DNA Links

These links complement June’s DNA SIG online Zoom meeting.

• MyHeritage: Brand New Theories of Family Relativity – blog post from Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained (11 May 2020).
• Theory of Family Relativity – article from MyHeritage.
• GedMatch Tree Matching: YouTube video – from Family History Fanatics showing how easy it is to match gedcoms on GedMatch.
• 23andMe’s Premium Experience – blog post from 23andMe.

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Links for 16 May 2020

These links complement May’s DNA SIG online Zoom meeting.

• What do DNA Test Results Mean? – a DNA ethnicity article published in May 2020 issue of Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, written by Debbie Kennett. (Edited article published on the website 20 Apr 2020.)
• Version 4.0! March 2020 Update to the Shared cM Project! – the Shared cM Project is collected, collated, analyzed, and published by Blaine Bettinger (27 Mar 2020)
• DNA Painter: The Shared cM Project 4.0 tool v4 – the practical application of the Shared cM Project Version 4.0, implemented at DNA Painter by Jonny Perl.
• New lower pricing structure at FamilyTreeDNA – presented in her blog by Debbie Kennett (4 Jan 2020).
• Autosomal DNA Database Growth – analysis from Leah Larkin, publishing as The DNA Geek (17 Jan 2020).
• Ancestry’s COVID-19 Study.
• 23andMe’s COVID-19 Study.

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The genetic genealogy field is an emerging technology and a rapidly changing field. The very best way to keep current is through Internet articles and blog posts; traditionally published books simply cannot keep up. Even though this links list is long and daunting, I encourage you to start somewhere – anywhere! – and read as often and as widely as possible. New links are posted often, so please keep coming back. You are welcome here anytime, to select an article and curl up in your favorite armchair or window seat to read and absorb.

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Please select from a topic below, or simply scroll down to browse.

Getting Started

Tutorials and Basics

Vendor Focus

Third Party Tools

Intermediate and Advanced Techniques

Success Stories

Additional Resources

Note that the links below are all links to external sites and therefore will open in a new tab or window.

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Getting Started

Read This First

Judy Russell’s excellent blog post DNA Resolutions for 2016 does a great job of setting the correct expectations for DNA testing and how it can and cannot help with your genealogy. Please do read this first!

• DNA Resolutions for 2016: Starting the New Year off right – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 3 Jan 2016.

Just Beginning – Why DNA Test? and How to Choose a Vendor

If you are trying to choose a test, or a company, read these articles. Then, take a look at the Tutorials and Basics section, below.

• Why DNA Test? – genetic genealogist and blogger Roberta Estes gives her reasons; published 15 Sep 2013.
• Leaping into the Unknown – The Legal Genealogist Judy G. Russell answers the question “Why DNA test?” – published 5 Oct 2014.
• Before You Buy – published by ISOGG (International Society of Genetic Genealogists).
• Choosing a DNA Testing Company – published by ISOGG (International Society of Genetic Genealogists).
• Autosomal DNA 2015 – Which Test is the Best? – published 5 Feb 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• 2015: Most bang for the DNA buck – published 2 Feb 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• DNA Q&A: what test – published 7 Dec 2014 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

The Unexpected Result

Anyone considering submitting a DNA sample for genealogy purposes should be prepared for the unexpected result. Please read and carefully consider these articles.

• Ethics in a time of change: DNA rights and wrongs – published 6 Jan 2019 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Dealing with the Unexpected Result – from genetic genealogist Kelly Wheaton.
• The dark side of fairy tales – published 29 Jan 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Artificial Insemination Nightmare Revealed by DNA Test – published 7 Jan 2014 by CeCe Moore, Your Genetic Genealogist.

The story below is concerned with determining the proper heir to a hereditary title in the UK. Members of a family participated in a DNA test, but turned up unexpected results.

• Queen intervenes to settle title feud opening way to title pretenders – published by The Telegraph (UK) on 11 Oct 2015.
• Pringle of Stichill baronetcy battle won by accountant – published by BBC News on 20 Jun 2016.
• Accountant wins legal claim to baronetcy in ‘cuckoo in the nest’ case that could challenge the British class system – published by The Telegraph (UK) on 20 Jun 2016.
• Judicial Committee of the Privy Council – Read the actual text of the ruling from the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, 20 Jun 2016.

This news item tells of a very unusual unexpected result. The article describes three different cases of human chimerism – one male, two female.

• This Man Failed A Paternity Test Due To His Vanished Twin’s DNA – published by BuzzFeed in October 2015.

Legal Issues and Privacy

A selection of resources regarding privacy and legal issues.

First, some references:

• LESSON 13: Privacy, Paranoia, Patience & Persistence – from genetic genealogist Kelly Wheaton.
• Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) of 2008 – from the Library of Congress.
• More about GINA – from the Genetic Alliance.

Next, a couple of posts on the very important Terms and Conditions:

• 23andMe, Ancestry and Selling Your DNA Information – published 30 Dec 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Update in AncestryDNA research consent – published 21 Mar 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

Legal Issues and Privacy: Family Tree DNA, January 2019

The tail-end of January 2019 has brought some very big DNA news from Family Tree DNA. Those of you who have DNA tests for yourself or your family members at Family Tree DNA have a vested interest in this topic. If you have tested there, presumably you received the letter from Bennett Greenspan in your email. I strongly recommend that, in addition to reading Mr. Greenspan’s letter, that you read whatever you can find on this topic, and give some serious thought as to how you are going to handle your kits at Family Tree DNA. As always, each consumer must decide for his- or her-self what is best. I have provided some links below to get you started.

First, the article breaking ths story:

• One Of The Biggest At-Home DNA Testing Companies Is Working With The FBI – published by BuzzFeed on 31 Jan 2019.

Next, the press release from Family Tree DNA in response:

• PRESS RELEASE: CONNECTING FAMILIES AND SAVING LIVES published by Family Tree DNA on 1 Feb 2019.

Below are several blog posts on this topic from Judy Russell, The Legal Genealogist:

• Opening the DNA floodgates: FTDNA database now wide open to law enforcement – posted 1 Feb 2019.
• A letter from Bennett Greenspan – posted 3 Feb 2019.
• The logical fallacy: In response to FTDNA – posted 4 Feb 2019.

Leah Larkin, The DNA Geek also felt strongly enough about this to post on it:

• FTDNA Opens the Door to the Cops – posted 31 Jan 2019, updated 3 Feb 2019.

