Showing posts with label dna. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dna. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Charting Companion Announces New DNA Matrix Chart

The following is from Progeny Genealogy.

CHARTING COMPANION ANNOUNCES 

NEW DNA MATRIX CHART

Charting Companion announces a new chart: the DNA Matrix (aka "McGuire Method").
Genetic research offers new ways for genealogists to build their family tree, where conventional records and sources are not available.
Genealogists are submitting DNA samples to testing companies who can identify distinctive patterns in the DNA, and match the genealogist to millions of other participants.
Adoptees are using DNA to search for biological parents. Distant cousins and other relatives can contribute to your tree by providing information on branches where they have more research than you do.
The DNA Matrix helps you by showing an overview of DNA matches in a clear, simple chart. Charting Companion can also "validate" your tree by comparing actual DNA test results, against the number expected from the relationships. Are there surprises in your tree? Click for more detail.
image
DNA Matrix showing centiMorgan (cM) matches between members of a family.
Charting Companion works with all genealogy programs: Family Tree Maker, RootsMagic, Legacy, Ancestral Quest, Family Historian, GEDCOM, etc.
Get Charting Companion today and make family history.

UGA DNA Special Interest Group Webinar March 20th

The following is from the Utah Genealogical Association.

DNA Special Interest Group Webinar March 20th at 7:00pm MDT

DNA Success in---and in Spite of---Endogamy, by Lara Diamond
Description
Endogamy occurs often in genetic genealogy and is something that can be particularly challenging because what appears to be a close cousin match may be a distant cousin several times over. Lara Diamond will explain endogamy and show examples of what it looks like in genetic genealogy and how to combat effects to use genetic genealogy to help prove your ancestry.

Bio:
Lara Diamond is an Ashkenazic Jew, so she gets to have particular fun with her completely endogamous genome. She is president of the Jewish Genealogy Society of Maryland, leads JewishGen's Subcarpathian SIG, is on JewishGen's Ukraine SIG's board of directors. She also runs multiple district- and town-focused projects to collect documentation to assist all those researching ancestors from common towns. She blogs about DNA and her Eastern European research at http://larasgenealogy.blogspot.com.

Registration is open to UGA members only, to register sign in at UGAgenealogy.org. or visit UGAgenealogy.org for a list of upcoming webinars open to the public.

Saturday, March 10, 2018

MyHeritage Launches DNA Quest — a Major Pro Bono Initiative for Adoptees and Their Biological Families to Find Each Other via DNA Testing

The following is from MyHeritage.

MyHeritage Launches DNA Quest — a Major Pro Bono Initiative for Adoptees and Their Biological Families to Find Each Other via DNA Testing

MyHeritage will distribute 15,000 DNA kits, worth over one million dollars, for free in the first phase of this initiative



