Genealogy - Getting to Know your Heritage

[Sanguine]

So, @Elderberry, where do you go to get that type of DNA test?

[Elderberry]

So, @Elderberry, where do you go to get that type of DNA test?

Like most everything these days. Internet order. I used Family Tree DNA. They mailed me the swabs, which I mail back and they tested.

I am just absorbing what to do next.

I have been contacted by a couple of analysts already. My test results lists eight novel SNP mutations. Mutations that, to date, only I am known to have. Three of them,
though, are in unstable regions. That leaves these five:

19015229 C>G
22209369 T>C
21335389 C>T
19623117 G>C
10009145 A>C

And a DNA testing lab is creating a test for 3 of those unique DNA mutations.

I know two people that might take the test. Earlier tests have identified that they are a close Y-DNA match to me, through an ancestor back in the mid 1700s, or before.

[Bigun]

I'm a member of Clan I-M170.  Haplogroup I represents one of the first peoples in Europe.

[Sanguine]

I'm a member of Clan I-M170.  Haplogroup I represents one of the first peoples in Europe.

Does the Ancestry.com test tell that?

[Elderberry]

Does the Ancestry.com test tell that?

No, but I found that on this site, it shows one how to get that information.

Updated Method to get YDNA haplogroup from AncestryDNA results

http://www.geneticgenealogist.net/2017/08/updated-method-to-get-ydna-haplogroup.html

[Bigun]

Does the Ancestry.com test tell that?

Nope! Family Tree DNA.   Did a Y test (follows father's line) only available to males since only they have Y chromosomes.  They have a mitochondrial test (follows mother's line) that anyone can take but I have never done that one because IMHO it is unreliable in that it often skips a few generations.

I'm not a geneticist by any means so I only know what I've been told by others.  Mainly a friend who taught genetics at SHSU for many years. 

[Sanguine]

No, but I found that on this site, it shows one how to get that information.

Updated Method to get YDNA haplogroup from AncestryDNA results

http://www.geneticgenealogist.net/2017/08/updated-method-to-get-ydna-haplogroup.html

Thanks!  I'll let my brother know.

[catfish1957]

I'll let you know after I attend my first Clan-R-S6881 meeting.

FTDNA has driven down the genome so precisely, it is crazy.  After taking "Big Y" my(sub-sub-etc.)  haplogroup now has 3 people in it.

[Elderberry]

FTDNA has driven down the genome so precisely, it is crazy.  After taking "Big Y" my(sub-sub-etc.)  haplogroup now has 3 people in it.

Mine is still crowded. I have 34.

[Elderberry]

DNA Day Sales!

by James Watson on April 19, 2018 in 23andme raw data, DNA and Ancestry


About DNA Day

DNA Day observed on the 25th of April every year commemorates the day the findings of the most probable structure of the DNA, were published. The structure was solved by James Watson and Francis Crick using the X-ray crystallography data provided by Rosalind Franklin and Maurice Wilkins in the year 1953. Co-incidentally, on the same day in 2003, the Human Genome Consortium announced that the Human Genome Project is near completion. Ancestry DNA coupon deal announcements are made every year by major genetic testing companies like 23andMe, Ancestry DNA, Family Tree DNA, Living DNA and My Heritage. This year Xcode Life has also joined the bandwagon.

DNA day was first celebrated on April 25th 2003. The day was declared a public holiday for that year alone in the USA, jointly by the Senate and the House of Representatives. Ever since, this day has been celebrated by researchers and non-research genetic enthusiasts alike. This year it will be the 65th anniversary of the historic publication in Nature.

Ancestry genetic testing companies like 23andMe, Ancestry DNA, Family Tree DNA, Living DNA, My Heritage celebrate DNA Day every year with attractive offers.

Ancestry DNA Coupons: What are the offers for this year?

