Archive for the ‘DNA Testing’ Category

DNA Testing Kits: It Just Keeps Getting Easier

Wednesday, December 15th, 2010

The number of DNA Testing Kits that are available to the American consumer is growing. The contents of these kits have not significantly changed over the years since they were first introduced. They contain a cotton swab and an envelope to seal the swab after it has obtained the DNA sample. The next step is the most important part of tracing your ancestral past.

The DNA of each person is unique on its own, but also has characteristics of their ancestral past. This is done by DNA sequencing that consists of nearly 3 billion bases. For the human species, 99% of all DNA is the same. That 1% is where the ancestral past and personal characteristics come from.

The base pairs of DNA are self replicating that will be identical to the previous one. Over time, mutations will occur, which is how a person can trace their family tree back in time.

The tests are conducted on the Y-DNA for the male lines and mtDNA for the female lines of the family tree. For those wishing to trace their family tree back in time, testing needs to take place on their samples. For women that wish to trace back both sides, a sample from a brother, father or the brother of your father must be obtained so the genetic sequencing of the Y chromosome can be determined.

Presently there are many different data bases being developed across the globe with millions of results. These include surname traces and actual family trees that are being published for members of certain genealogy groups.

To gain access to this information you must become a member and have your DNA results added to their list for others to use. Family tree has 6181 different surname projects current underway with nearly 200,000 Y-DNA results a person can use. There are also over 100,000 DNA results of mtDNA that are available to its members.

The more in-depth your testing that is done with the DNA Testing Kits, the greater the information that can be uncovered. The choice is yours, but the information about your past is available if you decide to trace back your ancestral past. All you need to do is look.

Read more about DNA Testing Kits here.

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The Relationship of DNA Testing and Genealogy

Tuesday, October 26th, 2010

One problem with genealogy research is that you sometimes just run up against a brick wall.  Now you may search for your own surname in the largest DNA database of its kind!  Modern day DNA testing has taken Genealogy to a new height.

By gathering inner cheek cell information and tracing one’s family tree through DNA kits there is a new technology edge to genealogy.

Family Tree DNA Testing:

In finding out one’s ethnic and genetic make up, once the individual has exhausted all sources of genealogical record searching, the last and probably the best resort lies in a DNA Test. It helps to confirm whether the individual is able to include  the right people in to his or her family tree. DNA Tests do no ascertain paternity. These tests inform you about genealogical information.

The tests are very easy and painless and can be done from home. The Family Tree DNA tests provide accurate information to and individual relating to the individual’s family background, ethnic heritage and linkups with their past generations. These tests can resolve issues related to suspicions within families. In cases of people descending from some migratory clan, the DNA test results can be miraculous in discovering their original homeland.

Thus there exists a very close relationship between DNA Testing and Genealogy.

Genealogy is the discipline that deals with discovering the ancestry of an individual. The best way to know about your descent or genetic genealogical connection is through DNA tests.  In order to determine your genetic ancestry, DNA testing should be taken be as many of your family members as possible. Testing the relatives becomes significant if you are curious to trace your relations with your ancestors. The people within of your group of family members tested, the  greater is possibilities of success.

One of the first methods of linking genealogy people together through DNA is by tracing your male ancestors on your father’s paternal line.  This Y-DNA test will take your surname line back to pre-historical records era.  When someone of the same surname also takes the DNA test you will be able to see approximately back to where you both have a common ancestor.  Check to see if your surname has been recorded by typing it in the box in this article post.

With an mtDNA test your mother’s mother’s maternal line will be able to be examined back into pre-historical times and you will be able to determine which part of the world your earliest ancestors migrated from.

