DNA Testing Facts

dna testing facts magnified strand

Due to recent scientific developments, DNA testing is now available to the general public. Technology that was once only used in health care and law enforcement settings is now commonly used for a variety of personal reasons. Interested in your family tree? DNA testing for genealogy is available. Looking for love? DNA testing results are used on dating sites.   The difficulty with DNA testing lies in... Read more >

Genetic Genealogy

MGT genetic geneology working on family tree

Genetic testing for genealogy research has transformed how people construct their family tree and research their ancestry. While genealogy by genetics will never replace more traditional genealogy tools, DNA testing can yield interesting and invaluable information about a person’s ancestry. Genetic Testing for Genealogy Research DNA genealogy testing can take a number of forms. The most commonly-used tests for... Read more >

Biogeographical Ancestry

biogeographical ancestry old family portrait

Until recently, written and oral histories were the only clues to our geographic ancestry. Most of us could only hope to learn about our ancestors from a generation or two ago. DNA testing for ancestry has made it possible to discover our geographic origins over thousands of years. The reasons for undergoing a DNA ancestry test are unique and varied. Some of these include: desire of adopted individuals learn... Read more >

Ethnic Ancestry

ethnic ancestry old portrait

Contained in each of our cells is a unique genetic profile, or fingerprint. This genetic information reveals more than just our individuality; it can tell the story of our ancestral history and provide clues about our ethnic origins. As DNA tests have become more accessible and affordable, they are now a popular method to explore ethnic ancestry.   Genetic information is passed from parents to children... Read more >

Maternal Ancestry

maternal ancestry couple with child

Ancestry DNA testing is a great way to find out about your geographic origins and possible relatives. One popular method of testing explores maternal ancestry by analyzing mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA. Here are some basic facts about mitochondrial DNA:All our cells carry mitochondria, which produce the energy we need for movement. Both men and women have mtDNA.Mitochondrial DNA is only passed on from mothers to... Read more >

Paternal Ancestry

paternal ancestry southern blot chart

Paternal DNA testing traces male ancestry by using testing a man's Y-chromosome. This type of paternal DNA test examines genetic material passed from fathers to sons on the Y chromosome. Here are a few basic facts about Y-line tests:Only men can take a Y-chromosome test, because women do not have Y-chromosomes. If a woman is interested in her paternal heritage, she will need to review the test results of a... Read more >

Family Health Histories

family health histories medical report

You may have heard the common expression that something “runs in the family.” While the expression is common folklore, it is actually true, and has been proven through heredity studies, genetic testing and family health studies. Your family history DNA is a valuable source of information. Your DNA may make you more susceptible to various diseases, but the information DNA provides can also help you prevent... Read more >

Genealogy by Genetics

MGT genetic geneology issues family tree

For many people, researching family history is an enjoyable hobby. Learning about their past allows individuals to discover, appreciate and understand their heritage. Today, the new field of genetics genealogy can help you answer questions about your past, trace your history and even find relatives you never even knew existed. Genetic genealogy also has the potential to disprove long trusted oral history and raise... Read more >

Types of DNA Tests

types of dna tests double helix

Your DNA is your genetic fingerprint, a unique identity that separates you from all other human beings. It can be found in your blood, saliva and other bodily fluid and tissues.   DNA can be used to identify both victims and perpetrators of crimes long after fingerprints have disappeared and weapons have been disposed of. DNA can be used to understand your past, plan for your future, determine who you are... Read more >

DNA and Adoption

dna testing and adoption mother child slide

Adopting a child can prove a difficult and time-consuming process. In these times of controversy and legal confusion, DNA testing can provide some peace of mind. Performing a DNA Test before Adopting Before adoptive parents can become the legal guardians of a child, the birth parents must willingly and knowingly consent to the adoption. This can become tricky if a child is cited as an orphan, or if the birth... Read more >

Surname Projects

surname projects grandmother and child

DNA surname projects are online forums on which individuals can upload their DNA results and compare them with the DNA samples of others. A DNA surname project can: confirm immigration records from family trees determine if two people with the same surname are related determine if two people with the same surname have a common ancestor trace ancestral origins. These projects can not provide the exact... Read more >