allow for testing in the future. Other companies may store leftover biological material, but they do not allow additional tests to be ordered at this time. No company can guarantee there will be enough stored material or viable DNA material for a particular test. But if the material is not stored and made available then there is NO chance of testing once a relative is deceased.
Is one company more economical than the others?
See Judy G. Russell, "2014: Most bang for DNA bucks," The Legal Genealogist blog, posted 6 April 2014 (http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2014/04/06/2014-most-bang-for-dna-bucks/ : accessed 3 January 2015).
What will I learn?
A DNA test will provide several types of information: a list of other people in the database of the testing company who have DNA that matches yours and values for the DNA markers tested. Depending on the type of DNA test the markers and values will vary. For some test types, the companies provide an ethnicity prediction based on comparison to the population database used by the testing company.
Notice use of the phrase "the testing company" above. This means you may get different lists of people with matching DNA at each company because different people tested at each company and different ethnicity predictions because each company uses a different population database. This is why testing at all three companies is recommended. More on test types, databases, and ethnicity predictions below.
What kinds of tests are offered for genetic genealogy?
Y-DNA tests have been offered for about fifteen years now. Only men have Y-DNA; Y-DNA is passed from father to son. You can only learn about the direct patrilineal line of the man tested, and Y-DNA can be traced back many generations.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) tests have also been offered for about fifteen years now. Both men and women have mtDNA; mtDNA is passed from mother to all children; only daughters pass mtDNA to the next generation. You can only learn about the direct matrilineal line of the person tested, and mtDNA can be traced back many generations.
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) tests have been widely available for over five years now. Both men and women have atDNA; atDNA is passed from both parents, they inherited it from both of their parents, and so on. You can learn about every line on the pedigree chart of the person tested, but atDNA can only be traced back easily and reliably a limited number of generations. As you go back more generations it generally gets more difficult to use atDNA for genealogical evidence.
What can you learn from a Y-DNA test?
See Debbie Parker Wayne, "Using Y-DNA for Genealogy," National Genealogical Society, NGS Magazine 40 (January-March 2014): 20-24; PDF online (http://debbiewayne.com/pubs/pub_NGSMag_201311_Y-DNA_ALL.pdf : accessed 3 January 2015).
What can you learn from an mtDNA test?
See Debbie Parker Wayne, "Using mitochondrial DNA for Genealogy," National Genealogical Society, NGS Magazine 39 (October-December 2013): 26-30; PDF online (http://debbiewayne.com/pubs/pub_NGSMag_201308_mtDNA_ALL.pdf : accessed 3 January 2015).
What can you learn from an atDNA test?
See Debbie Parker Wayne, "Using autosomal DNA for Genealogy," National Genealogical Society, NGS Magazine 40 (April-June 2014), 50-54; PDF online (http://debbiewayne.com/pubs/pub_NGSMag_201402_atDNA_ALL.pdf : accessed 3 January 2015)
and
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Using X-DNA for Genealogy," National Genealogical Society, NGS Magazine 40 (July-September 2014): 57-61; PDF online (http://debbiewayne.com/pubs/pub_NGSMag_201405_X-DNA_ALL.pdf : accessed 3 January 2015).
Which company should I test with ... if I am interested in testing myself and I have no specific goal in mind? I just think DNA testing is cool and I want to do it.
Take an autosomal DNA test with all three of the "big" genetic genealogy testing companies. If you also want to contribute to anthropological discoveries for the human race test at National Geographic Genographic Project.
This can be accomplished by ordering individual tests from each company or by testing separately at 23andMe and AncestryDNA then transferring results from AncestryDNA to Family Tree DNA. Family Tree DNA does the lab work for National Geographic so results from the Genographic Project can be transferred to the Family Tree DNA database then additional tests can be ordered using the same DNA sample provided for National Geographic.
The only test offered by three of the companies is primarily an autosomal test so you don't have to know a specific name for the test. Family Tree DNA offers other tests so you must order a "Family Finder" test to get the autosomal DNA test there.
Does my ethnicity affect which company I should test with?
It depends.
Some factors to consider include (statements based on my personal experience and statements made by other genetic genealogists that I trust, your experience may vary):
- African American ancestry: 23andMe actively recruited African and African American testers so have a significant number of testers in their database. AncestryDNA, by providing access to many family trees and documents, can make it easier to see patterns that can link slaveholders and ancestors who were held in slavery. Family Tree DNA uses a higher threshold that seems to result in fewer DNA matches for many African American researchers.
- American Colonial ancestry: AncestryDNA's database includes more testers with deep colonial American ancestry, but all of the testing companies cover many in this category.
- Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, and others where small populations intermarried: These intermarriages result in a lot of small shared DNA segments that confuse the algorithms into predicting a closer relationship between two testers. Family Tree DNA has a lot of expertise in this area for those with Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. AncestryDNA modified their match algorithm recently and may get better in this area. 23andMe limits the number of matches seen by a tester so some relatives may not be seen in the DNA match list.
- Native American: Where Native American ancestry is suspected on the direct patrilineal line a Y-DNA test gives conclusive results. Where Native American ancestry is suspected on the direct matrilineal line an mtDNA test gives conclusive results. Where Native American ancestry is suspected on other lines, an autosomal DNA may or may not provide evidence.
If the Native American ancestor is within five or so generations of a tester, it is likely to be detected. If it is more generations to the Native American ancestor, or random recombination of DNA resulted in the tester not having a detectable amount of DNA from that particular ancestor, Native American ancestry may not be detected even though it exists in the lineage. Testing other cousins in this line may result in detectable amounts of Native American DNA.
23andMe uses an algorithm that seems to detect small amounts of Native American DNA not reported by the other companies
- Old World lineage (not North or South American): Today, 23andMe and Family Tree DNA have more testers in their databases from outside of the Americas. AncestryDNA is about to offer testing outside of the USA so their database of testers from other locales may grow soon.
Will I learn about health related issues from a genetic genealogy test?
If you are interested in learning health related information, testing at 23andMe or AncestryDNA will provide more medically-significant markers. The data from the testing company can be analyzed by Promethease or other third-party tools. At some point in the future, 23andMe may again provide links to the medically significant information without the need for a third-party tool.
Which testing company is easiest? I don't have time to learn how to analyze DNA.
Testing at AncestryDNA may be the easiest for those who are not willing to invest time in learning how to use DNA results effectively for genealogical research. A public tree on Ancestry helps to get the most from a DNA test taken at Ancestry.
AncestryDNA does not provide the detailed segment data needed to make use of the most popular DNA analysis tools. Those who have tested at AncestryDNA and want to do detailed analysis must upload the raw DNA data to a third-party website (such as GEDmatch) or use third-party utilities (of which there are many). Comparisons can only be done with others who have also uploaded to the same site.