Legal Issues and Privacy: the Golden State Killer and DNA, April 2018

Although still part of “Legal Issues and Privacy,” this topic warrants its own section. Below, please find some posts on how DNA was used to find the alleged Golden State Killer. This news supersedes several of the posts below, in the “Archive” section.

The big DNA news in April 2018 was the arrest of a man suspected to be the “Golden State Killer.” Several jurisdictions have since brought additional charges against this man. Law enforcement used a DNA database we are all familiar with – GEDmatch – to assist them in their search. I have gathered here several blog posts from our most familiar bloggers, discussing this development. Within the posts are more links for additional reading. I strongly encourage you to educate yourself on this topic, which has huge ramifications for the future of genetic genealogy.

• GEDmatch, Ysearch and the Golden State Killer – published 30 Apr 2018 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
• The Golden State Killer and DNA – published 30 Apr 2018 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• The bull in the DNA china shop – published 29 Apr 2018 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

Legal Issues and Privacy, the Archive

These links are to posts which were written prior to the news of the “Golden State Killer and DNA.” These essays should be re-evaluated in light of this news. Next, some blog postings on privacy; most, but not all, from The Legal Genealogist:

• A genetic privacy gamechanger? – published 12 Mar 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Big Easy DNA: not so easy – Case shows limits of familial DNA – published 15 Mar 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Privacy, the police and DNA – published 8 Feb 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• The Worry about DNA privacy and GEDmatch – published 24 Sep 2014 by Kitty Cooper (be sure to also read the comments for the opposing position).
• Apples and oranges – published 7 Jul 2013 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• DNA privacy sky STILL not falling – published 4 Jun 2013 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Protection for genetic privacy – published 21 Apr 2013 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

 

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Tutorials and Basics

General Basics and Tutorials

Lessons for beginners and refreshers for all.

• DNA Testing for Genealogy – Getting Started, Part One – a 4-part series by Your Genetic Genealogist CeCe Moore, published on Geni.
• From DNA to Genetic Genealogy – a 2009 article on Y-DNA and mt-DNA from Steve Morse, creator of the One-Step Website.
• Genealogy Beyond the Y Chromosome: Autosomes Exposed – a 2012 article on at-DNA from Steve Morse, creator of the One-Step Website.
• Beginner’s Guide to Genetic Genealogy – a 16-part series from genetic genealogist Kelly Wheaton.
• DNA Testing Adviser – “A free information resource for adoptees, genealogists and others seeking biological roots” from author Richard Hill.

Tips, Tricks, Hacks, and Workarounds

• How to do an AncestryDNA test WITHOUT spit – published 17 Mar 2017, from Samantha Van Vleet, blogging as Another Teen Mom.

Y-DNA Basics

The Y-DNA test results will reflect the testee’s paternal line, from son, to father, to grandfather, etc. Only males can test. The most recent common ancestor of a Y-DNA match may have lived thousands of years ago.

• Y chromosome DNA tests – article from the ISOGG Wiki.
• DNA Testing for Genealogy – Getting Started, Part One – Part 1 of a 4-part series by Your Genetic Genealogist CeCe Moore, focused on Y-DNA.
• What Does and Doesn’t a Y DNA Match Mean? – published 4 Sep 2014 by genetic genealogist Roberta Estes.
• Y chromosome (Y-DNA) testing – portion of an article from Wikipedia.
• DNA Basics: Paternal Line – from Family Tree DNA.

Mitochondrial DNA Basics

The Mitochondrial DNA (mt-DNA) test results will reflect the testee’s maternal line, from child, to mother, to grandmother, etc. Both males and females can test. The most recent common ancestor of a mt-DNA match may have lived thousands of years ago.

• Mitochondrial DNA tests – article from the ISOGG Wiki.
• DNA Testing for Genealogy – Getting Started, Part Two – Part 2 of a 4-part series by Your Genetic Genealogist CeCe Moore, focused on mt-DNA.
• Mitochondrial DNA – article from Wikipedia.
• DNA Basics: Maternal Line – from Family Tree DNA.

Autosomal DNA Basics

The Autosomal DNA (at-DNA) test results will reflect all the testee’s ancestral lines; anyone can test. The most recent common ancestor of an at-DNA match will have lived within the genealogically recent past – a few hundred years ago.

• Autosomal DNA – article from the ISOGG Wiki.
• Finding father – published 30 Nov 2014 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; contains a description of all three tests, with a focus on autosomal.
• DNA Basics: Autosomal Tests – from Family Tree DNA.
• Autosomal DNA Testing 101 – What Now? – published 7 Aug 2015 by Roberta Estes at DNAeXplained.
• Autosomal DNA Testing 101 – Tips and Tricks for Contact Success – published 11 Aug 2015 by Roberta Estes at DNAeXplained.

Adoption & DNA

These sites are specifically designed for adoptees seeking their roots. Many of the techniques are adaptable to those who are not adoptees themselves, but have an adoptee or a brick wall in their ancestry. (Who among us doesn’t have a brick wall?) Be sure to also see the Success Stories

section below; several of those success stories deal with adoptees and their searches.

• DNAadoption.com – Created by Rob Warthen, DNAadoption.com provides techniques and references for the DNA/Adoption search. Works in conjunction with DNAGedcom.com (listed below under Third-Party Tools) which supplies the tools.
• DNA Adoption, a discussion group – this Yahoo! Group is restricted, which simply means you must request to join with a brief discussion of your reasons for joining.
• Adoption DNA Tools, a discussion group – this Yahoo! Group is also restricted, therefore your membership request must be approved.
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/DNADetectives/ – The DNA Detectives, a Facebook Group for those seeking unknown parents. To participate in this group, you will need to join via your Facebook account.

 

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Vendor Focus

This section was originally created to support our discussion sessions during April, May, and June 2015, when each month was focused on one vendor, and on autosomal DNA only. However, this section has been updated and kept current since then. Below you will find groups of links detailing how each vendor delivers autosomal DNA test results. Please be sure to also review the links above under “Just Beginning” – several offer reviews of each company. Links which are already included elsewhere on this page may not be repeated here.

Family Tree DNA

Family Tree DNA was the first company to offer direct-to-consumer DNA testing, in March 2000. They are also the only company to currently offer Y-DNA and Mitochondrial DNA testing, in addition to Autosomal DNA testing. “Family Finder” is the autosomal DNA test from Family Tree DNA. Because pricing changes over time, and sales are sometimes offered, please check their website for current pricing.