TEL AVIV, Israel & LEHI, Utah--()--MyHeritage, the leading global destination for family history and DNA testing, announced today the launch of a new pro bono initiative, DNA Quest, to help adoptees and their birth families reunite through genetic testing. As part of this initiative, MyHeritage will provide 15,000 MyHeritage DNA kits, worth more than one million dollars, for free, with free shipping, to eligible participants. Participation is open to adoptees seeking to find their biological family members, and to anyone looking for a family member who was placed for adoption. Preference will be given to people who are not able to afford genetic testing. The first phase of the initiative is open to USA residents, involving adoptions that took place in the USA. Application opens today on the project website, www.dnaquest.org, which includes detailed information about the initiative.
Many of the approximately 7 million adoptees living in the USA today are searching for their biological parents or siblings. The search is time-sensitive, because every year some of the people who are searching pass away, missing the opportunity to reunite. Currently, the main avenues for adoptees and their biological parents to find each other are adoption agencies, registries created for this purpose, and genetic testing. With formal adoption records being unavailable or difficult to obtain in most states, genetic genealogy opens new doors in the search for relatives, and MyHeritage believes everyone should be able to access this valuable technology.
To maximize the potential of this initiative to successfully reunite families, MyHeritage has set up an advisory board of top experts in the fields of genetic genealogy and adoption to guide and support this initiative on a voluntary basis. This alliance ensures the best possible professional support for participants, with each advisory board member bringing unique expertise. The advisory board includes: CeCe Moore, founder of The DNA Detectives; Blaine Bettinger, The Genetic Genealogist; Richard Weiss of DNA Adoption; Richard Hill, DNA Testing Adviser; Katharine Wall, founder of Adopted.com; Brianne Kirkpatrick, founder of Watershed DNA; Pamela Slaton, investigative genealogist; Leah Larkin, The DNA Geek; and Susan Friel-Williams, Vice President, American Adoption Congress.
DNA Quest is an expansion to the USA of another one of MyHeritage’s successful pro bono projects to reunite adoptees from the Israeli Yemenite community with their biological families. In that project, MyHeritage facilitated successful reunions between adoptees and their biological siblings, solving challenging cases where the protagonists were searching for each other without success for more than 60 years.
“We have a company culture of using our resources and technology for the greater good. In this spirit we’ve initiated several significant pro bono projects, such as returning looted assets from WWII to their rightful owners and documenting family histories and traditions of tribal peoples who lack access to modern technology. DNA Quest is a natural extension of these efforts,” said MyHeritage Founder and CEO Gilad Japhet, who conceived DNA Quest. “There is a great need for a project like this — to help adoptees find their biological families — and we are the right company to take it on. We’ve already successfully reunited many families and are confident that through this initiative, together with a wonderful alliance of top experts, we’ll be able to utilize the power of genetic genealogy to help many more.”
“Few things are more fulfilling than a life-changing adoptee-family reunion”, said CeCe Moore, founder of DNA Detectives, the largest group on Facebook that brings together volunteers with genetic genealogy and searching experience, and those seeking biological family. “I’m very excited to be a member of the DNA Quest advisory board and look forward to assisting participants in finding the lost loved ones for whom they are yearning."
There are already more than 1.25 million people in the MyHeritage DNA database — one of the fastest growing among the major DNA companies. Additionally, MyHeritage is unique among the top three DNA companies to offer the option to upload DNA results from other test providers, and this is available for free. The company is uniquely positioned to reunite families and has indeed facilitated many emotional success stories, with more taking place in every passing day.
Adoptees and family members searching for their biological relatives can apply for a free MyHeritage DNA kit at DNAQuest.org through April 30, 2018. Participants will be selected, and their free DNA kits will be shipped to them by the end of May 2018. Results are expected as early as July 2018.
Those who have already taken a DNA test with another company can upload their DNA data to MyHeritage for free and participate in this initiative as well.
The privacy of all applicants and participants will be strictly enforced. The DNA is owned by the participants and not by MyHeritage. The company has never sold genetic data and has pledged to never do so in the future without users’ explicit consent. DNA Quest is a pro bono project without gotchas or caveats.
About MyHeritage
MyHeritage is the leading global destination for family history and DNA testing. As technology thought leaders, MyHeritage has transformed family history into an activity that is accessible and instantly rewarding. Its global user community enjoys access to a massive database of historical records, the most internationally diverse collection of family trees and groundbreaking search and matching technologies. Launched in November 2016, MyHeritage DNA is a technologically advanced, affordable DNA test that reveals ethnic origins and previously unknown relatives. Trusted by millions of families, MyHeritage provides an easy way to find new family members, discover ethnic origins, and to treasure family stories, past and present, for generations to come. MyHeritage is available in 42 languages. For more detail, visit www.myheritage.com. DNA Quest is available on www.dnaquest.org.

Friday, November 24, 2017

Ancestry Black Friday Sale Ends 27 Nov 2017

The following is from Ancestry.


 
Ancestry
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AncestryDNA
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Discover ethnic origins and make new family connections with the #1-selling consumer DNA test.
$59*
reg. $99
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Comparison based on prevailing price on 7/12/2017.
 
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Offer ends on Nov. 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
 
Ancestry Gift Memberships
Save 50% on Ancestry Gift Memberships.
They can build a family tree, learn all about their ancestors, and take inspiration from the lives they led.
Starting at
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reg. $99
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Offer ends on Nov. 27 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
 
*Offer does not include shipping costs or applicable taxes. AncestryDNA® is offered in the United States by Ancestry.com DNA, LLC.
**Gift memberships valid for new subscribers only and not for renewals for current subscriptions. $49 gift membership price valid for 6-month U.S. Discovery Membership.

MyHeritage DNA Black Friday Sale Ends 27 Nov 2017

The following is from MyHeritage.

Through Monday only, MyHeritage DNA kits will be available for $49 instead of $99. That's a whopping 50% off! We're also offering FREE shipping on orders of 3 kits or more.

blackfriday.jpg
We think this would be a great opportunity to share this special offer with your family and friends.

