Family Tree DNA takes over DNAHeritage

DNAHeritage is GONE!


The following message from this URL just crossed my desk and is directly quoted below:

http://www.dnaheritage.com/default.asp


As of April 19 2011, DNA Heritage has ceased its operations and is in the process of transferring the domains DNAHeritage.com and Ybase.org to Family Tree DNA.

All the tests in progress will be processed by our current lab and the results will be delivered to our customers.

In order to ensure the continuity of the existing surname projects Family Tree DNA will study the best options to integrate our customers' results into their database.

Once Family Tree DNA decides on the option(s), our customers will be given the opportunity to opt-in to their database.



If you have questions about the transition or

need to place an order please check:

http://www.familytreedna.com/landing/dna-heritage.aspx

Family Tree DNA 36-Hour Sale for DNA Day

National DNA Day, April 15, 2011 commemorates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April 2003 and the discovery of the Double Helix in 1953 by Watson and Crick.

In honor of DNA Day, April 15th, Family Tree DNA just announced on Facebook their latest sale!


This is only posted on Facebook and you need the code to get the sale prices:

Coupon Code: DNADAY2011
Share: Public Event

Starting noon today this sale will last only 36 hours, so order now!


The following tests and prices are currently available:

Y-DNA12 marker Test for $59 (Reg. $99 via a project*)

mtDNA (HVR1) $59

Y-DNA37 marker Test for $129 (Reg. $149 via a project*; $169 without a project)

Family Finder Test for $199 (Reg. $289)

Family Finder Test plus a Y-DNA 12 marker for $258 (Reg. $299)

Family Finder Test plus mtDNA for $258

Family Finder plus mtFull Sequence plus Y-DNA 67 for $657

*If there is no project for your surname, put GFO in the search box and join there for a project price. I am the administrator and can continue to help you. You may join any relevant project later without further cost. Click on the FTDNA icon on this page (lower right) to order or go to the Family Tree DNA website.

For those new to DNA testing for genealogy, check this blog's archives for more details.

For this sale, I would highly recommend both the Y-DNA37 marker test and the Family Finder Test. These are two of my favorite tests.

The Y-DNA37 Test gives you matches along the top line of a pedigree chart, essentially, the all male line. Only males can take this test so women have to find a male for the surname they wish to test. As the Y-chromosome is passed from father to son virtually unchanged since mankind began, you can find matches going back many, many generations in your genealogy. A 37-marker test gives you matches within a genealogical time frame.

The Family Finder Test gives you a lot for your money. Both males and females can take this autosomal test and match each other. This test provides matches anywhere on your pedigree chart for six generations. You may think you know all your living cousins, but this test will give you more! Join together to continue researching your lineage.

The beauty of Family Tree DNA, besides their excellent customer service and being the oldest company and largest database for genealogy, is that when you test you get your own personal webpages and your test results is compared against the entire database. This means that every week when new results arrive, you have the opportunity to find more genealogical cousins. You receive their name and their email so you can write quickly and begin comparing information to find your common ancestor.

If you are a Facebook member, join the Family Tree DNA Group.

I also urge you to join the International Society of Genetic Genealogists. Check their website for DNA Success Stories, Famous DNA, and explore the ISOGG Wiki to find answers to many of your questions. You can also join the Newbie Email list and ask any question there (no question is too basic) and receive replies from experienced project administrators. If you manage a DNA project, join the Admin Email List.

Order your test today. I'm anxious to see if we are cousins!
Emily
15 Apr 2011

Family Tree DNA Y-DNA 111 Markers

Greetings!

This announcement just arrived from Family Tree DNA

Dear Group Administrator,

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Y-DNA111 test! This test includes a panel of 111 Y chromosome Short Tandem Repeat (STR) markers.* With 44 additional markers, Y-DNA111 is the highest resolution Y-DNA test offered by any company in the world.

The Y-DNA111 test is recommended for customers who already have close matches at the 67 marker level and are looking to tighten the calculation for the time to Most Recent Common Ancestor (tMRCA). ** Due to the specialized nature of this test and in order to evaluate the potential benefit of this type of upgrade, we ask that customers with Y-DNA12, 25, or 37 results upgrade to 67 markers first before considering the 111 marker test.