Below are several links detailing how Family Tree DNA delivers autosomal DNA test results (aka Family Finder). These links are listed in chronological order, which is also roughly from basics to more advanced. Be sure to see the recent developments (May 2016) detailed at the end of the list.

• Family Tree DNA Family Finder Basics – published by Kitty Cooper.
• Family Tree DNA Surpasses the Million Test Mark – published 12 Jun 2014 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• MyOrigins name changes make better sense – published 21 Jun 2014 by Kitty Cooper.
• Tenth Annual Family Tree DNA Conference Wrapup – published 15 Oct 2014 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Just One Cousin – published 11 Jan 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Help System at Family Tree DNA Updated Today – published 1 Apr 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Family Tree DNA Review: GEDCOM Search Tool Added! – published 11 May 2015 by Lisa Louise Cooke of Genealogy Gems.

In May of 2016, Family Tree DNA announced two “behind the scenes” changes which will be of interest to genetic genealogists. Several bloggers posted about these announcements; only a few will be shown here, but they link to the rest, so you can read all the blog posts on this topic by following the links.

• Family Tree DNA Updates Match Thresholds
  • Family Tree DNA Updates Matching Thresholds – published 24 May 2016 by Blaine Bettinger, the Genetic Genealogist.
  • New match thresholds for Family Tree DNA’s Family Finder test – published 24 May 2016 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
  • Updated Threshold Values for Family Finder – published 26 May 2016 by Debbie Parker Wayne of Deb’s Delvings in Genealogy and Wayne Research.
  • Family Finder Update Comparative Results – published 26 May 2016 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Family Tree DNA Updates mtDNA Algorithm
  • mtDNA Match Fix for Genetic Distance at Family Tree DNA – published 26 May 2016 by Debbie Parker Wayne of Deb’s Delvings in Genealogy and Wayne Research.

In February of 2017, Family Tree DNA announced that they would resume accepting transfers of results from AncestryDNA and from 23andMe. The transfer itself is free; there is a fee of $19 to unlock some features. Here are some posts from genetic genealogy bloggers about the transfers.

• The floodgates open! – published 19 Feb 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

AncestryDNA

AncestryDNA began offering direct-to-consumer DNA testing in May 2012. They currently offer an autosomal DNA test. Because pricing changes over time, and sales are sometimes offered, please check their website for current pricing.

Unique to AncestryDNA is that an Ancestry subscription is required to access many, although not all, of the DNA features. See the link below for Ancestry’s description of what is available with and without a subscription. They do offer a special subscription just for DNA customers, called “Insights.” It is not advertised and users must call AncestryDNA to obtain this subscription, for $49/year.

• AncestryDNA with and without an Ancestry Subscription – published by Ancestry.com and last updated 23 Mar 2017.

AncestryDNA has reported a database of more than six million autosomal testers as of November 2017. They had earlier reported the following: five million as of August 2017; four million as of April 2017; and three million as of January 2017.

• DNA Databases Continue to Grow Rapidly – published 10 Nov 2017 by Leah Larkin, Ph.D., blogging as the DNA Geek.
• AncestryDNA hits the five million milestone – published 8 Aug 2017 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.

Below are several links detailing how AncestryDNA delivers DNA test results. AncestryDNA has rolled out several updates and features over recent years. In late 2014, new matching algorithms were deployed behind the scenes; in November 2014, DNA Circles were implemented; in April 2015, New Ancestor Discoveries were introduced; in August 2015, Shared Matches made their appearance; and in November 2015, the Amount of Shared DNA quietly appeared. In May 2016, new matching algorithms were again implemented, and they modified their autosomal DNA chip. Most recently, in March 2017, AncestryDNA introduced Genetic Communities. The links below are listed in rough chronological order, and grouped by topic.

• Getting Started With AncestryDNA
  • Lauren Treasure and Getting Started with DNA – published 16 Aug 2016 by The Ancestry Insider.
• Getting the Most Out of AncestryDNA
  • Getting the Most Out of AncestryDNA (includes DNA Circles) – published 2 Feb 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• More About Ancestry’s DNA Circles
  • In Anticipation of Ancestry’s Better Mousetrap – published 18 Nov 2014 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • Ancestry’s Better Mousetrap – DNA Circles – published 19 Nov 2014 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • Secondary Genealogical and Genetic Lines – published 29 Jan 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • Squaring the Circle – published 29 Mar 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Introducing Ancestry’s New Ancestor Discoveries (NADs for short!)
  • AncestryDNA Has Now Thoroughly Lost Its Mind – published 2 Apr 2015 by blogger and genealogist Elizabeth Ballard.
  • Ancestry Gave Me A New DNA Ancestor – And It’s Wrong – published 3 Apr 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • Still Waiting for the Holy Grail – published 5 Apr 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
  • Testing Ancestry’s Amazing “New Ancestor” DNA Claim – published 7 Apr 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Ancestry: DNA Circles and NADs
  • Circling the DNA clues: What Circles and NADs do, and don’t, tell us – published 7 Aug 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
  • Following up: oh those circles! – published 8 Aug 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• How to Use AncestryDNA and Stay Sane
  • How to Use AncestryDNA and Stay Sane – published 8 Apr 2015 by blogger and genealogist Elizabeth Ballard.
• Shared Matches at AncestryDNA
  • See Your DNA Matches in a Whole New Way – published 26 Aug 2015 on the Ancestry Blog.
  • Finally! A really useful tool for AncestryDNA – published 27 Aug 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
  • AncestryDNA Announces New IN COMMON WITH Tool – published 28 Aug 2015 by Blaine Bettinger, the Genetic Genealogist.
  • Ancestry Shared Matches Combined With New Ancestor Discoveries – published 28 Aug 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• AncestryDNA “Amount of Shared DNA”
  • Ancestry’s New “Amount of Shared DNA” – What Does It Really Mean? – published 6 Nov 2015 by by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • The winds of change: Good news, bad news, mixed news – published 8 Nov 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
  • Behind The New AncestryDNA Feature: Amount of Shared DNA – published by Ancestry.com and last updated 6 Jan 2016.
• May 2016 – AncestryDNA Matching Algorithm Update
  • AncestryDNA’s updated matching algorithms – a before and after analysis – published 6 May 2016 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
  • Ancestry Update – A More In Depth Look – Losses and Gains – published 4 May 2016 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained. (See also Roberta’s two previous posts, both on 3 May 2016.)
• May & June 2016 – AncestryDNA Modifies Their Autosomal DNA Chip
  • Ancestry Modifies Their Autosomal DNA Chip – published 15 May 2016 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • AncestryDNA are to use a new chip for their autosomal DNA test – published 17 May 2016 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
  • AncestryDNA Begins Using New Microchip – published 1 Jun 2016 by The Ancestry Insider.
• March 2017 – AncestryDNA Introduces Genetic CommunitiesAncestryDNA has released its Genetic Communities feature in beta as of 28 March 2017. (The meaning of “beta” is unclear, since Ancestry’s “New Ancestor Discoveries” is still noted as being in “beta,” even though it was rolled out in April 2015, two years ago.) Here is what some bloggers have to say about Ancestry’s Genetic Communities:
  • Genetic Communities Are Here! – published 27 Mar 2017 by Leah Larkin, blogging as The DNA Geek.
  • AncestryDNA’s new Genetic Communities have arrived – published 28 Mar 2017 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
  • AncestryDNA’s Genetic Communities are Finally Here! – published 28 Mar 2017 by Blaine Bettinger, blogging as The Genetic Genealogist.
  • Genetic Communities – published 28 Mar 2017 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • More About Genetic Communities and Display Problem Hints – published 28 Mar 2017 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • Genetic Communities at Ancestry are live – published 29 Mar 2017 by Kitty Cooper.
• August 2017 – AncestryDNA changes procedure for multiple kitsAncestryDNA has changed their process for when one person is administering multiple DNA kits. Read more about it in this post from Ancestry, here:
  • Enhancing Collaboration and Roles on DNA Results – posted by Anna Swayne on 13 Jul 2017.
• November & December 2017 – AncestryDNA changes privacy settings and updates Terms of ServiceRead more about the changes in these posts from Judy Russell, here:
  • Sometimes it gets it right – published 5 Nov 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
  • Ancestry updates terms of services – published 5 Dec 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