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Testing DNA for Genealogy Purposes

Friday, August 27th, 2010
DNA testing is an absolutely amazing branch of science that is being increasingly used by genealogists. The science of DNA has the ability to link families together. DNA testing can solve genealogical problems that were otherwise rendered unsolvable. DNA for genealogy is a matter of great excitement among people but before it is tried, it is important to understand what it can and cannot reveal.
The most important thing about DNA for genealogy is to determine what one hopes to learn from it. In some cases, testing just one person is enough while in others it may be necessary to test more than one person. This article will reveal what DNA for genealogy testing can do for you.
DNA-for-genealogy.jpg

DNA For Genealogy

It is very possible that one may have relatives who have not been documented in the database as of yet. In fact, it is probable. DNA for genealogy testing will have you match your DNA with that of other people’s. This may reveal new ancestors and relatives which you were not aware of. The Y-chromosome test and the Mitochondrial DNA sequencing are two primary tests used usually for the purpose. The first test examines the DNA of the male line while the second one examines the female line. Both tests are extremely helpful but the Y-chromosome test has more proof for establishing its genealogical purposes.
DNA for genealogy can also be used to prove relationships. For persons who think that two people are somehow related to your family line, but you have not been able to find any documentation to prove it, DNA testing may help you. If the right two people are tested, it may reveal that they are closely related in the family line. In case there’s a mismatch, it will reveal that they are not. If a Y-chromosome test is done, and the results match exactly, it means that the two people tested are related within 4 – 5 generations. If the ancestral signature reveals that one or two markers are different, it will mean that the two people, though related, may be only distantly so. The Mitochondrial DNA test will reveal whether two people are related or not, but you won’t find out the exact number of generations that separates them.
Sometimes you may be curious to find out whether you are related to a family that shares your surname. DNA for genealogy can help you find out that as well. You can even find out whether you have any relations with a family or group of people who live in a different country from yours just because you share a surname.
DNA for genealogy testing can reveal a whole lot about you and your past. But it is important to understand that there are limitations as well. For instance, you will not be able to find out whether you have any predisposition to certain diseases from these tests. Nor will a DNA for genealogy test let you create a unique personal genetic fingerprint. But if you want to know more about your past, DNA for genealogy testing is the way to go.

DNA testing is an absolutely amazing branch of science that is being increasingly used by genealogists. The science of DNA has the ability to link families together. DNA testing can solve genealogical problems that were otherwise rendered unsolvable. DNA for genealogy is a matter of great excitement among people but before it is tried, it is important to understand what it can and cannot reveal. The most important thing about DNA for genealogy is to determine what one hopes to learn from it. In some cases, testing just one person is enough while in others it may be necessary to test more than one person. This article will reveal what DNA for genealogy testing can do for you.

It is very possible that one may have relatives who have not been documented in the database as of yet. In fact, it is probable. DNA for genealogy testing will have you match your DNA with that of other people’s. This may reveal new ancestors and relatives which you were not aware of. The Y-chromosome test and the Mitochondrial DNA sequencing are two primary tests used usually for the purpose. The first test examines the DNA of the male line while the second one examines the female line. Both tests are extremely helpful but the Y-chromosome test has more proof for establishing its genealogical purposes.

DNA for genealogy can also be used to prove relationships. For persons who think that two people are somehow related to your family line, but you have not been able to find any documentation to prove it, DNA testing may help you. If the right two people are tested, it may reveal that they are closely related in the family line. In case there’s a mismatch, it will reveal that they are not. If a Y-chromosome test is done, and the results match exactly, it means that the two people tested are related within 4 – 5 generations. If the ancestral signature reveals that one or two markers are different, it will mean that the two people, though related, may be only distantly so. The Mitochondrial DNA test will reveal whether two people are related or not, but you won’t find out the exact number of generations that separates them.

Genealogy Family Video:

My Guardian Angels.wmv

This video was created as a tribute to all of my ancestors. All of these photos are unedited & unretouched pictures of relatives of my husband & I. Many were found through my genealogical research. www.facebook.com

 

Sometimes you may be curious to find out whether you are related to a family that shares your surname. DNA for genealogy can help you find out that as well. You can even find out whether you have any relations with a family or group of people who live in a different country from yours just because you share a surname.
DNA for genealogy testing can reveal a whole lot about you and your past. But it is important to understand that there are limitations as well.

For instance, you will not be able to find out whether you have any predisposition to certain diseases from these tests. Nor will a DNA for genealogy test let you create a unique personal genetic fingerprint. But if you want to know more about your past, DNA for genealogy testing is the way to go.