With that in mind, this new test is now available as an upgrade for customers with existing Y-DNA67 results and also as a standalone test for individuals looking to prove a close relationship on the direct paternal line:

Y Refine 67 to 111 (Upgrade) $101
Y-DNA111 $339

View our FAQ section to learn more about this new test.

Thank you,
Family Tree DNA

*This figure is based on the typical number of allele values we see for multi-copy markers. The number of allele values we observe and report for these markers may vary.
**Please note, both test-takers must have the 111 marker test to be compared at this level.

Who Do You Think You Are? Live in London

Although attendance at the Fifth Annual Who Do You Think You Are? Live conference in London at the end of February was not the record-breaking venue of 2010, there was a steady stream of attendees.

Family Tree DNA had a larger lecture hall and filled it with three days of presentations. Each day at the opening presentation, Max Blankfeld asked the group who had tested. The vast majority had not which shows the interest as well as the work to still be done on getting more people from the UK to test.

It has been said by some friends I know in England that one reason the English are not as enthusiastic about DNA testing is because they know from where they came. Although it tends to be true that most English have not ventured as far and wide as their counterparts in American, I have found that in the last three years that I have attended that the interest in DNA testing focuses greatly on learning if perceived cousins are truly cousins, if uncles and nephews are related by blood and all sorts of relationship issues. There are also cases of a person with a unique surname wishing to know if he or she is related to a person in another country with the same unique name. Those issues surfaced in people I tested both last year and this year.

Whatever the case may be, the majority of helpers at the booth this year felt that the level of knowledge among those electing to test had risen since last year. I had two people who had flyers from last year as they were hesitant then to test, but needed no convincing this year. I also noticed that I swabbed more people requesting the Family Finder test than any of the others.

There were many, many presentations (149 in three days!) on various aspects of genealogy geared to the novice as well as for the well-seasoned researcher. Many addressed a range of topics on DNA. Besides Bennett Greenspan and Max Blankfeld of Family Tree DNA providing information on the basics of DNA testing for genealogy, the National Geographic’s DNA project, how we have migrated around the world, and the new frontiers of DNA with the Family Finder test, the following presentations were given.

Geoff Swinfield, Professional Genealogist and Family History Researcher, provided insight into finding our ancestors with his presentation I’m stuck! How can I find my lost ancestors?

Chris Pomery, published author, addressed the use of DNA for genealogy in his presentation Combining traditional and genetic genealogy: lessons from leading surname projects.

Brian Swann, the European Coordinator for England and Wales for the International Society of Genetic Genealogists (ISOGG), covered DNA recruiting and testing on both sides of the Pond and 21st century tools for the genealogist.

Katherine Borges, director of the International Society of Genetic Genealogists, covered DNA Success Stories.


Dr. Turi King, from the Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester, spoke on Surnames, DNA and Family History, addressing, among other things, the Viking influence upon the genetic make-up of the British Isles.
..............................................................................................Dr. Turi King


Most of the handouts can be downloaded from the Society of Genealogist (SoG)’s site.


The booths numbered 138 and included some major UK groups such as the Society of Genealogists (SoG), FindMyPast, Ancestry.com, the Public Record Office (PRO) of Northern Ireland, the Irish Family History Foundation, Association of Family History Societies of Wales, Jewish Genealogical Society of Great Britain (JGSGB) and other ethnic groups, various county societies, used books, photograph services. Maureen Taylor, The Photo Detective (left), teamed with James Morley of What’s That Picture to provided photo dating and identification services. Their wonderful timeline display of photographs form the 1840s to the early twentieth century was a delight.


(Courtesy of Maureen Taylor)

This year, a smaller group from the US attended, but we all enjoyed spending some time with our British friends and seeing more of the sights of London. As usually, our group arrived at various times on Wednesday and after checking into our B&B which is in walking distances of Olympia (Kensington) where the convention is held, we hit the road running. As usual some of the group went one direction while others another. Often we would meet up for a common adventure.