COMPANY   OFFER   OFFER PERIOD

23andMe   Yet to announce   

Xcode Life   FREE Health report. Use coupon code: DNADAY2018   Coupon valid on 25th and 26th April

Living DNA   20% discount on DNA kit at 79 USD, 79 GBP   Sale ends on 25th April

My Heritage   $69 for autosomal DNA test kit   Sale ends on 25th April

Ancestry DNA   Yet to announce   

Family Tree DNA   Yet to announce

More: https://www.xcode.in/23andme-raw-data/ancestry-dna-coupons-sales

[Elderberry]

Via Email:

Family Tree DNA     DNA Day Sale starts today      DNA DAY SALE ENDS: 04/28/18

Save up to 40% on our top selling DNA tests during our DNA Day Sale. See yourself through your DNA and bring your unique family history into focus.

https://www.familytreedna.com/sale/dna-day?utm_source=Family+Tree+DNA&utm_campaign=88d47da39f-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_04_20&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_b0f8841478-88d47da39f-200845925

[mountaineer]

Golden State Killer caught using relative's DNA from genealogy websites, prosecutors say

Investigators in California were able to crack the case of the Golden State Killer using genealogical websites that featured genetic information from a relative, prosecutors said Thursday.

Joseph James DeAngelo, 72, was arrested Tuesday at his Citrus Heights home after a DNA sample matched that of the Golden State Killer — a mass murderer who's believed to be responsible for at least 12 murders, 45 rapes and 120 home burglaries through the state in the 1970s and 1980s. ... FOX News

[catfish1957]

Golden State Killer caught using relative's DNA from genealogy websites, prosecutors say

Saw the news on this too last week.   Very very ambivalent on the issue.

One side of me likes it in that it can be used to take some really bad folks off the street.

Then there is another side that screams using my dna for what I did not intend is a serious breach of my privacy..

Anyone else want to weigh in?

[Smokin Joe]

My understanding is this guy was fingered because his daughter (?) used an "Open source" DNA website.  Once they found out who he was, they raided his trash to get a direct sample and nailed him.  Seems to me DNA profiles are ll over the place out there....

Don't spit (on the sidewalk), momma always said.... A cigarette butt, soda can/straw, etc. can provide enough sample. The average household trash would be a gold mine.

[mountaineer]

Saw the news on this too last week.   Very very ambivalent on the issue.

One side of me likes it in that it can be used to take some really bad folks off the street.

Then there is another side that screams using my dna for what I did not intend is a serious breach of my privacy..

Anyone else want to weigh in?

Yeah, I don't know all of the particulars of this case, but it certainly should give any of us pause who have sent in DNA samples. I hate to sound paranoid, but doesn't it appear the gov't can get your DNA for whatever purpose it might want*, not just nabbing rapists.

*That's the point where I'm trying not to don the 

[truth_seeker]

The site in question, GEDmatch, does NOT sell DNA testing.

The user uploads their own DNA test results, from another company (Ancestry, Familytreedna, etc.)  to GEDmatch for specific purpses. Voluntarily.

I have uploaded my own DNA test results to GEDmatch.

From the GEDmatch.com site today:

"April 28, 2018 We now have facility to allow users to delete their registration/profile and associated DNA and GEDCOM resources. If you are interested in how to use this facility Click here to find more information.

April 27, 2018 To correct a BIG misunderstanding, we do not show any person's DNA on GEDmatch. We only show manipulations of data such as DNA matches

April 27, 2018 We understand that the GEDmatch database was used to help identify the Golden State Killer. Although we were not approached by law enforcement or anyone else about this case or about the DNA, it has always been GEDmatch�s policy to inform users that the database could be used for other uses, as set forth in the Site Policy ( linked to the login page and https://www.gedmatch.com/policy.php). While the database was created for genealogical research, it is important that GEDmatch participants understand the possible uses of their DNA, including identification of relatives that have committed crimes or were victims of crimes. If you are concerned about non-genealogical uses of your DNA, you should not upload your DNA to the database and/or you should remove DNA that has already been uploaded."


----------------------------------------------
As a long time genealogy enthusiast, and more recently DNA too, I come down in favor of the families of crime victims, the public at large, LEOs, versus the privacy of the murderers and their families.

Stated differently, serial killers should prevent their relatives from taking any DNA testing.

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

Saw the news on this too last week.   Very very ambivalent on the issue.

One side of me likes it in that it can be used to take some really bad folks off the street.