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Siblings DNA Testing

Friday, August 20th, 2010

Oprah Winfrey reveals the benefits of DNA Sibling testing on her tv show recently.

Siblingship DNA Testing is used to determine if two or more individuals biologically share one or both parents. There are two types of Siblings DNA Testing- one is full Siblings Testing and another is half Siblings Testing.

dna-sibling-testing.jpg

Full Siblings DNA Testing indicates whether the two individuals both have the same parents (mother and father).  On average, full siblings have 50% of their DNA in common. Half-Sibling DNA testing involves two or more individuals who potentially share only one biological parent either mother or father is same. If they are half siblings, only 25% of their DNA should be identical. In practice, genes from the two parents combine randomly. So these are averages rather than exact numbers.

dna-kits-for-siblings.jpg

In this testing, a siblingship index is determined. If the siblingship index is less than 1.00, it indicates non-relatedness. If the siblingship index is greater than 1.00, this indicates that the tested individuals are more likely to belonging to same mother and father. The samples can be extracted from any body fluid or tissue like saliva, semen, blood, hair, nails etc. It can also be extracted from any item that is contaminated with body fluids.

The cost for this type of test varies from situation to situation. For sample collection the children’s mother or mothers are strongly encouraged to participate. Sibling DNA testing is a complex DNA test, and a mother’s samples can really help the process of testing.  If the samples of children’s mother or mothers is not available still the siblings DNA testing can be done. But it then requires extended testing and analysis which will make the testing more costly and longer time to give results.

Sibling DNA tests unlike paternity tests do not provide a conclusive result. However the tests might provide with an indication of whether individuals are more likely to be or not to be the true biological sibling of the other tested individual.

Oprah Winfrey Reveals a New Found Half Sister Through DNA Sibling Testing.

DNA kits for siblings may require specialty counseling along with the testing kit. Check with an FTDNA sibling specialist for details, by clicking on the big blue banner below that says “How Do We Link?”

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DNA Test Kits: Into the Next Decade

Tuesday, December 29th, 2009

With a new decade here, DNA test kits have the potential to bring rapid change in the way medicine is prescribed and delivered.

According to Richard Friedman M.D., director of psychopharmacology at the Weill Cornell Medical College, genetics may play a major role in determining which drugs are most effective with a patient.

Dr. Friedman wrote about a curious case of depression in an article for The New York Times.  His patient, a 30-something woman, found no relief from her lifelong depression despite being prescribed several anti-depressants.  Friedman first prescribed Lexapro and when that didn’t work he switched her to Zoloft.  That didn’t work either so he tried an entirely different class of anti-depressant called Wellbutrin, however that didn’t work either.  The patient was ready to quit.

It was only after the woman’s father was diagnosed with depression and helped with Prozac that Friedman thought that might be the answer.  The patient tried Prozac for herself and felt much better.

It is Dr. Friedman’s belief that in the near future a person’s genetic makeup will direct physicians to prescribe the most effective drugs.  In the case of depression, some patients have low levels of serotonin and respond best to the drugs that are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors because they increase serotonin in the brain.

However other depressed patients are plagued by an abnormality in the neurotransmitters that regulate mode.  These people don’t respond to S.S.R.I’s.  Having this genetic information will prevent the current hit or miss approach to prescription medicine and treatment.

Even further in the future, but still a possibility, will be the pharmaceutical companies possibly offering free genetic testing if the patient agrees to use the drugs determined most advantageous by the pharmaceutical company and that includes drugs that are most profitable and not just effective.
Watch for big changes in how DNA test kits are used in the next decade.

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Testing for DNA in a World of Social Networking

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

It’s easier than ever to undergo testing for DNA, and results can be exhilarating. DNA kits are now available from over 100 companies around the world. Whether you learn about paternity, ancestry or genetic disorders, DNA opens a world of new information that affects you and your family.

While it can be exciting to learn this new information, caution must be taken not to share too much. The rise of social networking sites to link individuals around the world has some family members rushing to share information about heredity. It seems relatively harmless but ethicists argue it is not.