You can learn SO MUCH MORE from your DNA tests if you are willing to invest some time in learning how DNA answers genealogical questions. The image above labeled "Partial Display of Mapped Chromosome Segments" shows how some are mapping particular segments of chromosomes to specific ancestors using detailed DNA analysis and tools written by genetic genealogists with programming skills.
geralt, stress___burnout-231452_1280.jpg, "Burnout Man Psychology Rays Stress Hand Face Old," PixBay (http://pixabay.com/en/burnout-man-psychology-rays-stress-231452/ : accessed 16 July 2014), Public Domain CC0 license.
How do I learn to make effective and detailed use of DNA to answer genealogical questions?
- Learn about genetic genealogy and analysis techniques. Places for more information include:
- Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Reference Works," (http://debbiewayne.com/presentations/gatagacc_biblio.php : accessed 3 January 2015).
- ________, "Learning About Autosomal DNA for Genealogy," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 29 October 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/2013/10/learning-about-autosomal-dna-for.html : accessed 3 January 2015).
- ________, "Prep for Genetic Genealogy Training at Institutes," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 4 December 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed 3 January 2015).
- Kelly Wheaton, Beginner’s Guide to Genetic Genealogy (https://sites.google.com/site/wheatonsurname/beginners-guide-to-genetic-genealogy/ : accessed 3 January 2015).
- DNAadoption offers various online genetic genealogy classes (http://dnaadoption.com/index.php?page=online-classes : accessed 3 January 2015).
- Two sessions of "Practical Genetic Genealogy" will be offered at the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) in June and July 2015. **
- Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) will likely offer genetic genealogy courses at future institutes. The January 2015 courses are full. **
- Practice the techniques on your own family data.
Choosing a testing company when you can't afford to test at all three may be affected by the following considerations.
Is support via telephone an important consideration?
Both Family Tree DNA and AncestryDNA provide telephone support, but the knowledge level of the customer service representatives covers a wide spectrum. In my experience and anecdotally, Family Tree DNA excels in both telephone and e-mail support to customers, quickly getting more knowledgeable persons involved if the first rep contacted cannot answer a question.
23andMe offers support online and not via telephone. Their customer support representatives have a reputation for providing knowledgeable and useful answers.
Are you testing an elderly relative who has trouble producing saliva?
Family Tree DNA uses a cheek swab to obtain a DNA sample (the tester rubs the swab on the inside of the cheek, cheek cells collect on the cotton swab). This is easier for many elderly people. As a special request option, 23andMe offers a test kit that requires less saliva than the standard test.
The ways we use DNA and the tools we use will continue to advance and change over the coming years. We will all need to continue our education as those advances come.
** Disclaimer: I coordinate the "Practical Genetic Genealogy" courses offered at GRIP and the "Getting Started with Genetic Genealogy" course offered in 2015 at SLIG. Back in 2010 I started planning topics I thought should be offered in a week-long institute for genetic genealogists. I then searched for the best people to help teach the course and found CeCe Moore and Blaine Bettinger. We had similar ideas about what was needed to bring the genealogy and genetic genealogy communities together. CeCe and Blaine helped refine the session topics based on their experiences. In July 2014 our plans came to fruition with the first "Practical Genetic Genealogy" course offered at GRIP. More and more institutes and conferences are offering more advanced genetic genealogy education.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Which DNA test should I take?," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 3 January 2015 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2015, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
25 November 2014
Holiday Sales on DNA Tests at Family Tree DNA
Family Tree DNA just announced their holiday sale starting today. In addition to great prices, there is a Mystery Reward discount, changed each week, that can be applied on top of the sale price! The Mystery Reward is tied to an account and may vary between accounts. Here is the announcement:
Dear Group Administrators,
We're excited to announce the launch of our 2014 Holiday sale! The promotion will start on November 25 (it may not be live on the site yet if you're reading this before noon Central Time) and end on December 31st @ 11:59PM Central Time.
You'll find a full list of the sale prices below. And because we're in such a festive mood, we're adding a special treat to this year's great deals - Mystery Reward discounts! The Mystery Reward will be a randomized discount (up to $100 off) that can be applied on top of the already reduced Holiday Sale prices. Best of all, you’ll get a new Mystery Reward every week. You can use the discounts or share them with friends!
The Mystery Reward icon will appear on testers’ myFTDNA dashboard each week. Each code will expire the night before the next Mystery Reward appears. We’ll also send an email notification to the kit’s primary email address when a new code is available for use or sharing.
The Mystery Rewards include both product-specific and total-purchase discounts ranging from $5 - $100 (including one for $49 off a Family Finder!) and are randomly assigned to each kit. That means not everyone gets the same reward at the same time. When you open the Mystery Reward, you’ll see a code to be used at checkout, whether it’s on your own kit or someone else’s.
In addition, all customers who have purchased the Big Y test will receive a $50 off coupon for a Big Y test, good through Dec. 31st.
Note: Only one coupon can be used per purchase.
Finally, remember that the FTDNA offices are closed the Friday after Thanksgiving. If you call and leave a message, it’s critical that you speak clearly. Please be sure to leave your contact phone number and/or email address, and the group or kit number about which you’re calling. As always, if an attempt is made during the sale period to contact us about a purchase, we will honor the sale price - and in this case, the coupon price, too.
Thank you all for your support throughout the year, and happy holidays from the team at Family Tree DNA!
Family Tree DNA
1445 North Loop West, 820, Houston, TX, 77008
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Holiday Sales on DNA Tests at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 25 November 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
Dear Group Administrators,
We're excited to announce the launch of our 2014 Holiday sale! The promotion will start on November 25 (it may not be live on the site yet if you're reading this before noon Central Time) and end on December 31st @ 11:59PM Central Time.
You'll find a full list of the sale prices below. And because we're in such a festive mood, we're adding a special treat to this year's great deals - Mystery Reward discounts! The Mystery Reward will be a randomized discount (up to $100 off) that can be applied on top of the already reduced Holiday Sale prices. Best of all, you’ll get a new Mystery Reward every week. You can use the discounts or share them with friends!
The Mystery Reward icon will appear on testers’ myFTDNA dashboard each week. Each code will expire the night before the next Mystery Reward appears. We’ll also send an email notification to the kit’s primary email address when a new code is available for use or sharing.
The Mystery Rewards include both product-specific and total-purchase discounts ranging from $5 - $100 (including one for $49 off a Family Finder!) and are randomly assigned to each kit. That means not everyone gets the same reward at the same time. When you open the Mystery Reward, you’ll see a code to be used at checkout, whether it’s on your own kit or someone else’s.
