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DeanFL
01-27-2021, 08:48 AM
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Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS (https://www.pbs.org/video/secrets-in-our-dna-6aovtc/)
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Topspinmo
01-27-2021, 08:55 AM
IMO I have my doubts? Like FB or any other site with free or minimum charge it’s what they do with you’re information? And of course read all the fine print? I guess for some that will give up their private information it’s worth it. For me no, I know my family history black to early 1700s.

macawlaw
01-27-2021, 09:10 AM
My aunt talked my dad into doing this along with a cousin. As dad did not have an e-mail address, all the responses from the company came to me. They used 23andMe. There were not any surprises in his profile. He received numerous e-mails stating they had found relatives. You could decide whether or not to allow contact from them. There were numerous quizzes that they wanted dad to take, such as eye color, height, right-or-left handed, etc. If you took all of these, they would have significant amounts of personal information. I did not like that I kept getting updates on the Privacy Policy. Each change made it seem a little less secure. Also, 23andMe was purchased (I forget who and the details), but something about the change made me wonder how much information was being shared. I asked for no more contact upon his death.

A lot of people use these services. However, I am not yet 65. I would not do this until my health insurance is guaranteed through Medicare. Alzheimer's and diabetes run in the family, and while I do not have either (yet, and hopefully never), I have to wonder about an insurance company learning about potential markers somehow. I am younger than my husband and will have to find insurance on the open market after his retirement until I turn 65.

This information is three years old.

perrjojo
01-27-2021, 09:38 AM
IMO I have my doubts? Like FB or any other site with free or minimum charge it’s what they do with you’re information? And of course read all the fine print? I guess for some that will give up their private information it’s worth it. For me no, I know my family history black to early 1700s.
You know the part of your history that you were told. Many of my friends have found a few surprises :)

cj1040
01-27-2021, 09:49 AM
yes - we did ancestry and got matched with first cousins that we did not know had done it also and lots of more distant relatives including some from Scotland and Germany ! I thought I was more Irish than I was in the end ! Making a family tree now - so interesting. They located my 99 year old mother''s grandmother and grandfathers photos so I printed that out for her. They also have immigration and wedding and census records and more.
If you want health records I would try 23 and Me - we may do that someday as well.

retiredguy123
01-27-2021, 09:59 AM
My interest in DNA testing is about the same as Astrology. None.

DAN48
01-27-2021, 10:51 AM
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Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS (https://www.pbs.org/video/secrets-in-our-dna-6aovtc/)
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I have been doing my own family research for over 20 years, and, yes, Ancestry DNA is worthwhile if you do not expect miracles.
First, it will only match you to others who have submitted DNA. Second, if your DNA match is there, they need to have uploaded a public tree to be valuable. Otherwise, you need to contact them. Finally, DNA matches are less accurate the farther back you go. Don't expect to find a good match with a 6th cousin!
With those cautions, and considering the low cost, I would recommend doing it.

2newyorkers
01-27-2021, 11:23 AM
Just be prepared for some surprises. At 69 years old my friend found out she was adopted.

DeanFL
01-27-2021, 11:36 AM
Just be prepared for some surprises. At 69 years old my friend found out she was adopted.

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the NOVA episode had several stories as this - and a couple examples where DNA test by someone led to IDing and conviction of a cold-case criminal they were unknowingly related to.
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manaboutown
01-27-2021, 12:26 PM
Using Ancestry DNA my results came up pretty much as expected although family lore on both my mother's side and father's side held that we had ancestors from two different ethnic groups that did not turn up which I found amusing.

manaboutown
01-27-2021, 12:47 PM
Just be prepared for some surprises. At 69 years old my friend found out she was adopted.

That is not uncommon. I know a few people who either discovered or were finally told they were adopted as adults. One was told she had a different father than her three siblings when her 84 year old mother had a nervous breakdown and spilled the beans. Another was told by her father who thought he was on his deathbed that he was not her biological father, that her mother had been pregnant by another man when they married. Historically in America about one in ten is not fathered by their mother's husband as in the cases I just noted. Surprise! Surprise!

UpNorth
01-27-2021, 01:56 PM
We got the "23 and me" package as Christmas gifts a couple of years ago. Predictable results. Every human has neanderthal ancestors coming out of Africa, and your migration patterns are pretty predictable after that as long as you have some idea of your heritage. If you have little knowledge of your grandparents and heritage, you might find it interesting. Otherwise, a waste of money IMO. And yes, they would like to use your personal information for their "research" if you let them. No thanks.

dewilson58
01-27-2021, 02:10 PM
Daughter did it for fun.


Interesting info...............mostly generalities which can not be verified.


Brother & Sister can have very different history.........the services just shrug it off as what is more dominant in each person. Hmmmmmmmmmm.

retiredguy123
01-27-2021, 02:18 PM
We got the "23 and me" package as Christmas gifts a couple of years ago. Predictable results. Every human has neanderthal ancestors coming out of Africa, and your migration patterns are pretty predictable after that as long as you have some idea of your heritage. If you have little knowledge of your grandparents and heritage, you might find it interesting. Otherwise, a waste of money IMO. And yes, they would like to use your personal information for their "research" if you let them. No thanks.
Totally agree. Waste of money. A psychic may be more interesting, but I wouldn't do that either.