Why choose MyHeritage DNA?
  • MyHeritage DNA covers 42 ethnic regions with percentages — more than any other major DNA vendor
  • The fastest processing time — only 3-4 weeks
  • International database improving your chances of finding relatives around the world
  • Fully integrated with family tree tools and historical records to expand your family research
MyHeritage DNA kits make for a truly special and unique holiday gift for your family. So hurry up and order kits for yourself and your family at this amazing sale price!

Enjoy,
Daniel HorowitzGenealogy Expert

Monday, September 18, 2017

UGA - DNA Special Interest Group Meeting

The following is from the Utah Genealogical Association.

Group Online Meeting September 19th at 7:00pm MDT


Help! When You Need Somebody, by Stephanie Saylor
Searching for answers to a genealogical problem?  Discover resources that will help you shed your questions and find the power to conquer your genealogical concerns in “Help when you Need Somebody.”  This webinar is open to the public so please click here to register.

The DNA Special Interest Group also has a Facebook page.  Just search for UGA - DNA Special Interest Group and request to join.

Stephanie Lynn Saylor is a full-time genetic genealogist who holds a degree in biology with an emphasis in neuroscience.  Stephanie has completed several advanced genetic genealogy courses, including the Advanced DNA course at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Advanced DNA Practicum at the Forensic Genealogy Institute. Stephanie Saylor enjoys helping others who have an interest in genealogy use biology and genetics gain the confidence needed to further their research goals.  

Monday, February 06, 2017

Next UGA DNA Special Interest Group Meeting

The following is from the Utah Genealogical Association.



Please join us Tuesday, March 14th, at 7:00 pm for the monthly DNA SIG meeting: “What DNA Can Teach You” presented by Stephanie Saylor.

Stephanie will discuss how genetic genealogy can provide additional documentation on your ancestors by expanding your family history tool box. We will focus on some basics information on different types of DNA so we can give reasonable expectations on how long and involved different research questions can be depending on your learning curve, specific questions and type of DNA you are using.  

The DNA SIG meets under the direction of Stephanie Saylor, who holds a degree in biology with an emphasis in neuroscience.  She combines her love of genealogy with a background in genetic research to put together and organize presentations for this group. 

Presentations are facilitated online through GoToWebinar.  Participants are welcome to ask questions throughout, and the recordings are made available for UGA member viewing. To register, please visit the UGA Webiste: DNA Interest Group/Register to Attend.  (You must log in as a member to visit this page.)

Thursday, November 17, 2016

MyHeritage Launches Global DNA Testing Service

The following is from MyHeritage.


MyHeritage Launches Global DNA Testing Service for Uncovering Ethnic Origins and Making New Family Connections

Unique Founder Population project conducted by the company expected to empower the h
Highest resolution ethnicity analysis available on the market

TEL AVIV, Israel & LEHI, Utah, November 7, 2016 — MyHeritage, the leading international destination for discovering, preserving and sharing family history, announced today the launch of MyHeritage DNA, its global integrated genetic testing service. The move represents a major turning point for the DNA industry, as MyHeritage DNA debuts an international mass-market home-testing kit that is simple, affordable and will offer some of the best ethnicity reports in the world.

With 85 million users worldwide, 2.1 billion family tree profiles, 7 billion historical records and availability in 42 languages, MyHeritage’s new DNA service further strengthens its position as a global leader in family history. 

DNA is the hereditary material in the cells of the human body and it carries within it a unique genetic record. The MyHeritage DNA kit enables users to test their DNA to reveal valuable information about their family history and ethnic origins. The kit consists of a simple cheek swab and takes only a minute to complete, with no need for blood or saliva. The sample is then mailed to MyHeritage DNA’s lab for analysis and the user is invited to view the results on the MyHeritage website. In its initial version, MyHeritage DNA provides two main features: detailed ethnicity reports that map the user’s ethnic and geographic origins, and DNA Matches for finding relatives. Additional features and capabilities are planned for the future.