Then there is another side that screams using my dna for what I did not intend is a serious breach of my privacy..

Anyone else want to weigh in?

Amen!

Seems in the fascination with 'Look, This is BRAND NEW! I Must Submit to having my freakin' DNA Investigated.' we've forgotten about Police Evidence Room scandals, Cops who lie on the stand and our own Govt's proven propensity to punish people (Duly Elected Presidents) who haven't committed any crime because certain Govt scoundrels believe those people Deserve to be punished.

[musiclady]

Yeah, I don't know all of the particulars of this case, but it certainly should give any of us pause who have sent in DNA samples. I hate to sound paranoid, but doesn't it appear the gov't can get your DNA for whatever purpose it might want*, not just nabbing rapists.

*That's the point where I'm trying not to don the 

Maybe not so tinfoil.

I sent my Scandinavian DNA in to Ancestry.com.

I think maybe I should keep my nose clean.  ^-^

[To-Whose-Benefit?]

Maybe not so tinfoil.

I sent my Scandinavian DNA in to Ancestry.com.

I think maybe I should keep my nose clean.  ^-^

You're a musician.

That qualifies you as a subversive, a Counter Revolutionary, A Reactionary, in some circles.

[musiclady]

You're a musician.

That qualifies you as a subversive, a Counter Revolutionary, A Reactionary, in some circles.

You got me!

I am ALL of the above.

(Hopefully, I'm too old to be of concern to the authorities.  :dx1:)

[Elderberry]

FTDNA has driven down the genome so precisely, it is crazy.  After taking "Big Y" my(sub-sub-etc.)  haplogroup now has 3 people in it.

Well, they kicked me outta Clan-R-S6881 and sent me down to Clan-R-BY50276. There's only one other joker beside myself in the Clan.

I guess that makes me Vice-Pres. I hope I don't have to sweep up after the Clan meetings.

[mountaineer]

More on how the cops caught a killer with DNA from a family member:

... The main commerical companies all claim that they will not surrender their clients' DNA test results to the police without a proper warrant. So should regular citizens be concerned about how the cops used DNA here?

In this case, probably not. The police reportedly drew on the open-source GEDmatch service, which does not test DNA but allows users searching for relatives to them to upload the results of such tests from other companies. Apparently, a relative or two of DeAngelo had submitted test results to GEDmatch. This familial genetic link led the police to suspect DeAngelo. The police directly connected DeAngelo to the murders and rapes by matching old crime scene DNA to his obtained from some item(s) he had recently discarded in public.  ...

The Golden State Killer and Your Genetic Privacy

[Elderberry]

World Families Network, Ysearch and Mitosearch Bite the Dust – Thanks So Much GDPR

https://dna-explained.com/2018/05/14/world-families-network-ysearch-and-mitosearch-bite-the-dust-thanks-so-much-gdpr/

It’s a sad month.

The core foundation of genetic genealogy is sharing.

GDPR is NOT about sharing easily, and the GDPR hoops are onerous, to be charitable. I wrote about GDPR in the articles GDPR – It’s a Train and It’s a Comin’ and Common Sense and GDPR.

One might say GDPR is at cross purposes with genealogy. It probably wasn’t intended that way, but so far, we’ve lost several resources due to GDPR, and it’s still not here yet.

Add to the death list World Families Network, Ysearch and Mitosearch.

The cost of GDPR compliance, necessary attorney fees along with with the risk of the horrific fines of up to 4 million Euro is just too much for a small business or a non-profit. Additionally, non-EU businesses are required to retain a European Representative company that agrees to absorb some level of the risk for non-compliance. Try finding a company to do that. Not to mention the pain-in-the-butt-factor of the hoops that they would have to jump through if so much as one person complained. Bottom line – not worth it.

Thanks so much GDPR.

[Gefn]

My sister and gave me a gift certificate for 23andme for Mother's Day.

I really don't want to use it. Sure, she showed me her print out for her bio family. I still think it's opening a can of worms I don't want to open.

This was for their deluxe package.

Anyone here familiar with this company?

[Suppressed]

My sister and gave me a gift certificate for 23andme for Mother's Day.