Number 10 GI
01-27-2021, 03:04 PM
I've been with Ancestry for a few years now and it has been very interesting. My father was an only child so there weren't any aunts or uncles on his side or cousins my age, just great uncles and aunts. The family is spread out all over the country so there were very few relatives that we could interact with. On Ancestry I was able to view public family trees of relatives and have spoken with them via e-mail, telephone and visiting them in person.
I have done the DNA thing and found more family through the results of the test. I'm not worried that much about my DNA results being used by the government to track me down as I've never been arrested or committed a crime any more serious than speeding in my car. I held a Top Secret security clearance for many years while in the Army and in a civilian job, so the government knows all about me through that and from my military medical. I'm not adopted as my DNA matches too many family member on both sides of my parent's families. No unknown children have been turned up thankfully.
I have spoken to a few DNA matches and have had some interesting conversations with the about their families. All in all it has been a positive experience for me.
An interesting fact came to light from my wife's DNA test, we found out she has family located in Minnesota and Wisconsin. My wife's mother's family was originally from Bohemia, now Czechoslovakia. Her family in Germany wasn't aware that a family member immigrated to the US many years ago and have no idea who it would have been. I've been able to figure out that they must have immigrated some time before WWI. We have contacted 2 family members about this but there are no family stories or knowledge of the original immigrants. So much gets lost when older family member pass on. Ancestry and similar sites will help to store this information so it won't be lost for future generations.

New Englander
01-27-2021, 05:08 PM
I did it and I'm so glad I did. No wonder I'm so smart. I found out I'm a direct descendant of Albert Einstein.

dewilson58
01-27-2021, 05:17 PM
I did it and I'm so glad I did. No wonder I'm so smart. I found out I'm a direct descendant of Albert Einstein.
Send me $100, I'll send you a report that says you are related to George Washington.
:1rotfl:

dewilson58
01-27-2021, 05:20 PM
Do ancestry DNA tests really work?
When it comes to ancestry, DNA is very good at determining close family relations such as siblings or parents, and dozens of stories are emerging that reunite or identify lost close family members (or indeed criminals). For deeper family roots, these tests do not really tell you where your ancestors came from.Oct 15, 2018

www.scientificamerican.com
(https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-accurate-are-online-dna-tests/)

oldtimes
01-27-2021, 05:38 PM
My interest in DNA testing is about the same as Astrology. None.

Totally agree.

NotGolfer
01-27-2021, 06:13 PM
Do ancestry DNA tests really work?
When it comes to ancestry, DNA is very good at determining close family relations such as siblings or parents, and dozens of stories are emerging that reunite or identify lost close family members (or indeed criminals). For deeper family roots, these tests do not really tell you where your ancestors came from.Oct 15, 2018

www.scientificamerican.com
(https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-accurate-are-online-dna-tests/)

My kids gave me an Ancestry kit for my birthday. I was wanting more information on my dad's side. I was surprised by some of the information but wondered if it was truly reliable. So from that I signed up with MyHeritage and compared the two. They had compatible information AND I found my lineage going back to the 1600's on my mom's side. Plus I connected with cousins I really didn't know, which was fun. I didn't delve too deeply into this whole endeavor for photos, certificates etc. Perhaps one day I'll go back and do that. In the meantime I have a thick 3-ring binder with my "family's" lineage to pass down to our grandkids.

dewilson58
01-27-2021, 06:30 PM
My kids gave me an Ancestry kit for my birthday. I was wanting more information on my dad's side. I was surprised by some of the information but wondered if it was truly reliable. So from that I signed up with MyHeritage and compared the two. They had compatible information AND I found my lineage going back to the 1600's on my mom's side. Plus I connected with cousins I really didn't know, which was fun. I didn't delve too deeply into this whole endeavor for photos, certificates etc. Perhaps one day I'll go back and do that. In the meantime I have a thick 3-ring binder with my "family's" lineage to pass down to our grandkids.
Anything in the results explain why you're "NotGolfer"?? :1rotfl:
(jus kid'n)
:ho:

DeanFL
01-27-2021, 06:44 PM
I did it and I'm so glad I did. No wonder I'm so smart. I found out I'm a direct descendant of Albert Einstein.

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did you get Al's Modesty gene as well? ...perhaps you developed the comedian gene on your own... :)
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charlieo1126@gmail.com
01-27-2021, 06:45 PM
I found a whole family of cousins and an aunt that I didn’t know existed

kathyspear
01-27-2021, 07:11 PM
Our family is really big into genealogy. My older sister is the expert in my family. My husband is also super involved in the world of DNA. (He has gone to numerous genealogy conferences in the US and attended one in Poland a couple years ago, which he enhanced by taking a two-day tour to areas where his ancestors lived. He also did a virtual [due to COVID] presentation last year for a TV genealogy group and will be doing more in the future.)