In addition, all customers who have purchased the Big Y test will receive a $50 off coupon for a Big Y test, good through Dec. 31st.
Note: Only one coupon can be used per purchase.
Finally, remember that the FTDNA offices are closed the Friday after Thanksgiving. If you call and leave a message, it’s critical that you speak clearly. Please be sure to leave your contact phone number and/or email address, and the group or kit number about which you’re calling. As always, if an attempt is made during the sale period to contact us about a purchase, we will honor the sale price - and in this case, the coupon price, too.
Thank you all for your support throughout the year, and happy holidays from the team at Family Tree DNA!
Family Tree DNA
1445 North Loop West, 820, Houston, TX, 77008
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Holiday Sales on DNA Tests at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 25 November 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
25 April 2014
DNA Day 2014
Today is DNA Day—celebrating publication of the structure of DNA and the announcement of "completion" of the mapping of our DNA by the Human Genome Project.1
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Big things happening today include the updated Y-DNA Haplotree from Family Tree DNA. The tree is being expanded from 400 to over 1000 branches and will sport a new design interface. A free webinar today at noon Central Time (5pm UTC) will provide details on and demonstrate the new tree. Register for the live webinar at http://bit.ly/1dGbbbx or catch it later when it will be posted online at http://www.familytreedna.com/learn/ftdna/webinars/.
AncestryDNA is offering a $20 discount on their autosomal DNA test.
23andMe isn't advertising a sale today as they did a sale earlier this year. This is another good place for a DNA test for genealogical purposes.
Check the websites of other testing companies to see what they may be offering today. But if you are ordering an autosomal test for genealogical purposes be sure you are getting a test that includes 500,000 markers or more and not one of the lower resolution tests.
1. "DNA Day," WikiPedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_day : accessed 25 April 2014)
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Day 2014," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 25 April 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
All images created by and © 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
Big things happening today include the updated Y-DNA Haplotree from Family Tree DNA. The tree is being expanded from 400 to over 1000 branches and will sport a new design interface. A free webinar today at noon Central Time (5pm UTC) will provide details on and demonstrate the new tree. Register for the live webinar at http://bit.ly/1dGbbbx or catch it later when it will be posted online at http://www.familytreedna.com/learn/ftdna/webinars/.
AncestryDNA is offering a $20 discount on their autosomal DNA test.
23andMe isn't advertising a sale today as they did a sale earlier this year. This is another good place for a DNA test for genealogical purposes.
Check the websites of other testing companies to see what they may be offering today. But if you are ordering an autosomal test for genealogical purposes be sure you are getting a test that includes 500,000 markers or more and not one of the lower resolution tests.
1. "DNA Day," WikiPedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DNA_day : accessed 25 April 2014)
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Day 2014," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 25 April 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
All images created by and © 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
28 March 2014
mtDNA Test Sale at Family Tree DNA
For the next four days Family Tree DNA is offering reduced prices for mtDNA full sequence test orders and upgrades. Orders must be placed and paid for before 11:59 p.m. Central Time on 1 April 2014.
Sale Prices Are
mtDNAFullSequence Addon and New Kits - Now $139 US (Save $60)
mtHVR1toMEGA Upgrade - Now $99 US (Save $50)
mtHVR2toMEGA Upgrade - Now $89 US (Save $70)
The Full Sequence mtDNA test is the most comprehensive mtDNA test available and is only offered by Family Tree DNA. Order Now from Family Tree DNA.
We made the announcement this morning at the Forensic Genealogy Institute and several attendees immediately ordered the test after learning how to use the test results yesterday in the sessions I taught on "Forensic Techniques for Genetic Genealogy." I can't wait to hear what they learn from this test.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "mtDNA Test Sale at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 28 March 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
Sale Prices Are
mtDNAFullSequence Addon and New Kits - Now $139 US (Save $60)
mtHVR1toMEGA Upgrade - Now $99 US (Save $50)
mtHVR2toMEGA Upgrade - Now $89 US (Save $70)
The Full Sequence mtDNA test is the most comprehensive mtDNA test available and is only offered by Family Tree DNA. Order Now from Family Tree DNA.
We made the announcement this morning at the Forensic Genealogy Institute and several attendees immediately ordered the test after learning how to use the test results yesterday in the sessions I taught on "Forensic Techniques for Genetic Genealogy." I can't wait to hear what they learn from this test.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "mtDNA Test Sale at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 28 March 2014 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2014, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
13 November 2013
Family Tree DNA 2013 Holiday Sale
I'm way behind in posting about what I learned at the Family Tree DNA Project Administrator's Conference and the Texas State Genealogical Society Annual Conference. But I had to get the word out about the DNA sale going on right now.
Check out Family Tree DNA's list on their Facebook page (no login to facebook is needed to view the page) or visit the Family Tree DNA website or their products page.
Save up to $79 on Y-DNA tests.
Save up to $109 on mtDNA tests in combination with Y-DNA tests. It only costs $169 for the mtFullSequence which is the most likely mtDNA test to be useful for genealogical purposes. Only a few years ago this test cost more than $800. Now it is available at a price many of us can afford.
Save up to $109 on Family Finder tests in combination with Y-DNA or mtDNA tests.
For many of these orders, including a Family Finder test at the price of $99.99, you will also receive a $100 gift card for restaurant.com (no s after restaurant). This basically makes the test kit free. Believe it or not, even my small town restaurant offers a discount through restaurant.com. If you live in an urban area you may have more choices. If this isn't useful to you it could be given to others as a gift.
Take advantage of this great offer to order kits as holiday presents for those family members who have agreed to test. After seeing some of the presentations at the Family Tree DNA Project Administrator's Conference I really want to test more close family members and now can save money doing so.
Note added 13 Nov 2013 after initial post: The restaurant.com offer only applies to U.S. customers. It is not offered in other countries.
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
Check out Family Tree DNA's list on their Facebook page (no login to facebook is needed to view the page) or visit the Family Tree DNA website or their products page.
Save up to $79 on Y-DNA tests.
Save up to $109 on mtDNA tests in combination with Y-DNA tests. It only costs $169 for the mtFullSequence which is the most likely mtDNA test to be useful for genealogical purposes. Only a few years ago this test cost more than $800. Now it is available at a price many of us can afford.
Save up to $109 on Family Finder tests in combination with Y-DNA or mtDNA tests.
For many of these orders, including a Family Finder test at the price of $99.99, you will also receive a $100 gift card for restaurant.com (no s after restaurant). This basically makes the test kit free. Believe it or not, even my small town restaurant offers a discount through restaurant.com. If you live in an urban area you may have more choices. If this isn't useful to you it could be given to others as a gift.