I really don't want to use it. Sure, she showed me her print out for her bio family. I still think it's opening a can of worms I don't want to open.

This was for their deluxe package.

Anyone here familiar with this company?

@Freya

This might be of interest:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3EEmVfbKNs

(Disclaimer: I'm a HUGE fan of Destin and his Smarter Every Day.)

DNA Testing and Privacy (Behind the scenes at the 23andMe Lab) - Smarter Every Day 176

! No longer available

[Gefn]

Thanks @Suppressed

I still am on the fence I just feel if I do this it's going to wind up like a Greek tragedy play.

Just my gut feeling.

I feel bad my sister spent almost $200 on this.

[mountaineer]

Just booked the airline and first-night hotel for a 10-day trip in September to France and Germany to visit the hometowns of my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents (Ensminger) of my father's paternal lineage and great-great-great-great-great-great (?) grandparents (Mumma/Mumaw) of my mother's paternal lineage. Whew! Mattstall, France, and Grosskarlbach, Germany, here we come!

[Bigun]

Just booked the airline and first-night hotel for a 10-day trip in September to France and Germany to visit the hometowns of my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents (Ensminger) of my father's paternal lineage and great-great-great-great-great-great (?) grandparents (Mumma/Mumaw) of my mother's paternal lineage. Whew! Mattstall, France, and Grosskarlbach, Germany, here we come!

 

[musiclady]

Just booked the airline and first-night hotel for a 10-day trip in September to France and Germany to visit the hometowns of my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents (Ensminger) of my father's paternal lineage and great-great-great-great-great-great (?) grandparents (Mumma/Mumaw) of my mother's paternal lineage. Whew! Mattstall, France, and Grosskarlbach, Germany, here we come!

Wow!!  That's FANTASTIC!!!

[Sanguine]

Just booked the airline and first-night hotel for a 10-day trip in September to France and Germany to visit the hometowns of my great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents (Ensminger) of my father's paternal lineage and great-great-great-great-great-great (?) grandparents (Mumma/Mumaw) of my mother's paternal lineage. Whew! Mattstall, France, and Grosskarlbach, Germany, here we come!

What a great trip!

[mountaineer]

Yes, now I need to dust off my meagre French and German language skills to be able to ask someone if they know any Ensmingers or Mummas still living there.

[kevindavis007]

Yes, now I need to dust off my meagre French and German language skills to be able to ask someone if they know any Ensmingers or Mummas still living there.

Have fun.. Where in Germany are you going to?

[mountaineer]

We'll fly into Frankfurt and drive to Grosskarlbach, which is not too far, just west of Mannheim and Worms. When we get to France, we'll visit Mattstall, which doesn't actually exist anymore, but is near Lembach, northwest of Strasbourg.

[kevindavis007]

We'll fly into Frankfurt and drive to Grosskarlbach, which is not too far, just west of Mannheim and Worms. When we get to France, we'll visit Mattstall, which doesn't actually exist anymore, but is near Lembach, northwest of Strasbourg.

Is that anywhere near Baden-Württemberg?

[mountaineer]

Is that anywhere near Baden-Württemberg?

Yes, but we'll be just west of there, in the Rhineland-Palatinate state. We'll spend most of our time in the Alsace, though. I visited Strasbourg many years ago, but Mr. M never has, and we'd also like to explore some Maginot Line-related sites and wine villages.

[mountaineer]

Court Rules Copying Photos Found on Internet is Fair Use
Dick Eastman · July 5, 2018 · Legal Affairs   

This ruling will affect many genealogists who are building or are maintaining web sites:

A Virginia federal court has made a decision that photographers won’t be happy to hear: the court ruled that finding a photo on the Internet and then using it without permission on a commercial website can be considered fair use.  ... More

[kevindavis007]

Yes, but we'll be just west of there, in the Rhineland-Palatinate state. We'll spend most of our time in the Alsace, though. I visited Strasbourg many years ago, but Mr. M never has, and we'd also like to explore some Maginot Line-related sites and wine villages.