Several years ago Dan and I asked our siblings, some aunts and uncles on my side, his daughter, and his mom if they would be willing to test with 23andMe. We then bought kits for all of them with the exception of one sister, who declined. Many of us have also tested with Ancestry and all of us have uploaded our data to Gedmatch.

My sister has been able to fill in a lot of blanks in our family tree as a result. In one case, a gentleman living in Germany who matched me as a cousin wrote to try and identify how we were connected. He did not match with my sister (which is not unusual, since we all get different bits of DNA from our parents) but I told him to write to her because she was the family expert. Turns out he has bibles with all sorts of family history recorded within their pages, which he scanned and sent to sis. The information was super helpful to her. We have also connected with a couple of previously unknown relatives who had been given up for adoption back in the days when out of wedlock pregnancy was a bit more of an issue than it is today!

Dan has had a difficult time tracing his family prior to WW2 because of … you know … Nazis burning towns and killing everyone. Doing DNA testing has been a godsend for him.

Two especially interesting ways DNA has been useful to our family:

(1) Dan was matched as 2nd cousins to several young adults who all matched as half siblings. None of them knew the others. He chatted with one on the phone and finds out the young cousin was a DC (donor conceived) baby, which he had always known. Then other half siblings starting popping up. He chatted with another young lady who had no idea who these people were. Dan asks her if she was DC. She says no, she doesn’t think so. Dan says well, you might want to check with your parents. Needless to say, she was conceived through a donor. Her parents, like most people who used donors to get pregnant, had been told NOT to disclose this information to the child. Little did they know what science would come up with in the 21st century! Dan did figure out which 1st cousin has to be donor. He passed that info along to the 2nd cousins but I don’t think he knows if any of them have contacted their bio dad.

(2) My two sons were born with a neurodegenerative disease called Sanfilippo Syndrome. In order to have a child with the disease both parents have to be carriers. If two carriers have a child, there is a one in four chance that the child will have the disease, two chances out of four that the child will be a carrier, and one chance out of four that the child will be unaffected (neither have the disease nor be a carrier).

23andMe allows you to compare your chromosomes with other people’s. Because Dan researched where the “bad gene” lives (which chromosome), he was able to compare my genes with my siblings’ to determine that two were definitely NOT carriers. This meant that their children were NOT carriers and didn’t have to worry about passing this gene on to their kids and grandkids. Several others ARE carriers. In those cases, we were able to convince their kids (all young adults at this point) to let us send them kits so Dan could try and determine if they are carriers. (If it turns out that they are, they would want to have their partners undergo carrier testing before planning to have a family.)

Obviously, Dan and I do not have concerns about privacy with regard to using these sites.

If you are interested primarily in relative matching, Dan recommends using Ancestry because the potential pool of people is so much larger. Whichever site you use, you can download your data and then upload it to Gedmatch which is a free site. The more pools you fish in, the likelier you are to catch a fish. :)

There are other sites such as Promethease.com that will give you the type of health info you get with 23andMe, much more detailed than 23andMe’s, in fact. You can upload your 23andMe or Ancestry raw data to Promethease and get an amazing health report for $12.

And, finally, I would offer these warnings to anyone dipping his/her toe into genetic genealogy:

(1) You might find out something you don’t know, which can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on the “thing” and your perspective.

(2) You might not learn much that you didn’t already know.

(3) If you were told growing up that you were part Native American, be prepared to learn that you are not. You wouldn’t believe how many people post online that the tests must be wrong because they were told growing up that their grandma was full-blooded [fill in the blank with tribe].

Good luck with your adventure!

kathy

Cupcake57
01-27-2021, 08:47 PM
I traced my ancestors back to before the American Revolution on all lines except my maternal grandmother whose parents came from the AustroHungarian empire which is now Romania. So yes, I do believe my DNA testing thru Ancestry is somewhat accurate as the first 10 matches are second and third cousins that I know or know of, and I could figure out the next 10 or so and which line they came thru. Thousands of others with lesser matches are undoubtedly further up the tree.

My cousin is more into this than I, and asked me to upload my DNA to GEDmatch, which is the system that law enforcement is using to identify cold cases.(He is looking for Flynn cousins) So I did, and one time I was called by a woman from Jacksonville claiming to be the niece of a man related to the Ryan family and our genes matched and she wanted access to my family tree. (I haven't found any Ryans in my family). I agreed ( I got nothing to hide) and I never heard again. So I suspect she was someone from law enforcement looking for some hopefully distant cousin who has committed a crime. Or maybe they were a dead body!

Maybe I am naive but I look at it as interesting, and I found out my cousin's son lives in Apopka. Hopefully he's not in jail.

skippy05
01-28-2021, 06:12 AM
This is an excellent way for big brother to have more information on you. Also to scare you about potential genetic problems that you have not yet experienced with your health but might. Don't be suckered in by the positive spin on this stuff. Stop and use a little common sense and forget opening yourself up to all the downside such testing can and for sure will bring.