23andMe

23andMe began offering direct-to-consumer DNA testing in November 2007. They currently offer an autosomal DNA test. Because pricing changes over time, and sales are sometimes offered, please check their website for current pricing.

23andMe has reported a database of more than three million autosomal testers as of November 2017.

• 23andMe passes three million milestone – published 8 Nov 2017 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.

The 23andMe website has been in a state of transition since November 2015, and is still in transition as of this writing (January 2017). The collected material posted below is in chronological order. Although all the material is applicable, it is not all applicable to everyone. Some customers are on the “old experience,” while others are on the “new experience,” and the tools are different for each.

May 2015 – Below are several links detailing how 23andMe delivers DNA test results. At this time (May 2015), the 23andMe website has been largely unchanged since about mid-2013, so you won’t see a flurry of recent blog postings, but the ones that you do see are still relevant. The most recent change was October 2014, when 23andMe partnered with MyHeritage to host their customers’ family trees. These links are listed in chronological order, which is also roughly from basics to more advanced.

• The Basics at 23andMe – published 7 Apr 2013 by Kitty Cooper, and kept current.
• Navigating 23andMe for Genealogy – published 7 Jun 2013 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• What Does “Sharing Genomes” at 23andMe Mean? – published 31 Mar 2014 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• MyHeritage Partners with 23andMe – published 21 Oct 2014 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Hide and Seek at 23andMe, DNA Relatives Consent, Opt-In, Opt-Out and Close Relatives – published 25 Oct 2014 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Why Autosomal Response Rate REALLY DOES Matter – published 24 Feb 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.

November 2015 – Big changes are coming to 23andMe! 23andMe announced in late October that they will be implementing a “new experience.” On November 12, they made some changes to the existing “experience” in preparation; however, the majority of the changes are still in the future. Existing users will be transitioned to the “new experience” in phases; precise dates have not been announced. It may be as soon as November and December for some; for others, sometime in 2016 is expected. Below are some blog posts and forum posts with such information as is currently available.

• The New 23andMe – from Customer Care at 23andMe.
• 23andMe to Get a Makeover After Agreement with FDA – published 21 Oct 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• The changes at 23andMe: A mixed bag for genealogy – published 25 Oct 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Initial report on the new 23andme for the advanced user – published 23 Nov 2015 by Kitty Cooper.

December 2015 – Big changes have arrived at 23andMe! As some users are transitioning to the “new experience,” it is becoming clear that the changes so far at 23andMe are drastic. So drastic that some prominent bloggers have decided to temporarily suspend their recommendation of 23andMe; see their posts below. Also, be aware that the price (for new kits) has doubled and is now $199 plus shipping. The $199 is a purchase price and there is no additional subscription price.

• Heads Up about the 23andMe Meltdown – published 4 Dec 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Now… and not now: The problems at 23andMe – published 6 Dec 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

June 2016 – The price for a 23andMe DNA kit remains at $199. They have announced that additional users will be transitioning to the “new experience” soon, perhaps as soon as August 2016. (It is unknown how many users have already been transitioned; also unknown is the timeline for transitioning all remaining users.) 23andMe have also announced a new “in common with” feature that is only available to those on the “new experience.” Collected here are some blog posts detailing what is known so far, and discussing the updates of June 2016.

• New IN COMMON WITH tool at 23andMe – published 26 May 2016 by TL Dixon on his Roots and Recombinant DNA blog.
• A Triangulation Feature on the New 23andme – published 26 May 2016 by Kitty Cooper.
• Instructions for 23andMe Users Still on “Old Experience” – published 27 May 2016 by Roberta Estes at DNAeXplained.
• Get ready for 23andMe change – published 29 May 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

August 2016 – It appears that a large number of U.S. customers has been transitioned to the “new experience.” International customers remain on the “old experience.” (This still appears to be the case in January 2017.)

September 2016 – 23andMe annouces a new pricing structure, with a $99 “Ancestry Service” and a $199 “Health and Ancestry Service.” This applies to the U.S.; pricing outside the U.S. varies.

October 2016 – 23andMe announces that their “partnership with MyHeritage has come to an end.” Since 23andMe terminated their previous in-house trees in October 2014, when they announced the Partnership with My Heritage, this leaves their customers with no tree functionality at 23andMe.

• Family Tree Update – published 11 Oct 2016 by 23andMe on the Old Experience Forums (users will need to be logged in to read this).