That is nice. The reason for me asking that my Great Grandfather and my Great Grandmother (on my mother's side) is from the Württemberg area. From what I have heard is that my Great Grandfather served in the German army before WWI and after his time, he left Germany. Also, the irony is that he had to sign a draft card during WWI.

[mountaineer]

One of Mr. M's buddies, on hearing of our planned trip, mentioned he has ancestors from the Alsace and will be sending details. Looks like we may add another destination, in order to take some photos for him. Fortunately, I've left made the itinerary and plans more flexible than on past trips.

[kevindavis007]

One of Mr. M's buddies, on hearing of our planned trip, mentioned he has ancestors from the Alsace and will be sending details. Looks like we may add another destination, in order to take some photos for him. Fortunately, I've left made the itinerary and plans more flexible than on past trips.

Have a good trip..

[Gefn]

One of Mr. M's buddies, on hearing of our planned trip, mentioned he has ancestors from the Alsace and will be sending details. Looks like we may add another destination, in order to take some photos for him. Fortunately, I've left made the itinerary and plans more flexible than on past trips.

Have a really good trip. Make some great memories, eat some great food.take pictures!

[Sanguine]

Court Rules Copying Photos Found on Internet is Fair Use
Dick Eastman · July 5, 2018 · Legal Affairs   

This ruling will affect many genealogists who are building or are maintaining web sites:

A Virginia federal court has made a decision that photographers won’t be happy to hear: the court ruled that finding a photo on the Internet and then using it without permission on a commercial website can be considered fair use.  ... More

@mountaineer, some of the comments are more informative than the article itself:

This is a very misleading title and article. Whoever wrote that quote obviously is clueless about this case. This is NOT what the court ruled. The court ruled, that a highly cropped version of a single photograph, which had been previously published online without any copyright information, passed all four tests of fair use. It did not rule that all, most, many, or any other quantity of photographs may be used by anyone, anywhere, for any purpose.

All that said, most people can use photographs found on the Internet, or anywhere, for limited non-commercial purposes fairly without paying fees. This is not advice, as it’s dangerous, risky, and potentially economically devastating to just use photos willy nilly. Fair use is a DEFENSE. You have to prove fair use, and that can be costly. Also not all nations have fair-use defenses to copyright. If you violate the copyright of some French or German photographer, you could be in real trouble.

This article is everything wrong with the common (mis)understanding of copyright by the general population, and some poor soul will find out the hard and expensive way due to irresponsible journalism like this. PS that great snapshot you took of great-grandma isn’t going to get much protection against use and fair use claims, unless you’re selling them at a good clip, and spent the $100+ to file a copyright on it. That old picture of great-grandpa from 1910 is public domain, so you aren’t going to get royalties on that, and I bet you don’t own whatever original copyright you did have.

Fear, Uncertainty, Doubt. It’s a good way to drive traffic to a website, but bad at providing real, factual, and usable information to the community.

[mountaineer]

Good point, Sanguine. I guess the genealogy blogger assumed that old photos wouldn't be copyrighted, and thus available to other genealogists.

[mountaineer]

ancestry.com currently has DNA testing on sale, FYI.

[Bigun]

ancestry.com currently has DNA testing on sale, FYI.

Yep!  $59 for a regularly $99 autosomal test. 

[Elderberry]

Some ancient DNA research of the U106 tree. (My location on the tree: R-U106/S21 > Z2265 > Z381/S263 > Z301/S499 > L48 > Z9 > Z30/S271 > Z2 > Z7 > Z8 > Z1 > Z346 > Z343 > Y19620 > S6881 > Exact position not yet finalized.)
 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1h6ZFaJe9gUtwl2r2Iu33B5_kCc6er5n9oEthCe25wV0/edit

Ancient and Medieval Remains positive for the R1b Y-SNP U106 (and subgroups when possible). Compiled by Charles Weaver!