Take advantage of this great offer to order kits as holiday presents for those family members who have agreed to test. After seeing some of the presentations at the Family Tree DNA Project Administrator's Conference I really want to test more close family members and now can save money doing so.
Note added 13 Nov 2013 after initial post: The restaurant.com offer only applies to U.S. customers. It is not offered in other countries.
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
18 September 2013
Why So Much Excitement about Ethnicity Predictions?
AncestryDNA made a recent announcement about updates to the ethnicity predictions available with their autosomal DNA (atDNA) test. The first sentence on their web page for ordering a DNA test is:
I caution people about putting too much faith in these ethnicity and regional predictions for two reasons that still apply even if new advances in our knowledge have been made recently.
For an interesting map showing how the boundaries of Europe have changed over the years take a look at this map (thanks to Debbie Kennett for sending the link to several DNA mail lists):
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=14d_13483626927
Now think about how those changes make it difficult to relate a segment of DNA to a particular country. I have to admit that I was surprised at the constantly changing European landscape even though I have always been interested in and constantly read about history. Anyone who does not understand human migrations, how those migrations don't really coincide with political boundaries, and how our DNA makeup is not a reflection of our entire pedigree due to random recombination, could have a difficult time understanding their ethnicity predictions based on DNA.
For more information on ethnicity predictions also known as Bio-Geographical Analysis (BGA) see:
Dr. Doug McDonald (the developer of one of the early programs for Bio-Geographical Analysis), "Doug McDonald on Biogeograpical Analysis," 9 September 2012 guest post, DNAeXplained – Genetic Genealogy blog of Roberta Estes (http://dna-explained.com/2012/09/09/doug-mcdonald-on-biogeograpical-analysis/).
For more information on the updated AncestryDNA ethnicity predictions see these articles and the links within them to other articles:
Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD, "AncestryDNA Launches New Ethnicity Estimate," 12 September 2013, The Genetic Genealogist (http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/2013/09/12/ancestrydna-launches-new-ethnicity-estimate/).
Debbie Kennett, "My updated ethnicity results from AncestryDNA - a British perspective," 17 September 2013, Cruwys news (http://cruwys.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-updated-ethnicity-results-from.html).
Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, "DNA disappointment," 15 September 2013, The Legal Genealogist, (http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2013/09/15/dna-disappointment/).
Randy Seaver, "First Look at my AncestryDNA Ethnicity Update - Post 2: More DNA Results," 13 September 2013, Genea-Musings, (http://www.geneamusings.com/2013/09/first-look-at-my-ancestrydna-ethnicity_13.html).
All URLs accessed 18 September 2013.
1. "One simple DNA test. A world of discoveries," AncestryDNA (http://ancestrydna.com/).
2. "Family Finder," Family Tree DNA (http://www.familytreedna.com/family-finder-compare.aspx).
3. "Your story begins as far back as you can imagine," Ancestry page, 23andMe (https://www.23andme.com/ancestry/).
4. Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD, "Q&A: Everyone Has Two Family Trees – A Genealogical Tree and a Genetic Tree," 10 October 2009, The Genetic Genealogist (http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/2009/11/10/qa-everyone-has-two-family-trees-a-genealogical-tree-and-a-genetic-tree/).
5. Haya El Nasser, "World population hits 7 billion," 31 October 2011, USA TODAY (http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-10-30/world-population-hits-seven-billion/51007670/1).
6. "Autosomal DNA testing comparison chart," ISOGG Wiki, International Society of Genetic Genealogists (http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_testing_comparison_chart); gives an estimate as of August 2013 of 640,000 people in the autosomal databases of 23andMe, Family Tree DNA, AncestryDNA, and National Geographic Genographic Project Geno 2.0.
7. pierre_mesyne, "abkebab's Map of Europe 1000 AD to present with timeline," LiveLeak (http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=14d_1348362692).
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Why So Much Excitement about Ethnicity Predictions?," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 18 September 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
Discover if you're part Scandinavian, West African, or maybe Native American.1The first sentence describing a Family Finder atDNA test at Family Tree DNA is:
NEW! Discover close relatives and your ethnic percentages with Family Finder!2At 23andMe you have to click on the Ancestry link at the top of the home page before you scroll down and see:
Find out what percent of your DNA comes from populations around the world, ranging from East Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe, and more. Break European ancestry down into distinct regions ...3
I caution people about putting too much faith in these ethnicity and regional predictions for two reasons that still apply even if new advances in our knowledge have been made recently.
- Because of DNA recombination you may not have detectable amounts of DNA representing all of the ethnicities or geographies you see in your full pedigree chart.
Blaine Bettinger described this well in a post several years ago titled, "Q&A: Everyone Has Two Family Trees – A Genealogical Tree and a Genetic Tree."4 While Blaine was answering a question about why a known cousin was not listed on a person's DNA match list, the answer is just as applicable to the question of why a person's predicted ethnicity percentages isn't reflected in the known pedigree of that person. Each of us inherits only one-half of the DNA of each parent. This also means about one-half of each parent's DNA is lost in each generation except where some bits are inherited by one offspring and not others. As we go back more generations we have inherited less DNA from those ancestors.
- The world population is about seven billion today.5 At most, a few hundred thousand people have taken genealogical DNA tests.6 This means that fewer than one/ten-thousandth of the world has been tested. That is a very small sample size.
As more people test we will learn more about accurate interpretation of the DNA data. We are still in the infancy of this new science. I highly encourage researchers to test so we can learn more faster. You will learn some interesting information about your DNA. But I caution against making life-altering decisions based on today's technology and knowledge level, even with the recent updates.
For an interesting map showing how the boundaries of Europe have changed over the years take a look at this map (thanks to Debbie Kennett for sending the link to several DNA mail lists):
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=14d_13483626927
Now think about how those changes make it difficult to relate a segment of DNA to a particular country. I have to admit that I was surprised at the constantly changing European landscape even though I have always been interested in and constantly read about history. Anyone who does not understand human migrations, how those migrations don't really coincide with political boundaries, and how our DNA makeup is not a reflection of our entire pedigree due to random recombination, could have a difficult time understanding their ethnicity predictions based on DNA.
For more information on ethnicity predictions also known as Bio-Geographical Analysis (BGA) see:
Dr. Doug McDonald (the developer of one of the early programs for Bio-Geographical Analysis), "Doug McDonald on Biogeograpical Analysis," 9 September 2012 guest post, DNAeXplained – Genetic Genealogy blog of Roberta Estes (http://dna-explained.com/2012/09/09/doug-mcdonald-on-biogeograpical-analysis/).
