DNA-THE NEW WAY TO TRACE FAMILY LINES
(Please be aware this post was written in 2003 and published at that time in the Houston Chronicle (Houston, Texas) newspaper. Some of the news in this post, therefore, may not be current. Current and future posts on this blog may revisit and update news on this and other posts on this blog. If you have questions and/or suggestions, please send Mic a note using the comment page -Don’t forget to use the orange “subscribe” button to receive new posts-Thanks, Mic)
Following on the coat tail of discoveries in the Human Genome Project the use of DNA testing is changing the way genealogists conduct research. Used as a tool in conjunction with historical and genealogical research it is now possible to scientifically verify research and prove one’s ancestors.
The nuclear DNA of the Y-chromosome of every living male resembles that of his father, his grandfather, his great grandfather and so forth for hundreds of generations. It also resembles that of his currently living male cousins of any degree who share descent from the same direct common male ancestor sharing that surname.
To prove two or more males are related they must share the same surname between themselves and with their common ancestor. They must both submit to a Y-chromosome DNA test which consists of a skin-cell scrapping from the inner cheek. DNA markers from the scrapping of one testee are compared against the DNA of the other testee for similarities.
As an example, I may only be tested in a study for Barnett(e) ancestry. The DNA of another Barnett(e) can be tested and compared to my markers. If we do not match we have different Barnett(e) ancestors and are not related. If we do match, we have a common Barnett(e) ancestor at an undetermined point in the past. Conventional genealogical research would have to be conducted to determine the name of that common ancestor.
To prove ancestral descent from an ancestor with a different surname it is necessary to locate a living male relative willing to be tested against other males bearing the same surname as the ancestor sought.
Reports indicate there are over 600 DNA surname studies currently being conducted. Bennett Greenspan, president of Houston based Family Tree DNA, reports his company currently has over 425Y-chromosome DNA studies working.
In addition to Y-chromosome male single surname DNA tests one can be tested for the mother’s mitochondria DNA, Native American ancestry, Cohanim ancestry and a test of one’s overall anthropological makeup, called admixture. The latter test measures the proportion of one’s makeup in terms of major world population groups such as Native American, East Asian, Indo-European, sub-Saharan African and others.
To learn more about DNA testing and the names of surname projects being conducted visit the Family Tree DNA website at http://www.familytreedna.com/
NATIVE AMERICAN RESEARCH
Mic Barnette will be speak on Researching Native American Families at the Humble Area Genealogical Society meeting Monday April 14 at 7 p.m.
The meeting is free and open to the public. The society meets in the Teaching Theater of Kingwood College the second Monday of each month. For directions and more information visit the society website at ~http://www.rootsweb.com/~txthags/map_to_meetings.htm or email Cherri Foreman at cdforeman@earthlink.net .
SURFING THE INTERNET
Mic Barnette will lead a Surfing the Internet for Genealogy class at Houston Community College’s 1681 Cartwright campus in Missouri City. This one session class is a live three hour virtual tour of some of the most helpful and notable genealogical websites on the Internet. The class will be held Thursday April 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information and to register, contact HCC at 281-835-5539. Please note, pre-registration is required.
FROM THE BOOKSHELF
Family Tree DNA has created an interesting promotional video about tracing one’s family lines using DNA. The video, Genealogy by Genetics-Through the Eyes of our Customers, may be viewed online on the FTDNA website at http://www.familytreedna.com/videoaudio.html .
After viewing the online video societies or groups desiring a VHS copy of the video to show at family reunions, Genealogical Societies, Family History Centers and Family Association gatherings may order a copy directly from the website.