Footer
01-28-2021, 06:41 AM
I took the test because my sister did and was curious about how our DNA compared. It came back with the typical distant relatives but one person was a 24% match, slightly higher than my niece. My niece contacted her and it turns out my brother has a 35 year old daughter he never knew about. She is getting married soon and wanted to know about the health history of her father so she took the test hoping to find him. This revelation was only a month ago. As you can imagine it was a bit of a shock to our family, especially my brother's wife, but she is a lovely woman and we are happy to know her.

Two Bills
01-28-2021, 07:59 AM
My wife did her family history and it went back to George Jeffreys, 1st Baron Jeffreys, also known as "the Hanging Judge"

That confirmed my suspicions!:icon_wink:

rlcooper70
01-28-2021, 08:07 AM
I did in through Ancestry and allowed results to be public. I found a good reason that I have a full head of hair and an IQ over 100 .... my father was not genetically related to the rest of his family .... quite an experience. No regrets. Good luck.

Dot Rheinhardt
01-28-2021, 08:12 AM
I did Ancestry and 23 and me. Interesting results. I am much older than most matches, so I could give them info. they didn't know. I found a family of a great uncle (born in 1856). All very nice people, and they live in the general area where I grew up, but never met them or knew about them. I am the youngest of first cousins (one born in 1908), so I have more info. than younger generations. Most of my contacts have been with grandchildren of first cousins. I have family info. going back in the US to 1645.

JimmyDebbie
01-28-2021, 08:20 AM
I have been researching mine and my husband’s family history and used Ancestry for several years. I did their DNA test and found it to be valid as it showed strong relationships with other family members who had completed it (first cousins and uncle).

Through the use of this DNA process, I was able to connect with two distant cousins. I found that one of those had a great-grandmother who was sister to my great-grandmother. The other one had a great-great grandfather who was brother to our great-grandmothers. We had all hit some dead ends in our searches for the mother and father of those particular ancestor siblings. Through working together, we were able to make some more definitive finds and determinations about our heritage.

Another distant relative was able to find her birth father, who happened to be the son of my first cousin. Once she contacted him (she lived in Ca. & he lived in NC), he was open to meeting her. They have since met and visited one another in both states. The resemblance of this young lady to her deceased grandmother (my cousin) is uncanny. There was definitely no denying that she is a member of our family.

For me, the use of the DNA & what I have learned has been truly fascinating and worthwhile. I have many DNA matches that show on my profile but have not had a need to contact any others for any reasons so far.

kendi
01-28-2021, 08:44 AM
I got a kit for a gift once but wouldn’t use it. I don’t trust the accuracy or the security or those who may have access to the information.

giorgio1948
01-28-2021, 08:46 AM
Used all three...23andme is the best IMO

Fore!
01-28-2021, 09:05 AM
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Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS (https://www.pbs.org/video/secrets-in-our-dna-6aovtc/)
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Do you have any idea what they do with your DNA sample once you give it to them? All the personal questions asked and the sample of DNA make me wonder what is their end purpose. Buyer beware. There are many companies that are taking DNA for ulterior motives.

Villages Kahuna
01-28-2021, 09:19 AM
Yes, my wife and I did the Ancestry DNA test. Well worth the price, confirming many of our suspicions of our genealogy, but also providing some surprises.

When I discovered that a two-month free trial of the Ancestry family tree building program came along with the DNA test, I thought I’d give it a try. I took a genealogy course at the old Lifelong Learning College and recall that the instructors recommended it, saying you could accomplish a lot in a relatively short time if you applied yourself. So I gave it a try, after all like everyone, I had plenty of time!

I did accomplish a lot, but I literally spent hundreds of hours during my two free months. The trees I built for both my wife and myself kept going back and getting more and more interesting. So much so that I extended my subscription to Ancestry for another six months.

What takes time building the tree with both your direct ancestors as well as their children and siblings is a matter of arithmetic. After eight generations your four grandparents for you and your spouse becomes 256 grandparents plus all the children and siblings. You quickly discover that before birth control, families were huge. Ten or twelve children in a family were common, often more than that!

I’ve kind of slowed down and will probably suspend my Ancestry subscription. But I have built family trees for my wife and myself that contains...

—Almost 17,000 individuals
— Going back to the 1400’s
— We have two Kings of England and Ireland, a King of Scotland, a King of France and a King of Sweden in our combined lineage.
— We also have an Archbishop of Canterbury and a Catholic Cardinal among our ancestors.
— And of course, dozens of ancestors who were Knights or had noble titles. (We both have lineage going back to England and Scotland.)

— Certain lines are interesting for different reasons. It turns out that I’m 75% Finnish. The Finns may have had royalty, but not in my lineage. Most of my ancestors back 5-6-7 generations came from up near the Arctic Circle, many Sami reindeer herders.