December 2016 – 23andMe announces Ancestry Composition chromosome segment information.

• 23andMe’s New Ancestry Composition (Ethnicity) Chromosome Segments – published 23 Dec 2016 by Roberta Estes at DNAeXplained.

February & March 2017 – It appears that a many, but not all, international customers have been transitioned to the “new experience.”

• Transition update – February, 2017 – published 14 Feb 2017 by 23andMe on the Old Experience Forums (users will need to be logged in to read this).

Judy Russell explains details about the 23andMe Class Action settlement in the post below.

• The 23andMe class action – – published 24 Sep 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

MyHeritage and Geni

MyHeritage began offering direct-to-consumer DNA testing in June 2016. They currently offer an autosomal DNA test. Because pricing changes over time, and sales are sometimes offered, please check their website for current pricing.

MyHeritageDNA updates in January 2018: It looks like the big news for this month are the updates to MyHeritage. See what some popular bloggers have to say about it all.

• A chromosome browser and a new matching algorithm at MyHeritage – published 14 Jan 2018 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
• Big steps forward at MyHeritageDNA – published 14 Jan 2018 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Contacting DNA Matches is Now Free on MyHeritage – published 30 Jan 2018 by Dick Eastman, at Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter (this newsletter is sponsored by MyHeritage).

MyHeritage DNA has reported a database of 670,000 autosomal testers as of November 2017.

CeCe Moore has written a blog post presenting her position that MyHeritage DNA is the “fourth pond.” It is well worth a read, and contains several success stories specific to MyHeritage DNA. CeCe has also written a subsequent post about unexpected discrepanices at MyHeritage DNA. Please read both posts, including comments, before making a decision on MyHeritage DNA.

• The Fourth Pond: MyHeritage DNA – published 18 Apr 2017 by CeCe Moore, Your Genetic Genealogist.
• Discrepancies with Amount of Shared DNA for Close Family Matches at MyHeritage – published 11 Nov 2017 by CeCe Moore, Your Genetic Genealogist.

MyHeritage and Geni are also genealogy vendors in their own right. Although you can purchase DNA test from MyHeritage, you can also transfer results from other vendors to your account at MyHeritage. Or, you can incorporate your DNA results into your tree at MyHeritage or Geni. These two genealogy sites are related companies under the same corporate umbrella, but are largely managed independently of each other. In June 2016, both began to offer DNA capabilities along with their previous offerings.

• MyHeritage DNA matching & terms of use – published 22 May 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• MyHeritage DNA terms changed – published 27 May 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Family Tree DNA Partners with Geni.com – published 1 Jul 2016 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• The new DNA feature at GENI – published 2 July 2016 by Kitty Cooper.
• A series of three related articles on the new DNA capabilities at MyHeritage and Geni, all posted by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
  • Who’s on first? – published 3 Jul 2016.
  • MyHeritage and Geni: Part I – published 5 Jul 2016.
  • MyHeritage and Geni: Part II – published 6 Jul 2016.
• Two related articles on the new DNA capabilities at MyHeritage, posted by Dick Eastman, at Eastman’s Online Genealogy Newsletter.
  • MyHeritage Launches Global DNA Testing Service for Uncovering Ethnic Origins and Making New Family Connections – published 7 Nov 2016.
  • Update: More Information About the new Announcement of MyHeritage DNA – published 9 Nov 2016.

Living DNA

Living DNA is a British-based company offering an admisture test based on the “People of the British Isles” study. They do not currently offer matching, although they state that they plan to do so in the future.

• The New Living DNA Test: A Review of My Results – published 16 Feb 2017 by CeCe Moore, Your Genetic Genealogist.
• First look: LivingDNA terms of use – published 30 Apr 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Beware – LivingDNA Requires Customer to Indemnify Company to Download Raw Data – published 14 Jun 2017 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• LivingDNA Replaces Download Terms – published 15 Jun 2017 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.

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Third Party Tools

List of Third-Party Tools

When you want more analysis than is provided by the consumer websites, take a look at these software tools developed by fellow citizen scientists and genetic genealogists.

• GEDmatch.com – This site has a variety of tools; some are free and some are fee-based. Please see the expanded links section below. GEDmatch.com was created by Curtis Rogers and John Olson; as of December 2019 GEDmatch.com is owned by Verogen, Inc.
• DNAgedcom.com – This site has a variety of tools; some are free and some are fee-based. Please see the expanded links section below. DNAgedcom.com was created by Rob Warthen.
• Double Match Triangulator – This site offers the Double Match Triangulator software for download and installation. “It combines two or more different people’s Chromosome Browser Results (CBR) files from FamilyTreeDNA to provide Double Match and Triangulation data that can be used to help determine genealogical relationships.” Developed by Louis Kessler. More about the Double Match Triangulator below:
  • And more DNA doings – published 27 Nov 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• YourDNA.family – Presenting “Next generation tools for DNA genealogy;” this site is currently in closed beta (January 2020). You can sign up to be notified of updates by email. Developed by Andreas West.
• Utilities by David Pike – This site has a variety of tools, described as: “… utilities for processing unzipped autosomal files from Family Tree DNA and/or 23andMe” – developed by David Pike.
• MorleyDNA.com Y-SNP Subclade Predictor – Developed by Chris Morley.
• Genome Mate Pro – This site offers the Genome Mate Pro software for download and installation. “Genome Mate is a desktop tool used to organize in one place the data collected while researching DNA comparisons. Besides data storage it has many features to aid in identifying common ancestors.” Developed by Rebecca Walker.
• mtDNA Haplogroup Analysis – a web-based mitochondrial analysis tool developed and maintained by James Lick. Use the tool to further refine your mitochondrial haplogroup assignment from 23andMe.
• The Triangulator – released in October 2017, the functionality was turned off in November 2017 due to privacy concerns from FamilyTreeDNA. The link will remain for reference purposes, and in case the tools regains functionality. The Triangulator was developed by Goran Runfeldt.

Chrome Extensions

• DNArboretum – a Chrome extension by neanderling, this tool works on Family Tree DNA trees and 23andMe “old-style” trees. This extension is a free download from the Chrome Web Store.
  • DNArboretum: A Great Free Google Chrome Extension for Viewing Trees on 23andMe (Old-Style Trees) and FTDNA – published 4 Sep 2015 by Sue Griffith, the Genealogy Junkie.