For more information on the updated AncestryDNA ethnicity predictions see these articles and the links within them to other articles:
Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD, "AncestryDNA Launches New Ethnicity Estimate," 12 September 2013, The Genetic Genealogist (http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/2013/09/12/ancestrydna-launches-new-ethnicity-estimate/).
Debbie Kennett, "My updated ethnicity results from AncestryDNA - a British perspective," 17 September 2013, Cruwys news (http://cruwys.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-updated-ethnicity-results-from.html).
Judy G. Russell, JD, CG, "DNA disappointment," 15 September 2013, The Legal Genealogist, (http://www.legalgenealogist.com/blog/2013/09/15/dna-disappointment/).
Randy Seaver, "First Look at my AncestryDNA Ethnicity Update - Post 2: More DNA Results," 13 September 2013, Genea-Musings, (http://www.geneamusings.com/2013/09/first-look-at-my-ancestrydna-ethnicity_13.html).
All URLs accessed 18 September 2013.
1. "One simple DNA test. A world of discoveries," AncestryDNA (http://ancestrydna.com/).
2. "Family Finder," Family Tree DNA (http://www.familytreedna.com/family-finder-compare.aspx).
3. "Your story begins as far back as you can imagine," Ancestry page, 23andMe (https://www.23andme.com/ancestry/).
4. Blaine Bettinger, PhD, JD, "Q&A: Everyone Has Two Family Trees – A Genealogical Tree and a Genetic Tree," 10 October 2009, The Genetic Genealogist (http://www.thegeneticgenealogist.com/2009/11/10/qa-everyone-has-two-family-trees-a-genealogical-tree-and-a-genetic-tree/).
5. Haya El Nasser, "World population hits 7 billion," 31 October 2011, USA TODAY (http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/world/story/2011-10-30/world-population-hits-seven-billion/51007670/1).
6. "Autosomal DNA testing comparison chart," ISOGG Wiki, International Society of Genetic Genealogists (http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_testing_comparison_chart); gives an estimate as of August 2013 of 640,000 people in the autosomal databases of 23andMe, Family Tree DNA, AncestryDNA, and National Geographic Genographic Project Geno 2.0.
7. pierre_mesyne, "abkebab's Map of Europe 1000 AD to present with timeline," LiveLeak (http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=14d_1348362692).
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Why So Much Excitement about Ethnicity Predictions?," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 18 September 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
07 September 2013
Free Genes vs. Patented Genes
I've always felt there is something inherently wrong with a company being able to patent genes.
No company "invented" a gene even if they isolated the gene in a lab, discovered the purpose of the gene or the piece of DNA that may switch that gene on or off, or found environmental factors that may affect the expression of that gene. Patenting a gene seems like the same thing as patenting a tree or a flower that grows naturally from the ground with no human intervention whatsoever. Even a unique genetic discovery made by a company isn't done in isolation. It is built on the research that has primarily been paid for by our tax dollars. "We the people" are the ones who should own the genetic data because it is a part of our bodies and we paid for the research to learn about those bodies.
On the other hand, I understand the need for a company to make a reasonable profit from a product they create that may "read" that gene in a person's DNA sample. If another company can make a similar product there is no reason the two companies should not compete for a share of the marketplace. Many companies sell the same kind of tree sapling and flower seeds or bulbs. Many companies sell the same medicine, like aspirin or ibuprofen. Many companies should be able to sell the same genetic test. I believe naturally occurring elements and common ideas or words should not be eligible for a patent, trademark, or service mark. Because the U.S. Patent Office doesn't seem to have enough employees knowledgeable about cutting-edge science and technologies some really dumb patents have been issued in recent decades, in my opinion.
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in ASSOCIATION FOR MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY ET AL. v. MYRIAD GENETICS, INC., ET AL held that a "naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated." The scientific community held this ruling to be a victory for women. After the Supreme Court ruling several companies, including the DNATraits division of Gene by Gene, started offering a test for breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Myriad Genetics has sued to prevent these companies from offering tests for these breast cancer genes.
One of the earliest genetic genealogy companies, Family Tree DNA, is a division of Gene by Gene LTD. The president of Family Tree DNA recently asked for help fighting against Myriad:
Anyone with family members who have suffered from or died because of breast cancer will understand how important it is to have an affordable test to find this killer disease as early as possible. I hope you support this effort to keep our genes free.
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
No company "invented" a gene even if they isolated the gene in a lab, discovered the purpose of the gene or the piece of DNA that may switch that gene on or off, or found environmental factors that may affect the expression of that gene. Patenting a gene seems like the same thing as patenting a tree or a flower that grows naturally from the ground with no human intervention whatsoever. Even a unique genetic discovery made by a company isn't done in isolation. It is built on the research that has primarily been paid for by our tax dollars. "We the people" are the ones who should own the genetic data because it is a part of our bodies and we paid for the research to learn about those bodies.
On the other hand, I understand the need for a company to make a reasonable profit from a product they create that may "read" that gene in a person's DNA sample. If another company can make a similar product there is no reason the two companies should not compete for a share of the marketplace. Many companies sell the same kind of tree sapling and flower seeds or bulbs. Many companies sell the same medicine, like aspirin or ibuprofen. Many companies should be able to sell the same genetic test. I believe naturally occurring elements and common ideas or words should not be eligible for a patent, trademark, or service mark. Because the U.S. Patent Office doesn't seem to have enough employees knowledgeable about cutting-edge science and technologies some really dumb patents have been issued in recent decades, in my opinion.
A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in ASSOCIATION FOR MOLECULAR PATHOLOGY ET AL. v. MYRIAD GENETICS, INC., ET AL held that a "naturally occurring DNA segment is a product of nature and not patent eligible merely because it has been isolated." The scientific community held this ruling to be a victory for women. After the Supreme Court ruling several companies, including the DNATraits division of Gene by Gene, started offering a test for breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Myriad Genetics has sued to prevent these companies from offering tests for these breast cancer genes.
One of the earliest genetic genealogy companies, Family Tree DNA, is a division of Gene by Gene LTD. The president of Family Tree DNA recently asked for help fighting against Myriad:
Hello,
It's rare that I send 'blast emails', but if there was ever a time in my life that called for a broad based blast, now is that time. I want to share with you an important campaign www.freemygenes.org that I have started, to raise awareness to an alarming situation.
About 10 weeks ago the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) decided that “isolated human genes cannot be patented.”
That same day our DNA testing company launched a breast cancer test that was far more affordable than previous offered tests. Our precedent-setting reduction in price meant that millions of Americans who previously could not get the test--because their insurance company wouldn't pay, or because they lacked insurance--now had access to a high quality test for breast cancer risk.