Anyway, with the time we all have, I’d enthusiastically recommend doing the DNA test and then taking a crack at the Ancestry family tree-building.

lkagele
01-28-2021, 09:31 AM
I did it and I'm so glad I did. No wonder I'm so smart. I found out I'm a direct descendant of Albert Einstein.

If you're so smart, why did it take so long for you to get the test? Sorry, couldn't resist.....

I view the popular tests out there as being somewhat of a useful gimmick. At this point in my life, I'm really not interested in shirt-tale relatives I might have in Whoknowswhereistan.

If I started having serious medical issues, I would definitely consider getting the test done through Invitae Corp. It sheds light on diseases you may have or be susceptible to. It also helps medical providers determine if you're having issues with drug interactions. Not nearly as entertaining as the other tests out there but much more personally valuable, IMO.

davem4616
01-28-2021, 09:40 AM
on a lark my wife and I did 23andMe....my results were predictable. My wife was somewhat surprised, but it did depict how her ancestors traveled around the Med and finally ended up in Italy

the whole thing was pretty pricey for a little story about her family's migratory history

but if you do go with it, be prepared to be receive a number of 'opportunities' to upgrade for the benefit of science

it's not a complete fraud...but it's a real slick money making scheme....akin to 'naming a star after someone' in the star registry, or buying a square inch of dirt in Scotland to be able to say that you're a Lord or Lady...or in Lynchburg TN

PennBF
01-28-2021, 09:42 AM
If you are really interested in your Genealogy it can be hard work. I subscribe to both Genealogy.com and My Heritage.Com. In addition I have had both of these providers do my DNA. I have also purchased some hardcover books that are dedicated to Heritage's
names, histories and family genealogies. I have completed the Genealogy for both sides of my family (Paternal and Maternal). Charted Paternal back to 1587 and Maternal 1505. Along the way I have found some great history of the families and some remarkable discoveries of their experiences and accomplishments. It is a terrific journey through time. In order to be accurate you have to have some tight disapline and when not positive of a linage then get a second source! As an aside this is a very good way to keep your mind active. Regarding the comparing of the 2 DNA's. They were both similar and within boundaries that were reasonable.I did find that although a small percentage
one pointed out that we do have some Jewish heritage which is a wonderful addition to
our history. If you decide to start this road I would recommend starting with a single
source, Genealogy.Com and increase your sources as you grow in experience. :popcorn:






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dhdallas
01-28-2021, 09:46 AM
IMO I have my doubts? Like FB or any other site with free or minimum charge it’s what they do with you’re information? And of course read all the fine print? I guess for some that will give up their private information it’s worth it. For me no, I know my family history black to early 1700s.

I wonder if there is a cut-off point at some time in one's history. If there was not, everone's DNA would trace back to Africa.

In human genetics, the Mitochondrial Eve (also mt-Eve, mt-MRCA) is the matrilineal most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all living humans. In other words, she is defined as the most recent woman from whom all living humans descend in an unbroken line purely through their mothers and through the mothers of those mothers, back until all lines converge on one woman. The male analog to the "Mitochondrial Eve" is the "Y-chromosomal Adam" (or Y-MRCA), the individual from whom all living humans are patrilineally descended. - Mitochondrial Eve - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrial_Eve)

If you go even further than this researchers have discovered Neanderthals and Denisovans not only mated with each other, they also mated with modern humans. “When the Max Plank Institute [for Evolutionary Anthropology] began getting nuclear DNA sequenced data from Neanderthals, then it became very clear very quickly that modern humans carried some Neanderthal DNA,” says Alan R. Rogers, a professor of anthropology and biology at the University of Utah - How Did Humans Evolve? - HISTORY (https://www.history.com/news/humans-evolution-neanderthals-denisovans)

Skip
01-28-2021, 10:13 AM
Do you have any idea what they do with your DNA sample once you give it to them? All the personal questions asked and the sample of DNA make me wonder what is their end purpose. Buyer beware. There are many companies that are taking DNA for ulterior motives.

I agree! They are collecting personal information and some day your Health Insurance Company may say "We won't insure you because you have a distant relative that suffered from... (say Alztimers) .

Someone told me that they will own your DNA once you give a sample. That scares me.

Here's a place to start reading: LINK (http://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2018/understanding-ownership-privacy-genetic-data/) (Harvard University)

Genealogy tracing ancestors is quite different if you want to know if you're related to George Washington you don't need DNA. We enjoy "Finding Your Roots" on PBS weekly.

Stay safe.

Skip

John_W
01-28-2021, 10:14 AM
I never had any interest, although I found out about an unknown brother who did do a test. In 1999 I had a phone call and eventual meeting with someone who said they were a half brother.

I lived in Baltimore at the time, which is where I was born, and he lived in Philly and was born in Wilmington, De, not that far away, and was adopted. After many conversations we eventually met and even though I wasn't tested, I'm pretty sure he was who he said he was. I had another half brother that I knew about and grew up seeing often. He looked just like that brother. After almost 20 years and now I live in Florida, we still communicate and for awhile I did see him down here, because he owned a home in New Smyrna Beach.