MyHeritage DNA results include fascinating ethnicity reports, showing the percentage of the user's DNA that come from different populations around the world. The initial reports currently include 25 ethnicities, but this will improve dramatically thanks to MyHeritage’s unique Founder Population project unveiled today — the largest of its kind ever conducted. More than 5000 participants have been handpicked for this project by MyHeritage from its 85 million members, by virtue of their family trees exemplifying consistent ancestry from the same region or ethnicity for many generations. In the next few months, the project will be completed, resulting in a rich DNA data set of more than 100 ethnicities that will enable MyHeritage to show users their ancestral roots with far greater resolution than other services. To this end, the company has been sending its DNA kits to project participants far and wide, from Uzbekistan to Fiji, from Greenland to South Africa, and every corner of the globe. Standard ethnicity reports are currently available, with the expert reports to be released at no additional cost to users following the completion of the Founder Population project. 

DNA test results complement MyHeritage’s core offerings, including family trees and historical records — the tools traditionally used by family history enthusiasts. DNA can be used to prove or disprove a documented family tree connection, or answer the question of whether two people sharing the same rare surname are actually related. DNA is also indispensable for overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles in traditional research, as in the case of adoptees searching for their biological family without access to their adoption records. On the other hand, when DNA locates a match between two people who have the same ancestor or ancestors, family trees and historical records are often essential for piecing together the exact relationship path between them.
Thanks to its expertise in family trees and its vibrant community, MyHeritage provides its DNA customers with features not offered by most competing services including 23andMe, such as viewing family trees of the majority of their DNA Matches to pinpoint the connection path, and automatically identifying which surnames and geographical locations they have in common. DNA can be a fascinating introduction to the world of family history, and customers who embark on this journey by taking a DNA test can easily use MyHeritage's tools to further explore what made them what they are.

“DNA testing is the future of family history,” said MyHeritage Founder and CEO Gilad Japhet. “We see DNA as a natural evolution of our business and look forward to harnessing it to reunite families, engage in new pro bono projects, and enrich the lives of millions of users.”

MyHeritage DNA kits are available at the affordable introductory price of $79 + shipping (prices vary by location). To order, visit the MyHeritage DNA website. MyHeritage has already amassed a significant number of DNA kits uploaded by its users from other DNA services, providing valuable matches on MyHeritage from day one. With the launch of MyHeritage DNA, the company will cease to offer DNA kits of other vendors. Users who have already tested their DNA on other services are welcome for a limited time to upload their DNA data to MyHeritage at no cost to benefit from free DNA Matches. 


About MyHeritage
MyHeritage is the leading global destination for discovering, preserving and sharing family history. As technology thought leaders, MyHeritage is transforming family history into an activity that’s accessible and instantly rewarding. Its global user community enjoys access to a massive library of historical records, the most internationally diverse collection of family trees and ground­breaking search and matching technologies. An extension of the core MyHeritage brand, MyHeritage DNA offers technologically-advanced, affordable DNA tests that reveal users’ ethnic origins and previously unknown relatives. Trusted by millions of families, MyHeritage provides an easy way to share family stories, past and present, and treasure them for generations to come. MyHeritage and MyHeritage DNA are available in 42 languages. www.myheritage.com

Tuesday, November 15, 2016

UGA DNA Special Interest Group

The following is from the Utah Genealogical Association.

UPDATE: NOVEMBER MEETING CHANGED TO NOV 22 @7PM.

DNA Special Interest Group

UGA is pleased to be hosting a DNA Special Interest Group once again.  The group will meet on the third Tuesday of each month utilizing both online and in-person formats. Meetings are open to UGA members only.  For meeting links and locations, or to access recorded presentations, please login and click on the DNA interest group under the Members tab.
DNA SIG format:  Meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm.  Most presentations will be delivered virtually and recorded for member viewing. Every fourth meeting will be held in-person and will not be recorded for privacy reasons. Members may submit questions for the in-person meetings ahead of time, and the presentation will facilitate working through the questions and related discussion.

Presenter:  Stephanie Saylor
Stephanie holds a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Neuroscience and has actively worked in research for several years on topics including: Parkinson's disease, toxicity of TCDD, opioid receptors, maternal immune activation and glial cells.  Stephanie has completed several genetic-genealogical-related courses, including the Advanced DNA course at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Advanced DNA Practicum at the Forensic Genealogy Institute.  Presentations and workshops will combine her DNA background with a firm belief in sound research and a love of genealogy.
Upcoming Schedule
November 22, 2016mtDNA Basics (DATE CHANGED)
December 20, 2016Organizing DNA Research
Past Presentations (member's section)
October 18, 2016xDNA Basics
August 16, 2016Y-DNA Basics
July 26, 2016Autosomal DNA Basics
June 21, 2016Basic Biology Overview

Friday, June 24, 2016

UGA DNA Special Interest Group

The following is from the Utah Genealogical Association.