Myriad Genetics sued us and others for offering this test and although we are not looking for a fight, we are now forced to defend ourselves and feel morally obligated to bring the world a more affordable test. As a child of the 60s, I can tell you that if there ever was a fight worth fighting, this is it.
I urge you to visit our site: www.freemygenes.org and familiarize yourself with the situation as it has unfolded and I urge you to share this information with others. Our actions are based on two key points: genetic testing should be affordable and available to everyone; and test providers should share data to enable better tests for consumers.
To help us promote the effort we ask that you LIKE our page and update your FB profile picture to reflect our cause. Details are on the website.
I am humbled by the volunteers who have stepped forward to help us with this case so far, including the ACLU, AARP, and the Breast Cancer Action. Now it's your turn. Please do so as soon as you have the opportunity to get online. Thank you very much for your support.
Best Regards,
Bennett Greenspan
President
Family Tree DNA
www.familytreedna.com
"History Unearthed Daily"
Anyone with family members who have suffered from or died because of breast cancer will understand how important it is to have an affordable test to find this killer disease as early as possible. I hope you support this effort to keep our genes free.
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
23 July 2013
Crowdfunding for 'A00 and the Peoples of Cameroon' Research Project'
Some of the technical advancements in our modern world amaze me.
In my DNA presentations I talk about how citizen scientists are contributing in a big way to new discoveries in genetics due to genetic genealogy projects. Last year a scientific paper was published that named a citizen-scientist, a genetic genealogist named Bonnie Schrack, as one of the co-authors. "An African American Paternal Lineage Adds an Extremely Ancient Root to the Human Y Chromosome Phylogenetic Tree" was published in The American Journal of Human Genetics.1 When a member of Bonnie's DNA project did not match others in the project she investigated and got the Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) scientists involved. Long story short, new branches of the Y-DNA tree were discovered—the oldest branches of the Y-tree.
This is amazing because someone interested in his family history took a DNA test that revealed fascinating new information about the human family tree and a citizen-scientist made the initial discovery by comparing him to others in her project.
Now that citizen-scientist is using another modern technology, crowdfunding, to finance further testing to learn more about this new branch. In one day the project reached its initial goal. Don't let that prevent you from donating if you think this is as exciting as I do. Perhaps the project managers didn't have enough faith in the generosity of the genetic genealogy community to ask for all the money that will be needed for this project. They only asked for enough to get started so continued donations will be very much welcome and there will likely be later phases of fund raising as the project progresses. It costs a lot of money to travel around Cameroon to take DNA samples and pay for the kits.
Here is the announcement that Bonnie Schrack sent out earlier today on genetic genealogy mail lists (copied with permission, not cited as I saw it on a private list):
If you can't afford to donate right now, but find this a worthwhile projec,t maybe you can help with the next round of fund raising. Go citizen-scientists!
1. Fernando L. Mendez, Thomas Krahn, Bonnie Schrack, Astrid-Maria Krahn, Krishna R. Veeramah, August E. Woerner, Forka Leypey Mathew Fomine, Neil Bradman, Mark G. Thomas, Tatiana M. Karafet and Michael F. Hammer, "An African American Paternal Lineage Adds an Extremely Ancient Root to the Human Y Chromosome Phylogenetic Tree," The American Journal of Human Genetics 28 February 2013 (92:3):454-459; digital edition, doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.02.002 (http://www.cell.com/AJHG/abstract/S0002-9297(13)00073-6 : accessed 22 July 2013).
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Crowdfunding for 'A00 and the Peoples of Cameroon' Research Project'," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 22 July 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
In my DNA presentations I talk about how citizen scientists are contributing in a big way to new discoveries in genetics due to genetic genealogy projects. Last year a scientific paper was published that named a citizen-scientist, a genetic genealogist named Bonnie Schrack, as one of the co-authors. "An African American Paternal Lineage Adds an Extremely Ancient Root to the Human Y Chromosome Phylogenetic Tree" was published in The American Journal of Human Genetics.1 When a member of Bonnie's DNA project did not match others in the project she investigated and got the Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) scientists involved. Long story short, new branches of the Y-DNA tree were discovered—the oldest branches of the Y-tree.
This is amazing because someone interested in his family history took a DNA test that revealed fascinating new information about the human family tree and a citizen-scientist made the initial discovery by comparing him to others in her project.
Now that citizen-scientist is using another modern technology, crowdfunding, to finance further testing to learn more about this new branch. In one day the project reached its initial goal. Don't let that prevent you from donating if you think this is as exciting as I do. Perhaps the project managers didn't have enough faith in the generosity of the genetic genealogy community to ask for all the money that will be needed for this project. They only asked for enough to get started so continued donations will be very much welcome and there will likely be later phases of fund raising as the project progresses. It costs a lot of money to travel around Cameroon to take DNA samples and pay for the kits.
Here is the announcement that Bonnie Schrack sent out earlier today on genetic genealogy mail lists (copied with permission, not cited as I saw it on a private list):
Dear friends and fellow enthusiasts,
I have an exciting announcement to share with you. Until now, we as genetic genealogists and researchers of deep ancestry have always been dependent on the field research carried out by professional, academic population geneticists, whose priorities and interests have been different from ours. They were the only ones with access to the grant funding necessary to finance such projects.
It's a new day now—the times they are a-changin'. "Crowdfunding" is one of the hottest new developments in the online world, and with good reason. Now, we the people can launch all kinds of projects, and we can decide what we want to support with our own funds.
Today we go live with our crowdfunding page for the first grassroots, citizen science organized project to collect DNA samples in the field, in Cameroon! We're using the Microryza website, which is devoted to crowdfunding science research. Here's the link:
http://microryza.com/projects/y-dna-a00-and-the-peoples-of-cameroon-in-search-of-the-homeland
OR
http://bit.ly/13Z3et8
Many of you heard about our discovery of the A00 haplogroup, the world's earliest-branching Y-chromosome lineage. It was found in a WTY[Walk the Y Project] of the [surname deleted], an African-American family with an extremely unusual and unique haplotype, and then we found a few haplotypes matching them from members of two African ethnic groups, the Mbo and the Bangwa, who are neighbors in Southwest Cameroon. A few tiny bits of Mbo DNA were shared with Dr. Michael Hammer, and sequenced by his lab and Thomas Krahn at FTDNA. The SNPs confirmed that they belonged to the same haplogroup as the Perry family.
Calculations by Dr. Fernando Mendez, and others in our community, have placed the branching age of this lineage at anywhere from 200,000 to 338,000 years ago—at the dawn of modern humans' emergence, or before. And so little is known about it! How far does it extend from those few Mbo and Bangwa families, and can it be found in other peoples? Is A00 a remnant of the earliest, indigenous hunting and gathering peoples of Africa, and if so, when and where were they assimilated into other peoples, who are now settled farmers (though they still hunt)?