Grunt 1946
01-28-2021, 10:27 AM
I was in the original group recruited by National Geographic to conduct deep DNA history going back 75,000 years (circa mid-1990s). Now that was interesting, as they showed my DNA as it progressed through the ages on of map of the world. I still occasionally get an update from Nat.Geo. The newer stuff is not as interesting, as it only goes back a couple of centuries in most cases. But, there are surprises, I and my wife each had one that really surprised both of us.

Topspinmo
01-28-2021, 10:30 AM
You know the part of your history that you were told. Many of my friends have found a few surprises :)

No, it documented in family bibles.

Topspinmo
01-28-2021, 10:37 AM
I wonder if there is a cut-off point at some time in one's history. If there was not, everone's DNA would trace back to Africa.

In human genetics, the Mitochondrial Eve (also mt-Eve, mt-MRCA) is the matrilineal most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of all living humans. In other words, she is defined as the most recent woman from whom all living humans descend in an unbroken line purely through their mothers and through the mothers of those mothers, back until all lines converge on one woman. The male analog to the "Mitochondrial Eve" is the "Y-chromosomal Adam" (or Y-MRCA), the individual from whom all living humans are patrilineally descended. - Mitochondrial Eve - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mitochondrial_Eve)

If you go even further than this researchers have discovered Neanderthals and Denisovans not only mated with each other, they also mated with modern humans. “When the Max Plank Institute [for Evolutionary Anthropology] began getting nuclear DNA sequenced data from Neanderthals, then it became very clear very quickly that modern humans carried some Neanderthal DNA,” says Alan R. Rogers, a professor of anthropology and biology at the University of Utah - How Did Humans Evolve? - HISTORY (https://www.history.com/news/humans-evolution-neanderthals-denisovans)


It’s only traced back to Africa cause that’s the old bones they found so far. And I sure there may be some ones opinion and the one with the most degrees trumps the other opinions.

I agree I swear I see some Neanderthal’s walking around today?

PJOHNS2654
01-28-2021, 11:19 AM
Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.

Two of my nieces in California submitted DNA a couple of years ago and discovered a First Cousin they were unaware of. This cousin lives in Sweden and had been looking for her father whom she had never met. That father turned out to be me.

I had dated a Swedish girl in the sixties and lost touch with her when she returned to Sweden. I was never made aware that she had been carrying my child. Since obtaining this information we have had a couple of family reunions. One of my other daughters submitted their DNA as did I which confirms we are related as parent or sibling. I have yet to meet the four new grandchildren. Perhaps this will happen after this Covid Pandemic is under control.

John_W
01-28-2021, 11:26 AM
Two of my nieces in California submitted DNA a couple of years ago and discovered a First Cousin they were unaware of. This cousin lives in Sweden and had been looking for her father whom she had never met. That father turned out to be me.

I had dated a Swedish girl in the sixties and lost touch with her when she returned to Sweden. I was never made aware that she had been carrying my child. Since obtaining this information we have had a couple of family reunions. One of my other daughters submitted their DNA as did I which confirms we are related as parent or sibling. I have yet to meet the four new grandchildren. Perhaps this will happen after this Covid Pandemic is under control.

Did the family reunion include the original mother? If so, how has time changed her and if you're married now, what does your current wife think? You have enough there to make a modern day sitcom, especially since the girl is Swedish.

Dgodin
01-28-2021, 11:49 AM
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Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS (https://www.pbs.org/video/secrets-in-our-dna-6aovtc/)
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I did it for fun via Ancestry. I knew my family roots traced back to France and Germany but was curious. The results were surprising, 62% British, 32% southern Europe and other stuff (1% Irish).
It was fun and shows how much migration has occurred in Europe. I still consider my family history accurate but now have clues as to what may have happened before that history.
My mom was less impressed. She first told me the results were faked, then blamed it all on my dad, which I found amusing. I didn't realize how invested she was in her German heritage. So, I gave her a test for Christmas. She didn't take it for 8 months, and then only did because i shamed her into it. She never told me the results directly but i got them from my sister.
My wife now tells people she is married to a bloody brit. Other fun fact, the average brit only has 60% british DNA, so I'm technically more British than the natives.

graciegirl
01-28-2021, 12:20 PM
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Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS (https://www.pbs.org/video/secrets-in-our-dna-6aovtc/)
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I used Ancestry. I was interested to find that I have over 50% DNA from British Isles. Next is Germanic and a spot here of this and that. I always thought I looked a bit Asian but that theory was laid to rest. I am NOT a person who worries about my privacy or is concerned they will deny me insurance because I have a genetic tendency toward cancer. That is one of the lovely things about being older. Most of those ships have sailed. I see GOOD things using our collective DNA to nail rapists and murderers who have remained hidden for decades. It pleases me to know that camera's and DNA Scientists may do more than even my favorite detectives on TV to catch the bad guys and girls. (Smugly knowing women are not as active at murdering as men. ) (Smugly also knowing that most of the men I have known are really great guys) Go for it Dean. I am guessing you belong to the Germanic tribe. ( I notice the new regime are using that word, tribe, a lot) lol.

