Connected DNA

Connected DNA is a website where customers can( for a fee) have their AncestryDNA  cousin matches converted into network graphs of  genetic clusters where it will allow them to visualize how each of their DNA matches are related to each other. Connected DNA is one of many tools genetic genealogists can use in order to advance their genealogical research and solve challenging brickwalls.
The link to the Connected DNA website is https://www.connecteddna.com/.



RS

Genetic Affairs news

Ancestry.com is no longer allowing the website Genetic Affairs to download DNA matches from AncestryDNA to create auto-clustering.  You can still use the Auto-clustering tools to download your DNA matches from FamilytreeDNA, 23andme and MyHeritageDNA.


RS

Reconstructing the Genome of an 18th century immigrant to Iceland of African ancestry.

Ever since the Human genome was sequenced in 2003, genetic sequencing technology has advanced at a remarkable rate. The evolution of DNA technology has made it possible for genealogists, archaeologists and historians to look at the past in a way deemed impossible prior to the discovery of the DNA molecule. Now, we can read  genes inherited from our ancestors and find unknown cousins by spitting in test tubes and submitting DNA samples to commercial DNA company giants like AncestryDNA, 23andme and FamilyTreeDNA.

The field of ancient DNA makes it possible to partially reconstruct the genomes of ancient humans and see how similar they are genetically to living people. The falling prices of full genomic sequencing enables genealogists, scientists and anthropologists to find answers to questions that would have never been answered 30 years ago.
It is now possible to reconstruct the genomes of ancestors who died over 200 years without analyzing human remains by looking at the genes of living descendants.  The unique story of Hans Jonathan is a remarkable example of how using the tools of science can rewrite and recover lost histories.
https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/01/hans-jonatan-iceland-genome-reconstructed/550667/

Grandson of Hans Jonathan with his family in Iceland

Happy hunting!


RS

More from TX Hisp Gen & Hist Conference...

Keeping Up with the Bits: Preserving your digital records

Mark Myers, Texas State Library and Archives Commission

• Biggest risks to digital records are unintentional deletion, corruption, and obsolescence
•  Manage your electronic records with these steps:
• Identify – know what you have
• Decide – what are you going to keep; prioritize for preservation
• Organize – create a central location, clearly label it
• Back-up – LOCKSS (lots of copies keep stuff safe)
• Describe your records in the metadata
• Digital media files come in 3 types
• Uncompressed – raw files in actual size, ex. .wav, .tiff
• Loseless – compressed but without loss of quality, ex. .wma, .png
• Lossy – compressed but with loss of quality, ex. mp3 and jpg
• Learn more at Library of Congress digital preservation website
• www.digitalpreservation.org/personalarchiving/

Family Tree DNA – Understanding DNA for Genealogy

James Brewster, Family Tree DNA

• Three types of DNA tests
• Y-DNA – for males only; traces father’s father’s father for 25 generations
• mt-DNA – traces direct maternal line for 52 or more generations; shows your Haplogroup
• Autosomal – for last 5 to 6 generations; you may not have many surnames in common with your matches
• Chromosome Browser is a tool with Family Tree DNA that gets more useful the more relatives you have tested
• Remember – just because your parents have something, it doesn’t mean it’s going to get passed down to you
• You can transfer DNA results between companies
• You can join a project or group, such as surname, haplogroup, geographical, lineage
• Learn more at www.familytreedna.com/learn/, https://dna-explained.com/, https://isogg.org/ , or https://www.yourdnaguide.com/

JO

Understanding Genetic Ancestry Testing

The Molecular and Cultural Evolution Lab at the University College London has created a useful site for anyone interested in understanding the science behind genetic ancestry testing, what DNA results can tell you as well as it's limitations. The site also provides useful links to articles and websites written by geneticists. If you're looking to take a Genetic ancestry Test[whether it's from 23andme, AncestryDNA or MyHeritage], be armed with knowledge and a healthy degree of skepticism in regards to what many of these companies claim. Especially, when these claims are aligned with commercial interests.  The "Understanding Genetic Ancestry Testing " site can be found at http://www.ucl.ac.uk/mace-lab/debunking/understanding-testing.


RS

Genealogy Adventures: A genealogy blog

I just discovered a cool new genealogy blog called Genealogy Adventures created by Brian Sheffey.
His posts not only deal with the traditional methods of genealogical research, but also, incorporate  exciting new forms of evidence and data gleamed from the growing field of Genetic genealogy to solve brick walls.  Like Sheffey, I have had success in using DNA to decipher the secrets of my genetic past encoded in my genes. Some of my discoveries have confirmed family tales, the historical record as well as opening a door into a new group of unknown forbearers. One of my greatest discoveries wouldn't have been made if it wasn't for the availability of DNA technology. The link to his  Blog is https://genealogyadventures.wordpress.com/

Enjoy!



RS

Autosomal DNA (atDNA) Video

If you're interested in learning more about DNA here is a good video I found on You Tube.   It's about an hour long and covers the basic concepts of  autosomal DNA.   The narrator is British as is his research but the concepts remain the same.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_y1sZWRD34

FS

New match feature on Ancestry DNA!

On August 27, AncestryDNA added a new feature to it's DNA matching system that will make it easier for genetic genealogists to find relatives. Ancestry.com members who have already submitted their DNA samples can view mutual matches shared between them and their DNA cousins. This new feature enables you to narrow down which ancestors on specific lines you and your DNA matches may share ancestry with.


rs

DNA for beginners

Looking for some "newbie" information on DNA and genealogy?  The International Society of Genetic Genealogy has a great page on Genetic Genealogy Q&A for Beginners.  http://www.isogg.org/ggfaq.htm

You will also find information regarding Genealogical DNA Testing Myths at http://www.isogg.org/dnamyths.htm

The ISOGG web site is a great resource. You can find it at http://www.isogg.org/  This society is the first society specifically founded to promote the use of DNA testing in genealogy. "The mission of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy is to advocate for and educate about the use of genetics as a tool for genealogical research, and promote a supportive network for genetic genealogists."

Resources at the website include information for DNA beginners, listing of events, message groups, speaker bureau, and more.  Check out the link "for newbies" in the left hand side bar on the home page.

To acquire a DNA testing kit visit www.familytreedna.com

Sue

Extreme Reference: DNA and Genealogy

While giving an impromptu presentation yesterday, I had a question about DNA testing and genealogy.  This is becoming a more frequent question so I thought I would add some information to the blog so everyone can understand some concepts.

Most DNA tests cover Y chromosome (paternal) and mitochondrial DNA tests (maternal).  Y chromosome tests cover the male line going back and can be used to test surnames.  Mitochondrial (mtdna) tests cover femals lines going back, so the test cover's the mother's, mother, mother, mother, mother, etc. 

DNA testing is compared to common DNA threads found through out the world.  There are many different labs and DNA studies that are continuous and ongoing.  For more information about DNA and genealogy please visit the International Genetic Genealogy Society webpage at http://www.isogg.org/.

In additon, you can search for surnames projects for relatives that have already completed testing.  For Y DNA surnames check http://www.ysearch.org/.  For mitochondrial DNA, look at http://www.mitosearch.org/.

Below is an interesting video about Chris Haley (nephew of Alex Haley of ROOTS fame) and a Y chromosome DNA test.