Ancestry.com now offers ancestral DNA testing through the new DNA Ancestry Web site – dna.ancestry.com – currently in Beta form. DNA Ancestry participants submit a simple, painless cheek-swap test for DNA analysis. Test results are added to DNA Ancestry’s ever-expanding DNA database, where participants can compare their DNA test results with results submitted by other participants. By comparing DNA test results, users may uncover genealogical associations unimaginable just a few years ago, easily discover and connect with lost or unknown relatives, even get a hint of where their families originated thousands of years ago. Further technology will allow users to integrate DNA results with the historical documents, photos and stories already in their online family trees at Ancestry.com.
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Cheep-swap? That’s going to confuse people. I assume you mean cheek-swab?
I looked at the dna.ancestry.com site. It tells us what the test costs, how it compares to other companies’ results, and whether results are private. I think it gives readers who haven’t studied DNA testing a very poor idea of what they can actually expect to learn (or not learn) about their ancestry. You need to make that clearer.
I’m VERY pleased that DNA.Ancestry intends to allow users to upload DNA results from other companies. For instance, many of us have availed ourselves already of the National Geographic’s Genographic Project’s DNA testing. It is nice we can still share those results through Ancesty.com’s DNA site…
I agree with Janet Wright, the first commenter – you need to make it more clear in plain language what people can find out by using DNA, in a genealogical context…
Great to see that Ancestry.com, with its reputation as ‘the’ premiere site for genealogists, is embracing DNA testing and bringing it into the fold. With the reputation genealogy has as primarily an older folks hobby, and older generations not exactly having a reputation as ‘early adopters’ of new technology, its important that new, exciting technology gets a push from industry leaders like Ancestry.com. This will only help to ‘hook’ more potential genealogists, and to help capture the interest of younger generations. As we’ve all thought before “If only I’d caught the bug earlier, and could have asked my great-grandfather…” The more genealogists this helps create, and younger generations at that, the better it will be for ALL of us. We all benefit from more interest in genealogy, and exciting additions like DNA and the capability of matching your results with others is exactly the kind of thing we need to help capture the attention of potential genealogists out there. I’ve had the bug for 6 years now, and had it not been for the internet (and specifically Ancestry.com) and the ability to QUICKLY find records, I know I would have quickly become frustrated with mailing requests to county records offices, etc. and given up. DNA testing is another great way to bring more interest to genealogy. Two thumbs up.
In years past I have been excited about the promises of Y-chromosome DNA analysis. However, upon further analysis, I have come to the conclusion that the claims are greatly overblown.
While learning about a common ancestor six generations ago may be helpful, its usefulness in illuminating one’s family history seems very small to me.
In other words, don’t expect too much of a return on your investment.
I would like to see more about how the information is accessed and how matches are found. I have some concerns about the accuracy of user-submitted and pooled data.
It would seem to me that ansestry.com would recommend goint to FamilyTreeDNA as did the National Geographic’s Genographic Project’s DNA testing.
Family Tree DNA is the largest and most accurate DNA Geneology Service in the world and uses the famous DNA Laboratories of the University of Arizona. They have the largest World Database as well. You are more likely to get more matches from a larger DNA database than a smaller one. You are also more likely to get the testing done much cheaper when you join one of the surname or geographical projects as well. Lastly, they often have promotions like the one being held during September 2008 (ends Sept 30th) for up to 50% discount on most testing.
Their 67 marker Y Test is the most accurate in the world, and they are the only one in the world capable of doing that right now. You can also upgrade as the technology becomes even better in the future.
People really need to understand how the markers work and their accuracy levels before they pick just any agency.
I had a Y (67 marker) and mtDNA plus testing done for $288.00 by Family Tree in September 2008, you can’t beat that price for the tests I chose after reading many articles and talking to all the major Geneology DNA Agencies in US, the Isles, and Europe.