Defunct Chrome Extensions

• AncestryDNA Helper, also referred to as the “Snavely Tool.”
• 529andYou, by neanderling; devlopment halted about January 2020.

GEDmatch.com

GEDmatch.com is a third-party tools website which hosts multiple tools; some are free and some are fee-based. The fee-based tools are referred to as “Tier 1” tools. Registration is required for all tools.

• GEDmatch.com
  • GEDmatch.com – direct link to GEDmatch.com.
• Additional reading to round out your knowledge of GEDmatch.com
  • Updated look at GedMatch – published 26 Mar 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
  • GEDmatch tools 2016 – published 29 Jun 2016 by Kitty Cooper.
  • Why Upload to GEDmatch or FTDNA? – posted 11 Jun 2015 by genealogist Jim Bartlett on his Segmentology blog.
  • Using GEDmatch to see where you match – posted 3 Oct 2014 by Kitty Cooper.
  • A video on GEDmatch basics from Angie Bush – posted 15 Apr 2015 on Kitty Cooper’s blog; video by Angie Bush.
  • Using the GEDCOM capabilities at GEDmatch.com – posted 26 Apr 2015 by Kitty Cooper.
  • A Study Utilizing Small Segment Matching –a case study utilizing GEDmatch (among other tools) from Roberta Estes at DNAeXplained on 21 Jan 2015.
• A post detailing how to use ADSA with Tier 1 GEDmatch
  • ADSA is Now Available for GEDmatch Kits! – a detailed “how-to” post from Sue Griffith, the Genealogy Junkie; published 13 Apr 2015.
• A series of three related articles on the Tier 1 “Lazarus” service, all posted by Blaine Bettinger, the Genetic Genealogist.
  • Finally! GEDmatch Announces a Monetization Strategy (and a Way to Raise the Dead?) – published 20 Oct 2014.
  • Recreating a Grandmother’s Genome – Part 1 – published 9 Dec 2014.
  • Recreating a Grandmother’s Genome – Part 2 – published 14 Dec 2014.
• A two-part series on uploading to GEDmatch.com from AncestryDNA – both posted by Dan Stone at his blog, Adventures in Genealogy Research.
  • How To Download Your Ancestry DNA Test Results – published 3 Aug 2014.
  • How To Upload Your Ancestry DNA Test Results To GEDmatch – published 3 Aug 2014.
• A Facebook Group for GEDmatch users:
  • https://www.facebook.com/groups/gedmatchuser/ – A Facebook Group for GedMatch users to ask and answer questions. To participate in this group, you will need to join via your Facebook account.
• A Reference Manual for the GEDmatch Admixture Utilities:
  • Finally! A Gedmatch Admixture Guide! – published 6 Apr 2017 on the Genealogical Musings blog.
  • A Gedmatch Admixture Guide: Parts 3 and 4 – published 19 Sep 2017 on the Genealogical Musings blog.

DNAgedcom.com

DNAgedcom.com is a third-party tools website, created by Rob Warthen, which hosts multiple tools; some are free and some are fee-based. Subscribers gain access to additional, fee-based tools. Registration is required for all tools.

• DNAgedcom.com
  • DNAgedcom.com – direct link to DNAgedcom.com.
• Autosomal DNA Segment Analyzer (ADSA); created by VCGS member Don Worth, and hosted on DNAgedcom.com. The ADSA is a tool to assist with visualization of triangulated match groups, and works with Family Tree DNA results and also GEDmatch results. Read the ADSA Manual and the pertinent Quick Start Guide, and then try it out.
  • Autosomal DNA Segment Analyzer (ADSA) – direct link to the ADSA on DNA gedcom.com.
  • ADSA Manual – direct link to the ADSA Manual. Well worth a read before you start!
  • Family Tree DNA Quick Start Guide – guidance on how to get your results from Family Tree DNA to DNAgedcom in order to use ADSA.
  • GEDmatch Quick Start Guide – if your DNA data are not on Family Tree DNA, you can still use ADSA by transferring your results to GEDmatch, then uploading to DNAgedcom.
• DNAGedcom Client – downloadable software that runs on your desktop, the DNAGedcomClient downloads your AncestryDNA and your 23andMe match data. You must be a subscriber to download the DNAGedcom Client.
  • DNAGedcom Client – direct link to the DNAGedcom Client information and download page on DNA gedcom.com.
  • … downloading your AncestryDNA matches with the DNAGedcom Client – published 19 Apr 2016 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.

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Intermediate and Advanced Techniques

Admixture

Everyone is interested in their admixture results; how accurate are they? How can a testee put them to work?

• Siblings Can Have Surprisingly Different DNA Ancestry. Here’s Why. – published 23 Mar 2018 by National Geographic; author Nicole Wetsman.
• What’s not in our genes: Celebrating the human condition – published 12 Nov 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• A Reference Manual for the GEDmatch Admixture Utilities:
  • Finally! A Gedmatch Admixture Guide! – published 6 Apr 2017 on the Genealogical Musings blog.
  • A Gedmatch Admixture Guide: Parts 3 and 4 – published 19 Sep 2017 on the Genealogical Musings blog.
• Family Tree DNA myOrigins Ethnicity Update – No April Foolin’ – published 4 Apr 2017 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Those percentages, if you must – published 14 Aug 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Those percentages, revisited – published 1 May 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• What is ancestry? – published 31 Oct 2015 by Dr. Joe Pickrell of DNA Land and recommended by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• Ethnicity Testing and Results – published 19 Aug 2015 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Comparing admixture results from AncestryDNA, 23andMe and Family Tree DNA – published 16 May 2015 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
• Making the best of what’s not so good – published 22 Feb 2015 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; a reprise of Admixture: not soup yet below.
• Ethnicity Percentages – Second Generation Report Card – published 19 May 2014 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
• Admixture: not soup yet – published 18 May 2014 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.
• The Autosomal Me – Unraveling Minority Admixture – Roberta Estes’ 9-part series (published in 2013) discussing the use of autosomal testing to unravel minority ancestry (meaning less than 1 percent of one’s genome).

Admixture – Specialty Research

Some researchers are interested in investigating specific admixture groups. The blogs and posts below are intended to connect you with these researchers.