Sample summary:

Bronze Age: Europe (c. 3200–600 BCE)

c. 2275-2032 BC, Lille Beddinge 56 - Grave 49, Lilla Bedinge, Sweden, RISE 98, U106 > Z2265+ > BY30097- (FGC36477+)

c. 2200-1700 BC, Prague-Jinonice “Zahradnictví”, Prague 5 – Jinonice, Czech Republic, I7196, U106 > Z381 > Z156 > Z304 > DF98 > S1911 > S1894

c. 1881–1646 calBCE, De Tuithoorn, Oostwoud, Noord-Holland (West Frisia), I4070, U106 > Z381

Roman Period (roughly 1st century B.C. - 4th century AD)

c. 175-225 AD, 3 Driffield Terrace, York, England, 3drif-16, U106/S21 > Z2265 > Z381/S263 > S264/Z156 > Z305 > Z307 > S265/Z304 > DF96 > ~18274596-G-A > S11515 > L1/S26
c. 275-375 AD, 6 Driffield Terrace, York, England, 6drif-3, U106/S21 > Z2265 > Z381/S263 > S264/Z156 > Z305 > Z307 > S265/Z304 > ~22365047-G-A > S1911 > S1894 > FGC14818 > FGC14823 > FGC14814


Germanic Migration Period (c. 375–568 AD or later)

c. 380 +/-27 AD, Poprad-Matejovce, Slovakia, DA119, U106/S21 > Z2265 > Z381/S263 > Z301/S499 > L48 > L47/S170 > Z160 > S3251 > S6915* (negative for any current downstream groups under S6915)

c. 450-490 AD, Altenerding, Bavaria, AED 92, U106
c. 480-510 AD, Altenerding, Bavaria, AED 106, U106>Z381>Z156>Z305
c. 200-485 AD, Altheim, Bavaria, ALH 1, U106/S21>Z2265> Z381/S263>S264/Z156>S265/Z304>DF96>FGC13326>S22047
c. 420-470 AD, Straubing, Bavaria, STR 316, U106
c. 405-490 AD, Straubing, Bavaria, STR 393, U106

c. 550-570s AD, Szolad, Hungary, SZ 2, U106/S21>Z2265>Z381/S263> Z301/S499> L48>Z9>Z30/S271>Z2>Z7>Z8>(ZZ58?)
c. 550-570s AD, Szolad, Hungary, SZ 4, U106/S21> Z2265>Z18>Z372/S375
c. 550-570s AD, Szolad, Hungary, SZ 11, U106/S21>Z2265>Z381/S263>Z301/S499> L48> Z9>Z347>Z328> FGC10367>Z319>S1734>~2222759 2-T-A>FGC13489> hg38:20038474-A-C
c. 550-570s AD, Szolad, Hungary, SZ 20, U106/S21>Z2265>Z381/S263
c. 550-570s AD, Szolad, Hungary, SZ 23, U106/S21>Z2265>Z381/S263
c. 550-570s AD, Szolad, Hungary, SZ 16, U106/S21>Z2265>Z381/S263
c. 580-630s AD, Collegno, Italy, CL 84, U106/S21>Z2265>Z381/S263

c. 580-630s AD, Niederstotzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Grave 1, U106/S21>Z2265> Z381/S263>Z301/S499> L48> Z9> Z347> Z328> FGC10367>Z319> S1734>FGC363>FGC23165>FGC23143
c. 580-630s AD, Niederstotzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Grave 3a, U106/S21>Z2265> Z381/S263>Z301/S499> L48> Z9> Z347> Z328> FGC10367>Z319> S1734>FGC363>FGC23165>FGC23143
c. 580-630s AD, Niederstotzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Grave 6, U106/S21>Z2265> Z381/S263>Z301/S499> L48> Z9> Z347> Z328> FGC10367>Z319> S1734>FGC363>FGC23165>FGC23143
c. 580-630s AD, Niederstotzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Grave 9, U106/S21>Z2265> Z381/S263>Z301/S499> L48> Z9> Z347> Z328> FGC10367>Z319> S1734>FGC363>FGC23165>FGC23143
c. 580-630s AD, Niederstotzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Grave 12b, U106/S21>Z2265> Z381/S263>Z301/S499> L48> Z9> Z347> Z328> FGC10367>Z319> S1734>FGC363>FGC23165>FGC23143
c. 580-630s AD, Niederstotzingen, Baden-Württemberg, Grave 12c, U106/S21> Z2265> Z381/S263>Z301/S499>L48>Z9>Z347> Z328>FGC10367>Z319
(Graves 1, 3a, 6, 9, and 12b listed to same SNP - FGC23143 - based on their positive kinship status via the paper’s results - 12c is related in the paternal line to the SNP Z319). 

