Comments on: Free webinar: “Genetic Genealogy Made Easy”: Wed., July 8, at 8 PM EST.

By: Lynn

Lynn — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:15:13 +0000

Thank you for webinar. I learned a lot as well as you answered my question — can you determine ethnicity based upon the DNA tests. When that becomes a possiblity, please make a BIG announcement on Ancestry — that is something that I would be interested in confirming. Although it could take a long-time before reliable tests are available — I am sure multiple Ancestry users/subscribers would be interested.

By: Lisa

Lisa — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:14:20 +0000

Hi, I wanted to know if you would be replaying the Genetic Genealogy Made Easy webinar in the near future?

Lisa

By: Steve St. Clair

Steve St. Clair — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:31:51 +0000

I’m enjoying this thread. I think your viewers might be inspired to not only do their DNA but to start a successful project if they visit http://www.StClairResearch.com

We built this site after about 6 years of study. It shows just how much you can learn by combining DNA with good documents research.

Thanks for your hard work,

Steve

By: Wendy Jessen

Wendy Jessen — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 03:25:47 +0000

Marilyn, the items you referred to are known as “special specimens.” Ancestry.com DNA uses swabs for specimen collection, which can be mailed to a thrid party, if desired. You would need to contact a DNA laboratory directly to determine the viability and cost for your scenario.

By: Marilyn Walters

Marilyn Walters — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 23:17:43 +0000

I have dna on a napkin paper and cloth from salva from an 85 yr old man I think is my sisters dad can I send in his dna for testing? if so how much will this cost? He is out of state and I cannot get another sample. thanks Marilyn

By: Wendy Jessen

Wendy Jessen — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:07:00 +0000

Georgia, the results from Ancestry.com DNA provide insight into your ancient ancestry and help in identifying possible common ancestors through matching on DNA results. Specific locality and ethnicity is not a by product of these tests at this point in time.

By: Wendy Jessen

Wendy Jessen — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:00:25 +0000

Allen, you could surely start with the less expensive alternative, the Y 33, to begin your investigation. It would help to weed out some of the possibilities since you have so many. If able, however, I would recommend using the Y46. If you have chosen to begin using the Y33, then you will want to upgrade that handful of possibilities to the Y 46. The more markers two individuals can compare, the more precisely they can determine whether they could be related-based on a tighter Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) result. Conversely, matching too few markers will not result in a genealogically relevant time frame. The Y46 is a higher resolution test and therefore provides greater refinement. It includes the panel of markers from the Y 33 with a dozen or so additional markers. You can find out more about this option here. DNA itself does not reveal names of common ancestors. Remember it is the marriage of DNA and paper genealogies that will reveal the actual connection.

By: Allen Brady

Allen Brady — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 05:55:51 +0000

Would your Y-chromosome 33 test be sufficient to determine what cousin/brother relationships might exist among the 15 or so Scotch-Irish families with my surname who immigrated to PA in the 1700s using DNA from connected male descendants? This involves comparisons going back 6 to 10 generations. Would it be sufficient for two or three more generations back in N. Ireland or Scotland? (I submitted a similar question for your web seminar.) Also, what is the Paternal Lineage “46″ test? What information does that provide and what does it cost?

By: Georgia

Georgia — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 20:32:11 +0000

If I am trying to verify possible ethnicity – as in German, Jewish, Irish, etc. – is this verifiable from DNA? Thank you.

By: Wendy Jessen

Wendy Jessen — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 05:51:13 +0000

Thank you, Mike for your questions. You are coming prepared to the webinar. I’m starting to wonder if we’ll have enough time to cover everything!