• The African Autosomal DNA Inheritance Survey – published 28 May 2017 by Shannon Christmas on his Through the Trees blog; Shannon is collecting data on matches with four grandparents from the same African nation.
• Join LivingDNA’s German DNA Research Project – published 1 May 2017 by Shannon Christmas on his Through the Trees blog; LivingDNA is collecting data on individuals with four grandparents from Germany, all born within 50 miles of each other.
• Native Heritage Project Blog – a blog by Roberta Estes which focuses on Native American and First Nations topics.
• Roots & Recombinant DNA – a blog by TL Dixon, with a focus on DNA and also looks at African American and Native American DNA topics.

Triangulation

You have corresponded with your top matches; now learn to target your Most Recent Common Ancestor.

• A Triangulation Intervention – published 19 Jun 2016 by Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist; author, presenter, and instructor.
• Autosomal DNA triangulation. Part 1: the basics – published 28 Jan 2016 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
• Autosomal DNA triangulation. Part 2: the phenomenon of triangulated segments – published 28 Jan 2016 by Debbie Kennett, author and founder of the Cruwys/Cruse one-name study.
• How to Triangulate – published 11 May 2015; an excellent explanation of triangulation from genealogist Jim Bartlett on his Segmentology blog.
• Triangulation: Proving a Common Ancestor – published 26 Feb 2015; an excellent explanation of triangulation from Kitty Cooper.
• Chromosome Browser War – published 30 Nov 2014 by genetic genealogist Roberta Estes; despite the title, contains a very nice description of triangulation.
• Autosomal DNA Segment Analyzer (ADSA) – Created by Don Worth, the ADSA assists you with visualizing In Common With groups. You can read the documentation and see some sample output without logging in; however, a free registration allows you to use the ADSA tool.

Chromosome Mapping

Chromosome mapping is one more tool in your toolbox. It can assist you to visualize your chromosomes, your matches, and your common ancestors.

• Ancestor Chromosome Mapper – a web-based mapping tool; “This program will make a pretty chromosome map from a CSV file which lists ancestral DNA segments from your known paternal or maternal ancestors.” Created by Kitty Cooper. Free although donations are accepted.
• Overlapping Segment Mapper – a web-based mapping tool; “The segment mapper will make a picture of the segment overlaps from up to 40 people in the CSV file you provide which is a list of your DNA match names and their overlapping segment information.” Created by Kitty Cooper. Free although donations are accepted.
• Chromosome Maps Showing Centromeres, Excess IBD Regions and HLA Region – provides a CSV download that works in conjunction with the mapping tool, above, to enhance your chromosome map. Published 9 Jun 2016 by Sue Griffith, the Genealogy Junkie.

Visual Phasing

Visual Phasing is a technique which allows the user to visualize the DNA segments of grandparents when starting with three or more siblings. It is also known as “mapping the crossover points.” Developers of this technique are Kathy Johnston, Randy Whited, and Blaine Bettinger. These posts are all from Blaine Bettinger, and he references the earlier work by the other authors. Please note that if you sign up for Blaine’s email newsletter, you can download a free PDF e-book, “Guide to Visual Phasing,” which publishes these five blog posts in a single location.

• Visual Phasing: An Example (Part 1 of 5) – published 21 Nov 2016 by Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist.
• Visual Phasing: An Example (Part 2 of 5) – published 22 Nov 2016 by Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist.
• Visual Phasing: An Example (Part 3 of 5) – published 25 Nov 2016 by Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist.
• Visual Phasing: An Example (Part 4 of 5) – published 26 Nov 2016 by Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist.
• Visual Phasing: An Example (Part 5 of 5) – published 27 Nov 2016 by Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist.

Below are two posts from Sue Griffith with some techniques which will assist you in your journey of mapping the crossover points.

• Obtaining FIR Boundaries on GEDmatch using the Little Tick Marks – published 1 Nov 2016 by Sue Griffith, the Genealogy Junkie.
• Obtaining FIR Boundaries on GEDmatch using Phased and “My Evil Twin” Phased Kits – published 4 Dec 2016 by Sue Griffith, the Genealogy Junkie.

Online One World Trees

An online pedigree, or tree, is a crucial tool for any genetic genealogist. It is important to have something to share with your matches, to assist you both in finding your most recent common ancestor. There are many approaches to this, and any genetic genealogist has a plethora of choices for online pedigree trees to share with matches. Below is a selection of articles dealing specifically with One World trees.

• Comparison of FamilySearch, Geni, and WikiTree
  • The Advantages of Working with a One World Tree – updated 13 Feb 2015 (first published 16 Jun 2014) by Kitty Cooper.
• More about WikiTree
  • DNA Features at WikiTree – from WikiTree’s onsite reference.
  • WikiTree and DNA – published 4 Nov 2013 by Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained.
  • Organizing DNA results with your Genealogy: WIKItree.com – published 23 Jan 2015 by Kitty Cooper.

Y-DNA Advanced

This section builds on the Y-DNA Basics section, above. Additional references will be added as they are identified.

• Evaluating new Big Y changes – published 4 Nov 2017 by Linda Thompson Jonas, writing at The Ultimate Family Historians blog.
• The Big Y test from Family Tree DNA can knock your socks off! – published 8 Oct 2017 by Linda Thompson Jonas, writing at The Ultimate Family Historians blog.
• The Big Tree – Alex Williamson’s Big Tree. It is “a draft phylogenetic tree for the R-P312 Y-DNA haplogroup.”
• Y-DNA Family Grouping App – a third-party tool; created by Chase Ashley.
• SAPP: The Life of Trees (or: Still Another Phylogeny Program) – a third-party tool; created by Dave Vance.
• NEVGEN – Y-DNA Haplogroup Predictor
• Recent Human Genetic Anthropology – a selection of reference material written by Dr. Iain McDonald.
• To SNP or not to SNP, That is the Question – published 19 Jul 2016 by Emily Aulicino.
• Back to basics: YDNA – published 31 Jul 2016 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

X-DNA Advanced

Despite what you might think, X-DNA is not the opposite of Y-DNA. (In fact, mitochondrial DNA has a very similar, but opposite, inheritance pattern to Y-DNA.) But X-DNA has a very unique inheritance pattern, and it stands alone. It is not a separate test – it is usually tested along with Autosomal DNA.

• An X-DNA Case Study – published 22 Nov 2017 by Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist.
• Confirming Isabella: Another solid X-match – published 17 Sep 2017 by Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist.

 

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Success Stories

Looking for encouragement? Perhaps these success stories will help.