WindyCityzen
01-28-2021, 12:39 PM
I did Ancestry.com a few years ago. I have an extremely small family. It found two distant and older cousins, so I know it worked. And since we were both in Ancestry we were able to communicate quickly. It also confirmed my earlier research. I’m way beyond worrying about obscure “privacy” concerns.

DeanFL
01-28-2021, 01:01 PM
I used Ancestry. I was interested to find that I have over 50% DNA from British Isles. Next is Germanic and a spot here of this and that. I always thought I looked a bit Asian but that theory was laid to rest. I am NOT a person who worries about my privacy or is concerned they will deny me insurance because I have a genetic tendency toward cancer. That is one of the lovely things about being older. Most of those ships have sailed. I see GOOD things using our collective DNA to nail rapists and murderers who have remained hidden for decades. It pleases me to know that camera's and DNA Scientists may do more than even my favorite detectives on TV to catch the bad guys and girls. (Smugly knowing women are not as active at murdering as men. ) (Smugly also knowing that most of the men I have known are really great guys) Go for it Dean. I am guessing you belong to the Germanic tribe. ( I notice the new regime are using that word, tribe, a lot) lol.

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Thanks G. I am swaying to the side of -what the hell do I have to lose. Yes - paternal side, German - maternal English. Thanks all for your stories and insight and concerns etc etc. Nice to get all the feedback - a positive for ToTV. BTW, if anyone IS interested in learning more about the DNA stuff - that NOVA episode was so insightful.
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wmailman
01-28-2021, 01:09 PM
If you are concerned about privacy with these tests, do what I did and use fake names. 23 and Me allows you to create any name or nickname or initials.

Loudoll
01-28-2021, 02:00 PM
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Last night, saw a really good "PBS/NOVA" on 'Secrets in our DNA'. Was so interesting, and left me intrigued to -perhaps- try it out.

Seems to be 3 main companies - Ancestry, 23andMe, CRI Genetics.

Of course once your DNA is on file, there may be privacy issues and ramifications, but nothing in life is without risk IMO.

Anyone here on TV use DNA/Genetic test? Results etc.


link to the Nova episode>

NOVA | Secrets in our DNA | Season 48 | Episode 1 | PBS (https://www.pbs.org/video/secrets-in-our-dna-6aovtc/)
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Yes, Ancestry.com and it was fun. The results tracked my people from Europe to Maine and on to my place of birth. My family passed down our history and ancestry which was surprisingly accurate so there were no big surprises at all. I loved it, it's fun.

terrild53
01-28-2021, 03:09 PM
I’ve done DNA testing thru Ancestry & 23 and Me because I wanted to connect with other family members on my father’s side. My dad had no information about his father or that side of the family so it has answered a lot of questions for me. I have no issue with my DNA being “out there.” My opinion only.

PJOHNS2654
01-28-2021, 03:17 PM
Did the family reunion include the original mother? If so, how has time changed her and if you're married now, what does your current wife think? You have enough there to make a modern day sitcom, especially since the girl is Swedish.

The original mother passed away about 15 years ago, never telling my daughter (if she knew for sure) who her father was.

CFrance
01-28-2021, 04:02 PM
Send me $100, I'll send you a report that says you are related to George Washington.
:1rotfl:
George Washington slept around. Especially in North Jersey.:)

Cgirmo
01-28-2021, 04:39 PM
My first cousins found their long lost sister that was adopted through my DNA matching that of the adopted "new" cousin.

ismatta
01-28-2021, 05:28 PM
I used Ancestry.com, and it has given me a wealth of information. I have found dozens of relatives of had no clue about, as well a sizable group in Australia who found me and have been corresponding with information on the family I never would have found.

Worldseries27
01-28-2021, 05:41 PM
my interest in dna testing is about the same as astrology. None.
i agree with you my fellow earthling 🌎.
The rest is details

Worldseries27
01-28-2021, 05:56 PM
i did it and i'm so glad i did. No wonder i'm so smart. I found out i'm a direct descendant of albert einstein.
wow 😲. Mine came back adam & eve

MoNonnon
01-28-2021, 07:03 PM
My husband now knows he has a half sister from his father. How great is that? (His Dad has long passed) As soon as Covid is under control, he and his 5 sisters will all meet with her....still no Brother....lol

Lemonhead
01-28-2021, 07:11 PM
Ancestry has a bigger data base than 23 and me but be prepared! I thought I knew EVERYTHING about my family...surprise, surprise! 2 stories:

3 years ago, I found out I have an older half brother through Ancestry DNA. Consolidated (but happy) story, he was born in Europe, given up for adoption by his birth mom at 3 days old and grew up 8 hours (in the USA) from us. He received previously unknown medical history information, 5 new siblings but best part was dad and son met for first time! We are enjoying getting to know him. (We think my mother likes him more than us lol)

My brother-in-law took a test since his wife was into family trees and found 21 half siblings?!? How can that be??? Came to find out he was the product of a sperm donor! (Both his parents alive, in their 90's but never told him). The count is now at 28 half siblings:shocked:

flflowers
01-28-2021, 07:46 PM
Do you have any idea what they do with your DNA sample once you give it to them? All the personal questions asked and the sample of DNA make me wonder what is their end purpose. Buyer beware. There are many companies that are taking DNA for ulterior motives.