For the first time since A00 has been known to exist, a young Cameroonian scholar, Matthew Fomine Forka Leypey, a member of the Mbo ethnic group, will visit the villages known to harbor significant numbers of A00 members, sample there, and collect information on the families. How do we know which villages have A00? Because Matthew collected the original Mbo samples, and over 2000 other DNA samples from all over Cameroon, as part of his dissertation research! His data indicate that the Mbo and Bangwa are only two of a number of peoples who have A00 among them. About a dozen other ethnic groups include A00 members, including some Pygmies! Those samples, though, are no longer available to us.
Now it's time to gather our own samples. We have a series of five field trips planned, to gather samples of diverse peoples in Western, Southern and Eastern Cameroon. Our analysis will include some special areas of knowledge from Matthew's studies, such as how different peoples support themselves within forest and grasslands ecologies, and the effects of polygamy vs. monogamy in patterns of populations' Y-chromosome DNA.
In the past, it has always been thought necessary to make DNA donors anonymous when they participate in scientific studies. In this project, however, we'll be asking for the donors' names, for several reasons:
- We want to give them the possibility of receiving their test results, if they are interested
- We want there to be a future possibility of families who match them, such as African Americans, to know their matches, if they opt in
- We hope to gather a second sample (saliva) from one or more donors, in order to have a full Y genome sequence done
- We hope to correlate the haplogroups and haplotypes we find with families of different known histories, such as royal lineages, traditional religious office-holders, and those that are known to have had ancestors held as slaves by local rulers.
Of course, their names will not be made public except, should they decide to participate and future funding allows it, to their individual DNA matches.
This is a kind of research, combining genealogy with population genetics, that academics rarely undertake, but which has been occasionally done in papers such as this one by one of the co-authors of our last paper, Dr. Krishna Veeramah:
"Sex-Specific Genetic Data Support One of Two Alternative Versions of the Foundation of the Ruling Dynasty of the Nso in Cameroon"
We have four weeks to raise the $2500 needed to launch our first field trip in Cameroon. Our deadline is August 19th. Then Matthew will set out for the remote mountain villages where he was raised. We look forward to bringing you all along on this great adventure.
In addition, apart from the appeal for fieldwork support per se, we're looking for a few generous individuals who'll help us obtain a decent (can be used) laptop and a digital camera for Matthew, who's a very low-income grad student. We're also looking for a trustworthy person flying to Cameroon who can take these along, saving us the exorbitant shipping fees. Please write to me if you have any leads.
In the near future, the next fundraising campaign will ask for your support for the DNA extraction and the screening of our first set of samples for A00. Stay tuned! Please visit and "like" our page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/A00.Cameroon.Project
Looking forward to seeing you, with gratitude for your support,
Bonnie Schrack
If you can't afford to donate right now, but find this a worthwhile projec,t maybe you can help with the next round of fund raising. Go citizen-scientists!
1. Fernando L. Mendez, Thomas Krahn, Bonnie Schrack, Astrid-Maria Krahn, Krishna R. Veeramah, August E. Woerner, Forka Leypey Mathew Fomine, Neil Bradman, Mark G. Thomas, Tatiana M. Karafet and Michael F. Hammer, "An African American Paternal Lineage Adds an Extremely Ancient Root to the Human Y Chromosome Phylogenetic Tree," The American Journal of Human Genetics 28 February 2013 (92:3):454-459; digital edition, doi:10.1016/j.ajhg.2013.02.002 (http://www.cell.com/AJHG/abstract/S0002-9297(13)00073-6 : accessed 22 July 2013).
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Crowdfunding for 'A00 and the Peoples of Cameroon' Research Project'," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 22 July 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
22 July 2013
July 27, Free DNA Seminar at Houston's Clayton Library (Reminder)
Just a Reminder:
If you are in the Houston area this weekend please join me for a free all-day seminar on genetic genealogy at Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. These sessions will cover basic genetics for beginners and an introduction to analyzing your DNA test results. A detailed handout includes instructions that go beyond the steps we'll have time to cover in the seminar.
Registration will begin in the Carriage House shortly after the library opens at 10:00 a.m. The sessions include:
To register for the classes, please call 832-393-2600. All classes are free and open to the public, but space is limited.
Directions to the library can be found here.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "July 27, Free DNA Seminar at Houston's Clayton Library (Reminder)," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 22 July 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
If you are in the Houston area this weekend please join me for a free all-day seminar on genetic genealogy at Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research. These sessions will cover basic genetics for beginners and an introduction to analyzing your DNA test results. A detailed handout includes instructions that go beyond the steps we'll have time to cover in the seminar.
Registration will begin in the Carriage House shortly after the library opens at 10:00 a.m. The sessions include:
- 10:30-12:00 GATA GACC! DNA and Genetic Genealogy Today—Learn where we are today using DNA for genealogy. Maximize Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal DNA test results to contribute to genealogical research goals.
- break for lunch on your own
- 1:30-2:15 Going Nuclear: DNA Discoveries to Trace All Lines of Descent—Learn to link families using autosomal DNA test results from any testing company. Maximize impact on your genealogical research goals. Includes how to use test results such as those from 23andMe, Family Tree DNA, and AncestryDNA.
- 2:30-3:15 Paternal Lines: Using Y-DNA—Learn details of Y-DNA testing including how to analyze test results. Findings can corroborate your paper trail or place you on the right research path.
- 3:30-4:15 Maternal Lines: Using Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)—Understand mitochondrial DNA testing with an introduction to analysis of test results. Sample research problems demonstrate how mtDNA can be used by genealogists.
To register for the classes, please call 832-393-2600. All classes are free and open to the public, but space is limited.
Directions to the library can be found here.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "July 27, Free DNA Seminar at Houston's Clayton Library (Reminder)," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 22 July 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
28 June 2013
Family Tree DNA Sizzling Summer Sale
Family Tree DNA offered a Y-DNA upgrade sale for Father's Day and now they have great prices on new tests as part of their "Sizzling Summer Sale." Only $99 for Family Finder, the autosomal test. Only $288 for Family Finder and the full mitochondrial sequence. And much more. Here is the announcement:
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Family Tree DNA Sizzling Summer Sale," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 28 June 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
Summer is once again upon us and it is time for our Sizzling Summer event! Our successful summers over the last two years have led us to offer you great values again this year. So, let's work together to grow your projects and to grow our database.