DNA Special Interest Group

UGA is pleased to be hosting a DNA Special Interest Group once again.  The group will meet on the third Tuesday of each month utilizing both online and in-person formats. Meetings are open to UGA members only.  For meeting links and locations, or to access recorded presentations, please login and click on the DNA interest group under the Members tab.

DNA SIG format:  Meetings will be held on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm.  Most presentations will be delivered virtually and recorded for member viewing. Every fourth meeting will be held in-person and will not be recorded for privacy reasons. Members may submit questions for the in-person meetings ahead of time, and the presentation will facilitate working through the questions and related discussion.

Presenter:  Stephanie Saylor
Stephanie holds a degree in Biology with an emphasis in Neuroscience and has actively worked in research for several years on topics including: Parkinson's disease, toxicity of TCDD, opioid receptors, maternal immune activation and glial cells.  Stephanie has completed several genetic-genealogical-related courses, including the Advanced DNA course at the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy and the Advanced DNA Practicum at the Forensic Genealogy Institute.  Presentations and workshops will combine her DNA background with a firm belief in sound research and a love of genealogy.


Schedule:
June 21, 2016:             Basic Biology Overview
July 19, 2016:              Autosomal DNA Basics
August 16, 2016:         Y-DNA Basics
September 20, 2016:   In-person meeting - working through member DNA research questions
October 18, 2016:        xDNA Basics
November 15, 2016:    mtDNA Basics
December 20, 2016:    Organizing DNA Research
January 17, 2017:        In-person meeting - working through member DNA research questions


Meetings are open to UGA members only.  To obtain the link, login at ugagenealogy.org and go to the “Members” tab in the menu.  Recordings will also be made available in this same location after the meetings.  http://ugagenealogy.org/cpage.php?pt=378



MyHeritage News - DNA

The following is from MyHeritage.




DNA: Genealogy and Health Reports All in One Kit
We're happy to offer you an opportunity to learn more about your ancestors, your traits, and your health through 23andMe, a leading DNA service with over 1.2 million genotyped customers. 23andMe's personalized genetic service is the perfect complement to your family tree, revealing the biological traces of your ancestral roots. It allows you to make genealogical discoveries by matching you with other genotyped members in 23andMe's database and helps you understand how your DNA can affect your health. It is the first and only genetic service that includes reports that meet FDA standards.
Learn more »
23andMe










We're excited to let you know that we now offer the ability to upload DNA data to your family tree on MyHeritage, enabling you to discover more about your family history. Your DNA data will be kept private and secure. 

Enhancing your family tree with DNA results can lead to new discoveries. Soon, MyHeritage will roll out DNA Matching, allowing you to be matched to other people who share DNA with you and are likely related to you. MyHeritage will allow you to review the family trees of your DNA Matches (excluding living people) and filter them by shared surnames or locations to focus on matches that are more relevant to you. Best of all, DNA Matching will be combined with the power of MyHeritage's other technologies — Smart Matching™ and Record Matching — helping you determine the likely relationship path to your DNA Matches and prove or disprove other matches. You will be able to connect with new relatives and collaborate with them. 

Further down the road, MyHeritage will provide detailed ethnic and geographic origin reports based on DNA.

These features, including the DNA Matching, are currently FREE. 

If you or your family members have already done a DNA test on AncestryDNA, 23andMe or FamilyTreeDNA Family Finder, you are invited to export this data, and upload it to MyHeritage in just a few clicks. Your DNA will be matched for free to a very large set of additional people. You'll benefit from MyHeritage's vast international user base of 82 million registered users, plus the 10 million additional registered users on Geni, and get matches you would not receive otherwise. If you upload your DNA data now, you will enjoy DNA Matching for free. This may become a paid feature later on, but it will remain free for users who upload now. 

Click here to access our new DNA upload page. On that page, simple instructions are provided explaining how to export your DNA data from other services, and how to upload it to MyHeritage. Privacy terms are clearly explained, and you may delete DNA data that you've uploaded at any time. 

The new service described here is relevant if you have already tested your DNA. If you have not tested your DNA yet, please review our recommended DNA tests. 

We hope DNA will open new directions for your family history research. 

Have questions? We're happy to help! Call our support team: USA Toll Free 1-877-432-3135 | UK Toll Free +44 80 0098 8125 | Click here for our worldwide contact details. 

Enjoy,
MyHeritage team