23andMe was bought by a Pharmaceutical company, just not sure which one....but now they have all your information

Worldseries27
01-28-2021, 08:59 PM
23andme was bought by a pharmaceutical company, just not sure which one....but now they have all your information
rx's in the near future will be dna targeted to your specific dna. The information 🚂 train has already left the station. It's "a brave new world," a.h.

Marvivo
01-29-2021, 05:34 AM
I used 23andMe and Ancestry. The first report was long and detailed. Ancestry’s was very succincts and disappointing.

PennBF
01-29-2021, 07:55 AM
Before there is a lot of naysayers regarding DNA's there are some good components to this research. Mayo Clinic has a DNA Research Firm they are working with who will, in some cases accept patients. Mayo keeps samples from patients who had their surgery for
10 years. In this case the Research Firm harvested a sample of the surgery from 2017 and they did genetic research regarding the specific cells from the surgery and developed treatments that are very specific for that type and form of cancer. This is leading edge science for treatments of some cancers and is related to DNA research. In one case I am familiar with, this research led to 3 recommended drugs for that cancer! Will some Insurance Firms use that kind of history in the future to determine risk? Most likely, but who the hell cares? Sometimes "paranoia" gets in the way of sound judgement!:ho:

Number 10 GI
01-29-2021, 11:13 AM
There is so much information about everyone in various data bases, private and government. Think about it, all these entities have your date of birth, SSAN, place of birth, marital status, number of dependents, credit score, credit history, where you have lived and where you currently live, employment history, police record if any, your buying habits, how much money you make and on and on. Worrying about DNA information being in a data base is like shutting the barn door after the horse gets out. I believe the military now collects and stores DNA on military members for use in identifying an unknown body.

SharonW
01-31-2021, 11:36 AM
Ancestry.com is great. Researched my ancestors and found one side of family was Patriots and other was Loyalist. Found family members I did not know I had. Visited places in England and Germany that my family was from. Found graves of family members.

Have a friend who was contacted by a daughter he knew nothing about. Mother never told him he had a daughter and never told daughter who her Father was. They are now one big happy family and so happy they found each other.

Marlene36
01-31-2021, 02:52 PM
yes - we did ancestry and got matched with first cousins that we did not know had done it also and lots of more distant relatives including some from Scotland and Germany ! I thought I was more Irish than I was in the end ! Making a family tree now - so interesting. They located my 99 year old mother''s grandmother and grandfathers photos so I printed that out for her. They also have immigration and wedding and census records and more.
If you want health records I would try 23 and Me - we may do that someday as well.
I would also suggest 23 & me. We did this 3-4 years ago and found the results very interesting. No subscription needed, and we get regular updates via email, on a variety of new research or relative contacts.

Topspinmo
01-31-2021, 03:51 PM
Don’t fool yourself your information being sold, China collecting DNA from all over the world, I won’t be surprised if the collectors’ are selling information to China? the next virus will be ethic gender targeted. What do you think there doing in Wahun China? trying to save the bats 🦇?

Aloha1
01-31-2021, 04:27 PM
Don’t fool yourself your information being sold, China collecting DNA from all over the world, I won’t be surprised if the collectors’ are selling information to China? the next virus will be ethic gender targeted. What do you think there doing in Wahun China? trying to save the bats ������?

Since most of us are "mutts", I highly doubt the Chi Coms will be successful without killing most of their own population

Aloha1
01-31-2021, 04:35 PM
My first cousin had already done extensive research on that part of my family tree. I learned I am in part descended from a French knight, Roger the Bald, who accompanied William of Orange in 1066. I also learned with my own research that one of my great great grandmothers was a MacQueenie, which was a sub clan of Scottish Clan Ross and is now part of Clan McKinzie. Still looking to see if I am entitled to wear the Clan colors.

I was in Rostok, Germany a couple years ago and had a strange feeling that the land was familiar. Turned out another side of my family came from there.

I find all of this DNA research very interesting and it proves the fact that we are all "out of Africa".

DeanFL
01-31-2021, 05:16 PM
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just saw in the TV listings for tonight - 60 Minutes - will have a segment on Tonight on 60 Minutes: the race to collect DNA. I have it DVRd.
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Topspinmo
02-07-2021, 07:59 PM
Since most of us are "mutts", I highly doubt the Chi Coms will be successful without killing most of their own population

Why their collecting DNA so they don’t.