Much more at link above.

[Elderberry]

Using the new Family Tree DNA Y-DNA Haplotree


Sunday, September 30, 2018  https://ultimatefamilyhistorians.blogspot.com/2018/09/using-new-family-tree-dna-y-dna.html

Family Tree DNA has just released new a Y-DNA haplotree that is open to the public. Using the new FTDNA public haplotree can help you decide whether you want to do your own Y-DNA testing and whether you want to recruit others for testing. It can also help you better understand the results you already have. The tree not only includes SNPs from Big Y tests (recently renamed "Big Y-500" tests); it also includes results from FTDNA SNP packs and individual SNP tests. Roberta Estes wrote a good post on how to use this new tree here.

https://dna-explained.com/2018/09/27/family-tree-dnas-public-y-dna-haplotree/

I want to focus on how this new haplotree can help you with interpreting and enhancing your Big Y-500 results. It can also be a good tool for recording your ancestry. Let's start with a Big Y-500 test to see how this process works.

Your Big Y-500 list of SNP matches

If you took a Big Y-500 test, one of the most confusing parts about your Big Y-500 results is your list of matches. Below we see what many refer to as your step chart. The chart shows the "terminal" SNP which is the most recent SNP that you share with at least one other man. I put the term "terminal" in quotes because this SNP may not actually be your terminal, or most recent, SNP. Your most recent shared SNP can change if you test more closely-related individuals. If you have tested a father and son or two brothers, then you probably do know the real terminal SNP. Note the terminal SNP J-BY45500 and its four upstream branches.

More at link above.

[Elderberry]

Family tree of 400 million people shows genetics has limited influence on longevity

Genetics Society of America by Sarah Bay 11/6/2018

Although long life tends to run in families, genetics has far less influence on life span than previously estimated, according to a new analysis published in GENETICS.  Ruby et al. used a data set of over 400 million historical persons obtained from public pedigrees on Ancestry.com to estimate the heritability of life span, finding it to be well below 10%.

“We can potentially learn many things about the biology of aging from human genetics, but if the heritability of life span is low it tempers our expectations about what types of things we can learn and how easy it will be,” says lead author Graham Ruby (Calico Life Sciences). “It helps contextualize the questions that scientists studying aging can effectively ask.”

Calico Life Sciences is a research and development company whose mission is to understand the fundamental science of aging. So how did Calico get involved with Ancestry, the online genealogy resource?

“We wanted to get a sense for the contribution of genetics to life span, and that’s something you can study using pedigrees,” says Ruby. With millions of members, Ancestry has no shortage of pedigrees.

Fortuitously, researchers at Calico and Ancestry were connected from their time in academic basic research. Calico’s Chief Scientific Officer David Botstein and Ancestry’s Chief Scientific Officer Catherine Ball (senior author on the GENETICS paper) both have backgrounds in yeast research. They were involved in the Saccharomyces Genome Database project during their times at Stanford University and published a number of papers together.

So researchers from both companies teamed up to use publicly available pedigree data from Ancestry.com to approach the problem of figuring out the genetic contributions to human longevity.

“Partnering with Ancestry allowed this new study to gain deeper insights by using a much larger data set than any previous studies of longevity,” says Ball.

More: http://genestogenomes.org/family-tree/

[kevindavis007]

I don't know if any has tried this site yet or not, check out MyHeritage it is a decent site.

Also, I met someone from Germany (Baden-Württemberg) who is a distant relative of mine.

[Bigun]

I don't know if any has tried this site yet or not, check out MyHeritage it is a decent site.

Also, I met someone from Germany (Baden-Württemberg) who is a distant relative of mine.

I have an account there but find the site too hard to navigate. Much prefer Ancestry or Family Search.

[skeeter]

I have an account there but find the site too hard to navigate. Much prefer Ancestry or Family Search.

I'm upset with MyHeritage for including a small slice of Neanderthal in my genealogical background.