If you receive information through the course of DNA testing that you have a predisposition to testicular cancer and you share that information online, you not only tell others that you have this risk but that your son bears it as well, even if he did not consent to sharing that information.

Bioethicists are currently gathering study participants to see who chooses to share genetic information online and why. They’ll probe the consequences of this action and report their findings in the American Journal of Bioethics, June 5, 2010. One of the results they hope to establish will be how people create social connections based on what they know about their genetics.

The genetic testing industry is one of the few growth industries in the recession. It’s estimated that 100 companies worldwide offer genetic testing directly to consumers, most of whom find the companies online.

Silicon Valley in California has two of the largest companies, Navigenics and 23andMe. They provide raw data and an interpretation of the results. 23andMe has a system to help customers create a profile they can share through a social networking site sponsored by 23andMe.

There are no laws yet governing the sharing of information of testing for DNA although this promises to be a new field in the future. This something to consider when you select the various DNA kits online. You are not required to share your testing information and you may make that decision yourself.

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Understanding DNA Testing Data

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

Once a person receives laboratory testing data from a DNA sample, the fun part begins.  This is when the answer arrives for the question that brought them to the laboratory in the first place.

DNA Testing Data - Chromosome

DNA Testing Data - Chromosome

To understand DNA results, it’s important to know how genetic fingerprinting works.  DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, the material that forms genetics found in almost all cells in the body.  There are roughly 100 trillion microscopic cells in a human.

Most DNA tests use a scraping from the inside of the cheek; however hair, bone and body fluids also have DNA that can be tested.

DNA exists in molecules known as chromosomes and every person has 23 pairs of these, half of which come from the mother and the other half from the father.   With the exception of the last pair that determines gender, chromosomes have autosomal DNA.  The gender pair have XY chromosomes for males and XX for females.

Examined at a closer magnification, the chromosomes have DNA formed in a double stranded twisted ladder called a helix.  Every rung on the ladder is called a nucleotide, or base, represented by four letters; A, T, C, G.  Every DNA helix stretched out would measure 6 feet for there are 3 billion base pairs in each.

Interestingly, it is not all the DNA in each person that makes us different from another.  Indeed, 99.9% of our DNA is identical.  It is the 0.1% that is unique and that is tested.  It has no particular function in the body other than to distinguish us from others and it is what scientists focus on in DNA tests for paternity, genetic health disorders and inclusion in a Native American clan.

Understanding the basics of DNA allows us to understand the testing data from our own sample.

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DNA Testing: Discovering Ancestry through Science

Thursday, November 12th, 2009

DNA Testing:

In our modern world,  DNA testing often solves crimes and proof of paternity.  However, even more DNA tests are used to determine the roots of a family tree.  Grandma or Grandpa may have been fuzzy on the facts of lineage by the time you set about to ask your questions.  A DNA test is a way to help you prove your connection to a certain line of ancestors.

Discovering one’s family tree by scientific means is certainly a 21st century phenomenon.  Prior to that, DNA connoted a negative meaning; it conjured up police investigations and bodily fluids.  DNA is a kind of blueprint that cannot be faked or lied about.  Just as investigators use genetic code to crack a case, we can employ the same techniques to learn our genealogy.

There are several companies throughout the world which test DNA for lineage.  First, you’ll want to make sure the laboratory conducting the test is reputable.  Do some background checks on the company and ask for the names of customers who used the service.

Inquire about the qualifications of the scientists conducting the testing.  Do they have peer-reviewed research into ancestry and genealogy?  How many genetic markers do they use in concluding their results?  More markers do not necessarily equate with precision.  A reputable scientist will count on “volatile markers” to draw his findings.

Will your genetic testing laboratory release results even if they are not sure of their accuracy?  Or will they retest the sample just to make certain they are right about their findings?  Does the lab inquire about your genetic history before taking your sample?  A reputable firm will leave that information up to science so as not to draw conclusions from the initial conversation.

There are many reputable DNA testing labs across America.  Finding one with a good reputation can make a big difference in solving the puzzle of your ancestry.  We here at DNAkits.org will help you make the right decision.

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