We have been working with Illumina to offer our Family Finder autosomal test for only $99 during our summer event. In fact, if we receive enough orders at $99, Illumina may be able to help us keep it at this extremely low of rate of $99!
As you take advantage of our summer event, remember that the permanency of the $99 Family Finder test is actually in your hands!
Beginning on Thursday, June 27, 2013 and running until Friday, July 26, 2013, we will offer the following:
Family Finder was $289 Now $99
mtDNA Full Sequence was $289 Now $189
Y-DNA37 was $169 Now $129
Y-DNA67 was $268 Now $208
Y-DNA111 was $359 Now $308
Family Finder + Y-DNA37 was $368 Now $228
Family Finder + Y-DNA67 was $467 Now $307
Family Finder
+ mtDNAFullSequence was $398 Now $288
Comprehensive Genome
(Y-DNA67, FMS & FF) was $666 Now $496
REMEMBER: ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED AND PAID FOR BY 11:59pm CST, JULY 26, 2013, TO RECEIVE THESE SPECIAL PRICES.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "Family Tree DNA Sizzling Summer Sale," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 28 June 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
18 April 2013
DNA Day Sale at Family Tree DNA
Update: Family Tree DNA has extended this sale through 11:59p.m. April 25th.
Information on this sale just came in from Family Tree DNA:
Family Tree DNA
HISTORY UNEARTHED DAILY
We are pleased to announce our 2013 DNA DAY Promotion.
While the special pricing features all the major tests, we’re placing particular emphasis on the Full Mitochondrial Sequence and Family Finder. We’ll offer Y-DNA upgrades during a Father’s Day sale and will give you those details at that time.
By carefully choosing the sale options and limiting the length of the sale, we will be better able to focus our resources on processing the tests efficiently and avoiding delays in delivering results.
We are proud to announce we have successfully moved our mtDNA Full Sequencing line from Sanger DNA sequencing to what is called Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This gives us much greater capacity to process tests, to reduce costs without sacrificing quality, and to ensure shorter turnaround times.
We must run the entire sequence every time we process an mtDNA full sequence test, even for upgrades. However, in recognition of your prior investment- and National DNA Day – we’re offering our lowest price ever for the FMS and upgrades.
Rather than the 8-10 weeks first generation sequencing required, we expect results to be completed within 5-6 weeks. This does depend on the number of orders received though. If their DNA is already at our lab, those who order first may expect even shorter turnaround times.
For a limited time we will be selling the FMS for $189 and whether you’ve tested HVR1 or HVR1+2, you’ll be able to upgrade to the Full Sequence for just $129!
In addition, we are also lowering the Family Finder to $169 for this sale!
Here is the list of all tests under the promotion:
Full MtDNA Sequence: $189
Upgrades to FMS: $129
Y-DNA37 (new and add-on): $119
Y-DNA67 (new and add-on): $199
Y-DNA37 + Full MtDNA Sequence: $308
Y-DNA12 + FF: $218
Y-DNA37 + FF: $288
Y-DNA67 + FF: $368
Family Finder: $169
Family Finder + Full MtDNA Sequence: $358
SuperDNA: $388 (Y-67 + FMS)
Comprehensive DNA: $557 (Y-67 + FMS + FF)
The sale will begin tonight, April 18th, at 6PM CDT and will conclude at 11:59PM CDT on Monday April 22nd. All orders must be placed and paid for by the end of the sale to receive the promotional price.
There will be no need for a coupon - all prices will be automatically adjusted on the website.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
Bennett Greenspan
President
Family Tree DNA
LOW PRICES ON THESE AND MANY MORE
Full Mitochondrial Sequence: $189
Family Finder: $169
Y-DNA + Full Sequence: $358
All orders must be placed and paid for by 11:59PM on Monday April 22nd, to receive the promotional rate. As with all promotions, orders need to be placed by the end of the sale and payment must be made by end of this sale.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Day Sale at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 18 April 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
Information on this sale just came in from Family Tree DNA:
Family Tree DNA
HISTORY UNEARTHED DAILY
We are pleased to announce our 2013 DNA DAY Promotion.
While the special pricing features all the major tests, we’re placing particular emphasis on the Full Mitochondrial Sequence and Family Finder. We’ll offer Y-DNA upgrades during a Father’s Day sale and will give you those details at that time.
By carefully choosing the sale options and limiting the length of the sale, we will be better able to focus our resources on processing the tests efficiently and avoiding delays in delivering results.
We are proud to announce we have successfully moved our mtDNA Full Sequencing line from Sanger DNA sequencing to what is called Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). This gives us much greater capacity to process tests, to reduce costs without sacrificing quality, and to ensure shorter turnaround times.
We must run the entire sequence every time we process an mtDNA full sequence test, even for upgrades. However, in recognition of your prior investment- and National DNA Day – we’re offering our lowest price ever for the FMS and upgrades.
Rather than the 8-10 weeks first generation sequencing required, we expect results to be completed within 5-6 weeks. This does depend on the number of orders received though. If their DNA is already at our lab, those who order first may expect even shorter turnaround times.
For a limited time we will be selling the FMS for $189 and whether you’ve tested HVR1 or HVR1+2, you’ll be able to upgrade to the Full Sequence for just $129!
In addition, we are also lowering the Family Finder to $169 for this sale!
Here is the list of all tests under the promotion:
Full MtDNA Sequence: $189
Upgrades to FMS: $129
Y-DNA37 (new and add-on): $119
Y-DNA67 (new and add-on): $199
Y-DNA37 + Full MtDNA Sequence: $308
Y-DNA12 + FF: $218
Y-DNA37 + FF: $288
Y-DNA67 + FF: $368
Family Finder: $169
Family Finder + Full MtDNA Sequence: $358
SuperDNA: $388 (Y-67 + FMS)
Comprehensive DNA: $557 (Y-67 + FMS + FF)
The sale will begin tonight, April 18th, at 6PM CDT and will conclude at 11:59PM CDT on Monday April 22nd. All orders must be placed and paid for by the end of the sale to receive the promotional price.
There will be no need for a coupon - all prices will be automatically adjusted on the website.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT
Bennett Greenspan
President
Family Tree DNA
LOW PRICES ON THESE AND MANY MORE
Full Mitochondrial Sequence: $189
Family Finder: $169
Y-DNA + Full Sequence: $358
All orders must be placed and paid for by 11:59PM on Monday April 22nd, to receive the promotional rate. As with all promotions, orders need to be placed by the end of the sale and payment must be made by end of this sale.
To cite this blog post:
Debbie Parker Wayne, "DNA Day Sale at Family Tree DNA," Deb's Delvings Blog, posted 18 April 2013 (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/ : accessed [date]).
© 2013, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, CGL, All Rights Reserved
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