Since I did not wish to repeat some of the same tourist attractions that I had seen in past years, Thursday a few of us visited the local Family History Society where I was able to glean data for my Ogan One-Name Study and my Talley DNA Project. The group split up and some went to the Science Museum to see the DNA display for a couple of our members’ DNA in their Who Am I? exhibit which will be displayed for the next ten years. Others visited the London Museum and learned more about the archeology of the area, the Great London Fire, and more.

On Friday, the conference opened at 10:00 and this year we did not stand in the long queue outside, but were able to go through the vendors’ door, thanks to passed from Family Tree DNA and ISOGG since all of us were helping at one booth or the other. As usual, some of us helped swab testers at the Family Tree DNA booth while others manned the ISOGG booth (International Society of Genetic Genealogy). Again this year, the ISOGG booth organized free testing for males with a specific surname. Family Tree DNA administrators who wished to test people for their projects were willingly pay for a 12 or 37 marker test for men who have the surname that fit their project. This year 115 surnames were made available which was many more than last year. Free tests were given to males with the surnames SPEARMAN, PHILLIPS, TOWNSEND, AND 2 (two) MCDONALDs thanks to the administrators of those projects. I was pleased to find the Townsend tester who was much surprised when I asked him his name and told him to wait a minute while I checked with ISOGG (just across the aisle) as I thought that name was among the list. I was beaming from ear to ear when I returned.

...............................................................................Mr. Thompson

Friday was a busy day, and I recall the same last year. Every year we spend Friday night dinner together at the Pizza Express, attached to the convention center.

Saturday and Sunday was more of the same. I find it very hard to get away to view the convention as meeting the potential testers is a great joy for me.

Saturday night many of our group attended the play We Will Rock You, music of Queen, organized by Brian Swann. Sunday night many of us had dinner across from the Olympia hall at a Persian restaurant.

Monday many of us took a taxi to Hampton Court Palace, the home of many kings including Henry VIII. Monday night I and Katherine Borges and Linda Magellan had dinner at the home of a distant cousin on my Talley line. They live in a condo that used to be Bryant and May Match Factory, the oldest and largest match factory in London, a beautiful complex of brick buildings. We had a lovely time sharing dinner and our lives with each other.

Tuesday found us at the Society of Genealogists with our personal guide for the second year in a row, Geoff Swinfield, where we explored three floors of genealogy records. At least this year we found the place easily and didn’t get lost!

About 3:00 p.m. we took the tube to meet Chris Pomery at St. John’s Woods as I wanted to recreate the Beatles' Abbey Road album cover, complete with similar clothing. Chris was to be our photographer. Katherine Borges was John, Cynthia Wells was Ringo, Linda Magellan was George, and Emily was Paul. It was getting late and was cold (at least my bare feet told me that!), so after the second shot, we called it good. It was amazing to see how many people were constantly crossing the street for a photo and the poses they did. We were the only ones like the album cover. Naturally, we all took a shot in front of the Abbey Roads Studio and wrote our names on the wall. It’s traditional and white-washed from time to time so we took a photo of our graffiti!

Linda, Emily, Cynthia, and Katherine
(Thank you ladies...and Chris!)

There were more events and adventures, but you now understand how much some of us try to cram into our week. Each year, many of us go our own ways in small groups and my goal is to always do a couple of things (or more) different from the previous year. There is so much to see and do in London!

Hopefully, by now you are looking forward to next year’s production of Who Do You Think You Are? Live and are vowing to join the group for a week of wonderful genealogical opportunities, great fun, and camaraderie. We have made many friends among the genealogists in the UK and look forward to visiting with them every year. After all, NETWORKING is the buzz word of the twenty-first century!

I look forward to seeing you there!

Remember to see the American version of Who Do You Think You Are? Friday nights on NBC

Emily
copyright 11 Mar 2011

Y Chromosome Phylogenetic Tree Update

The following was sent today by Family Tree DNA to all their administrators. If you notice that your Y-DNA haplogroup (twig on the world family tree) has been altered on your personal webpages, this is the reason. Note that haplogroups will be changed over time as more and more people test and the branches and twigs of the phylogenetic tree (world's family tree) is updated.