• McCarthy DNA Success – published 12 Aug 2017 by Emily Aulicino, aka Genealem; as told by Rita P.
• How I solved my great-grandmother’s NPE using DNA – published May 2016 by Barton Lewis.
• Finding a DNA connection despite endogamy – published 1 Aug 2015 by Kalani Mondoy.
• Auschwitz Prisoner No. A7733 Finally Finds His Family – published 9 Nov 2014 by ynetnews.
• Personal DNA Success Story – published 21 Jul 2014 by Cork [Ireland] based genealogist Margaret Jordan.
• Instant Success of Y-DNA Matching – published 12 Jul 2014 by the Lost Cousins newsletter.
• Ancestry Testing to Find My Father – published 29 May 2014 by Dominique Vaughn.
• PJ Holland’s DNA Journey to Find His Mother – as told by Marilyn Souders; published 10 Oct 2013.
• Aunt Shaindel was Lost – and Found – published 19 Jun 2013 by Lara’s Genealogy Blog.

Unlike the stories above, the link below will take you to a blog with 74 entries (and counting!); in fact, it is more like a book with 74 chapters. But be forewarned: this tale is highly readable and will draw you in until you wonder where your day went!

• Hoosier Daddy? – an ongoing blog by Michael Lacopo.

Here is an interesting one – the discovery of the story of two babies, switched at birth, in 1913. We can read this story from two sides – one author is a daughter of one of the babies, the other author is a granddaughter of the other baby. The story was revived and recapped – and told remakably well – in 2017 by the Washington Post.

• And Who Would’ve Thought … It Figures – published 22 Jan 2015 by Jess.
• Switched at Birth: Unraveling a Century-Old Mystery with DNA – published 27 Feb 2015 by CeCe Moore, Your Genetic Genealogist.
• WHO WAS SHE? A DNA TEST ONLY OPENED NEW MYSTERIES. – published 27 Jul 2017 by Libby Copeland in the Washington Post.

 

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Additional Resources

Genetic Genealogy Websites & Bloggers

There are many excellent genealogy blogs; this list focuses on bloggers whose specialty is DNA & genealogy. The list is ordered roughly by frequency of posts.

• The Legal Genealogist – Judy G. Russell posts every day on the law and genealogy, and Sundays are DNA Day. Be sure to check in every Sunday at a minimum!
• DNAeXplained – Roberta Estes is the second most prolific poster in this list. Enjoy her near-daily postings on DNA, genealogy, family, and sometimes, quilts!
• Kitty Cooper’s Blog – Kitty Munson Cooper posts several times each month on genetic genealogy topics (and sometimes on gardening). She is also the developer of two chromosome mapping tools which you can find on her site, and she maintains the DNA-NEWBIE FAQ on the DNA-NEWBIE Yahoo! Group.
• DNA and Family Tree Research – Maurice Gleeson presents his thoughts here. Although he is located in the UK, he is a popular presenter at events like SCGS’s Jamboree. He has posted his presentations and slides on this site, so you can review them at your leisure. Which is a good thing, since he is a high-energy, high-octane presenter!
• Segmentology – Jim Bartlett’s blog about triangulation and chromosome mapping.

DNA-Related Facebook Groups

Here is a small selection of DNA-related Facebook Groups. Choose the one(s) that speak to your specific interests. All these groups are private.

• DNA Newbie Facebook Group – A Facebook Group where newbies can ask questions. (15,000 members.)
• Genetic Genealogy Tips and Techniques Facebook Group – A Facebook Group started by Blaine Bettinger to discuss Tips and Techniques for Genetic Genealogy. (65,000 members.)
• ISOGG Facebook Group – A Facebook Group supporting interactive discussion among ISOGG members. (19,000 members.)

Reference Sources

Lookups, Downloads, and FAQs

• International Society for Genetic Genealogy – ISOGG provides extensive resources and is free to join. The site includes a Wiki and a Glossary, among other resources.
• Genetic Genealogy Standards – Created by a committee including genealogists, genetic genealogists, and scientists, and with public input, published on 10 Jan 2015.

Year-End Retrospectives

Some of the bloggers listed above provided year-end retrospectives, highlighting the most read or most commented blog posts of the year. These are definitely worth a read!

2019 Retrospectives

• 2019 top posts: DNA – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 29 Dec 2019.
• 2019 top posts: all time – (includes six DNA posts) – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 30 Dec 2019.
• 2019: The Year and Decade of Change – from Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained; published 31 Dec 2019.

2018 Retrospectives

• 2018 – The Year of the Segment – from Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained; published 1 Jan 2019.
• 2018 top posts: DNA – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 23 Dec 2018.
• 2018 top posts: all time – (includes six DNA posts) – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 27 Dec 2018.

2017 Retrospective & 2018 Resolutions

• DNA Resolutions for 2018: Starting the New Year off right – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 31 Dec 2017.
• 2017 – The Year of DNA – from Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained; published 31 Dec 2017.
• 2017 top posts: DNA – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 24 Dec 2017.
• 2017 top posts: all time – (includes four DNA posts) – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 27 Dec 2017.
• TGG’s Top Posts in 2017 – from Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist; published 31 Dec 2017.

2016 Retrospective & 2017 Resolutions

• DNA Resolutions for 2017: Starting the New Year off right – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 1 Jan 2017.
• 2016 Genetic Genealogy Retrospective – from Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained; published 31 Dec 2016.
• 2016 top posts: DNA – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 26 Dec 2016.
• 2016 top posts: all time (includes four DNA posts) – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 28 Dec 2016.

2015 Retrospective & 2016 Resolutions

• DNA Resolutions for 2016: Starting the New Year off right – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 3 Jan 2016.
• The Best and Worst of 2015 – Genetic Genealogy Year in Review – from Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained; published 1 Jan 2016.
• 2015 top posts: DNA – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 27 Dec 2015.
• 2015 top posts: all-time – (includes five DNA posts) – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 30 Dec 2015.
• Top 10 Most Popular Articles of 2015 – from Roberta Estes of DNAeXplained; published 31 Dec 2015.

2014 Retrospectives

• 2014 Top Genetic Genealogy Happenings – A Baker’s Dozen +1 – from Roberta Estes, of DNAeXplained; published 30 Dec 2014.
• 2014 Top DNA Posts – from Judy G. Russell, The Legal Genealogist; published 29 Dec 2014.
• Top Five Posts in 2014 – from Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist; published 31 Dec 2014.

Page last updated: 13 Sep 2020.