Dear Group Administrator,


We are excited to announce that we have updated our Y Chromosome Phylogenetic Tree to reflect new haplogroup sub-branches!

Family Tree DNA, in partnership with the YCC, periodically reviews known SNPs in order to evaluate those that meet the requirements to be added to the haplotree. The SNPs that passed this review are now included in the haplotree and considered for deep clade testing.

Along with this update to the tree, we have implemented some changes in the ordering process for deep clade and SNP testing:

We now offer a universal deep clade test for $89. This will identify a customer’s terminal SNP for any haplogroup.
If a customer has pending results for a deep clade test, they will automatically be tested according to the new tree.
If a customer has never ordered a deep clade test, they will have the option either to order the universal deep clade for $89 or order individual SNPs from the tree.

We will no longer be offering a deep clade extension product. For customers interested in upgrading to the new tree, it may be more economical to order the universal deep clade for $89 if there are 4 or more new SNPs available to them (each SNP is $29 individually). If there are less than 4 new SNPs available for a customer, they will not be offered the universal deep clade test and should order the SNPs individually from the tree since this is the most cost-effective option. Newly available SNPs are shown on the haplotree in orange.

Family Tree DNA

© 2011 Genealogy by Genetics. Privacy Unsubscribe

Family Tree DNA Sale - Walk Through the Y

Another SALE at Family Tree DNA.....

This message was sent to all the Haplogroup Administrators today....♠



Dear Haplogroup Project Administrator,

Family Tree DNA is excited to announce our Walk Through the Y sale! Based on recent improvements in our testing capabilities, and in order to spearhead further research in our field, we are pleased to offer our first discount on Walk Through the Y.

This test will be offered for a very limited time to approved applicants for $500 (normally $750). Please note, this special pricing will only be available to customers who elect to have their results made public.

Walk Through the Y is an advanced sequencing test focused on the discovery of new haplogroup-defining SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) on the Y chromosome. Walk Through the Y goes beyond the scope of deep clade testing, offering customers the opportunity to participate in testing at the forefront of Y chromosome DNA research. This research can expedite the discovery of SNPs that help subdivide haplogroups, information that is fundamental to the continued success of our Y-DNA haplogroup projects.

Due to the advanced nature of this test, Walk Through the Y is by application only. Interested members can fill out application form here.

To read more about Walk Through the Y, including information about who to test, please read through our frequently asked questions.

See: Family Tree DNA


© 2011 Genealogy by Genetics.

Family Tree DNA Announces New Illumina Omni Platform!

Family Tree DNA just announced:


Dear Customer,

Family Tree DNA is pleased to announce a new and exciting development!

Family Tree DNA is changing our Family Finder test to the Illumina Omni platform.

This new platform will allow us better opportunities for upgrades in the future. For this platform change to occur, we must retest your sample using our new Illumina OmniExpress system.

Because your kit 175114, has previously tested with Family Finder, you are eligible for a FREE early Family Finder conversion to the new system. Beginning with those who sign up first, the entire Family Finder database will be converted. Follow these steps to sign up now:


1. Go to www.familytreedna.com
2. Log in to your personal page with your kit number and password
3. Click on the alert box at the top of the page
4. Follow the "Click here" link to sign up


Those who sign up by Wednesday, February 16th, can expect results from the conversion within 2 to 3 weeks. We expect our entire Family Finder database to be converted in approximately 6 to 8 weeks. Your existing Family Finder results will continue to be available in your account until the everyone has been converted.



Do I need to submit more DNA? In most cases, we have enough DNA remaining from your initial Family Finder test. If we do not, we will send you a new collection kit.

How will this affect my Family Finder results? There will be little to no effect on the results of your Family Finder test. The testing platform change will allow us to offer more options for future testing.

What if I don't sign up? Your results will still be rerun using the new Illumina platform. However, you will be retested only after those who have signed up for the conversion.

What if my results have not come in yet? If your results are pending then your test is already being run using the new Illumina platform.

May I sign up for someone else? Yes, if you are the primary account manager for the kit. However, project administrators may not sign up on behalf of a project member without the member's permission.


For other questions or more details about the Family Finder test, please see our Family Finder FAQ





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