https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html Occasional news and tips about DNA testing as it related to genealogy, adoption, and familiy mysteries in general. en-us DNA testing Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:40:24 -0400 Wed, 12 Aug 2026 13:40:24 -0400 dnafavorites.com https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Woman-Gets-Adopted-for-a-Second-Time-After-Finding-Her-Biological-Dad06d2a0323e7952f0037e6c3ecd6433d4A man and the 46-year-old daughter he didn't know existed for most of his life were preparing to celebrate a special Father's Day together, thanks to a DNA discovery. Wed, 12 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Ancestry-Updates-DNA-Match-Relationships65ff37dba5371f8d8c0e7201ff1cc490To provide more precise and accurate relationship predictions, the AncestryDNA test has been updated to better understand how people are connected. Learn which relationships are affected and why they changed. Mon, 10 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Half-Siblings-Discovered-thru-DNA-Lead-to-Lawsuitac4b785200d32f5682b1ce1f6ec7d489Lawsuit alleges former OBGYN insem­in­ated woman with his sperm without her con­sent, while she was seek­ing fer­til­ity treat­ment from him in the early 1980s. Fri, 7 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Leads-to-Long-Lost-Dad-after-57-Year-Search982973dac42108f10455a4beeebc4454A woman who spent a life­time try­ing to track down her lost dad finally found him, thanks to a DNA detect­ive. Wed, 5 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#An-Explosion-of-New-Tree-Tools8667a9509d69f50e4d7b98f98b424dc7Jonny Perl of DNA Painter provides a great overview of the many web-based tree tools for family history and genetic genealogy. Mon, 3 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Accidental-DNA-Test-Revealed-Three-Brothers1e0ad22a5ed782cf1216b0da0ee47cafWhen his niece received an extra DNA test, this adopted man learned for the first time at age 64 that he had three brothers who grew up less than an hour away. Fri, 31 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#The-Reinvented-23andMeab1caca3b47a1bb5e333749f61788641There are many new features at the DNA testing company 23andMe. Plus, many of their best tools require a subscription. Kitty Cooper shares her experience in this blog post. Wed, 29 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Women-Bond-as-Sperm-Sistersda937006908af60cfbd423ebb6839b56Natasha, Gemma and Helen grew up believing they knew who their dads were. Decades later, DNA tests revealed they were all conceived by the same Welsh sperm donor. Mon, 27 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Compare-the-Best-DNA-Tests-for-Genealogy9493e686ec5243b0decb7928ecce9244An independent comparison of the strengths and limitations of AncestryDNA, 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA, MyHeritage DNA, and Living DNA. Fri, 24 Jul 2026 10:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#A-Rare-But-Plausible-DNA-Discoveryece62e2ad543b0ba89c6db1591add8cbLots of men find out through a DNA test that they are not the father of their child. But what if it was the woman who discovered she was not the mother? Wed, 22 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Surprise-This-McGrath-Isnt-Irish05a5c143e962fd1709b8fd866f9bc82cFor decades, many adoptees were never told about their adoption. Now their children are taking DNA tests and discovering surprises in their family trees. Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Chromato-A-New-DNA-Comparison-Tool07627ad37a5921f5b44d1e2641881ac1This new tool from YSEQ generates a fast and detailed comparison between two DNA files. You can try it here. Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Helping-Korean-Adoptees-Find-Biological-Families-through-DNA3ddd0d69681990d72003b9249c069100This mixed-race daughter Korea tried to send away is helping adoptees return home. She now heads 325KAMRA, a nonprofit organization. Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/genealogy-speaker.html6d13d6fcfb05d24b27441bdfb7ac515eIf you belong to a library or genealogy group, I have five different presentations on genetic genealogy, including my updated "Comparing DNA Ethnicity Estimates". Mon, 13 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Making-the-Best-of-a-Huge-Error7c61d3a3b713ee0d2dc56e894efb2d46The couple in an IVF embryo mix-up reached a custody agreement with their infant daughter's biological parents. Fri, 10 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Testing-for-Adoptees8e45ee1d311c2b26b57036c8a945dbc8Family Tree DNA provides a great summary of the adoptee experience and what DNA testing can do for adoptees seeking their roots. Wed, 8 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Uncovering-Famous-Family-Secretsd77235f3c922693cb7b3ac6da1c1edadHenry Louis Gates Jr. explains how "Finding Your Roots" navigates shocking ancestry revelations and guest privacy. Mon, 6 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/genetic-genealogy-tools.html?fbclid=IwAR0GAQ0zYX0Q2t_gw23R8ebQ--3TPQM_AYrGRQ0DqZvNwtpqp-ks-VIto_Qf4193ea1d0eca2396b24de7ea79caad0To work more effectively and efficiently with genetic matches, use the best features of each testing company and some outstanding tools developed by others. Fri, 3 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#The-Intriguing-Paternal-Lineage-of-Michael-Jacksoneec134034dbb3afcc85f089f2639159fFollow the genealogical research that connected the King of Pop’s paternal ancestry to a centuries-old European bloodline rooted in colonial South Carolina. Wed, 1 Jul 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#A-Father-and-Daughter-Talk-About-Their-Reunione82e5a053dbd68cd3f1b2d62e1e0ced9DNA testing led Ed to discover a surprise daughter. Listen to the father and daughter share their story in this great podcast episode. Mon, 29 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Why-She-Bought-23andMe-Back-With-Her-Own-Moneyb7f42976b8bb64b217afb7e61e2bc99fAfter taking her company private, 23andMe CEO Anne Wojcicki opens up about the high-stakes decision to buy back the DNA-testing giant with her own capital. Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Christopher-Columbus-DNA-Analysisf8e84304012f4903242b8b29376a6605A new DNA analysis of the remains of several direct descendants of Christopher Columbus may have revealed a history-changing truth about the explorer’s origins. Wed, 24 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/genealogy-speaker.html6d13d6fcfb05d24b27441bdfb7ac515e-cpIf you belong to a library or genealogy group, I have five different presentations on genetic genealogy that I update regularly. Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#New-in-Ancient-Origins804ba51cba54dd920d71716e3a509a33This new feature of the MyHeritage DNA test lets you discover your genetic proximity to 32 notable figures whose DNA was recovered from archaeological remains. Fri, 19 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Alien-DNA-in-Genetic-Databases93a61cd16cb02947e28a12ce1b74b981Scientist debunks the idea that aliens known as Nórdicos could be identified through genetic markers on genealogy platforms such as Ancestry and 23andMe. Wed, 17 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Chilean-American-Stolen-as-a-Baby-Reunites-with-Motherf8aab6565cc000bd154c35009b756610MyHeritage provides free DNA test kits for Chilean adoptees and suspected victims of child trafficking. This is one success story. Mon, 15 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/best-dna-testing-companies.htmlab64c925f61e859017d3d32de9f6c68aAn independent comparison of the strengths and limitations of the top five DNA testing companies. Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Responsible-Use-of-AI-in-Genealogy81c0f9acaf4a116b0db7a94519ba046eArtificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming genealogy by offering powerful capabilities alongside new challenges and risks. These principles aim to guide the responsible use of AI within the genealogical community. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Understanding-Unexpected-DNA-Results9ad3009d8af0058203b790e06e70aef8An NPE is an unexpected discovery about genetic parentage or genetic relationships, often revealed through DNA testing. Learn why DNA surprises happen, and where to turn next. Mon, 8 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/Learn-About-DNA.html1b703b665a5d3240d5bc9b05614724bdWant to learn more about DNA testing for genealogy? Visit this page on my website for links to the best DNA education resources. Fri, 5 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Banyan-DNA-Releases-New-Version3e67ad3eb75e0d19b3d6f48874a49712Banyan DNA is a software tool for building, visualizing, and analyzing complex genealogies. See what changed in Version 1.9. Wed, 3 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Lots-of-DNA-Test-Dramaaa307dff6d744ce86c37973f900721f3If you're looking for something gripping, shocking, funny, and bizarre all rolled into one, this collection of 17 DNA surprise stories just might be it. Mon, 1 Jun 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Using-Autosomal-DNA-in-Genealogical-Research4ab05e3698e0f98d7011ea4087640dc4Learn how autosomal DNA works with traditional genealogy, Y-DNA, and mtDNA to confirm relationships and uncover deeper family connections. Fri, 29 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Test-Solves-75-Year-Old-Mystery5cb292214f99730cdf13921380ed181dTwo families, one in Austria and one in Morocco, get their ancestor questions answered through a surprise DNA connection. Wed, 27 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Ancient-DNA-Combined-with-Modern-Genealogyef2fa8f67f2fec09ee679b6870db2d02By analyzing the DNA of 49 individuals buried in St. Mary’s City, Maryland, 300–400 years ago, scientists were able to link 1.3 million 23andMe participants to some of the individuals from Maryland’s first capital. Mon, 25 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Leads-One-Woman-to-a-Surprise-Sisterc7077e2d67d85f1dbf6a7187e7ec7968Eva did a DNA test, hoping to find relatives in America. Instead, she found a sister and discovered their father had been a Croatian sailor. Wed, 20 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#X-DNA-Basics-for-Genealogists19f58f0738e0e24a4969bc9cb28f952fMany people are confused about X-DNA. Robert Estes explains all the basics and more in this free video. Mon, 18 May 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#GEDmatch-Intro-Video0aec41324c3f53f8f62dfad51d529e6fWatch this on YouTube: Getting Started with GEDmatch Tier 1 Tools | One-to-Many Essentials & Match Strategies. Fri, 15 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Switched-At-Birth-Error-Uncovered-by-DNA-Test0ca2a4f766421b1d1d2935911242cbc9Two women born just minutes apart at the same hospital in Buenos Aires have learned four decades later that they were swapped at birth, after a DNA test uncovered a serious mistake dating back to 1986. Wed, 13 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Making-Use-of-DNA-Painter6db5eb93a8beb7c4316b511f19f4da40This interview with Jonny Perl includes tips for using this popular genetic genealogy platform to more deeply analyze your DNA test results. Fri, 8 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Tips-for-Using-Autosomal-DNA-Effectively358b96043730003d935b253dc0b17db6Learn practical autosomal DNA tips to analyze DNA matches, identify shared ancestors, and make meaningful progress in your genealogy research. Wed, 6 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#The-Origins-of-Investigative-Genetic-Genealogy54f33793d7fe632aa9c11664fddcaa6fHow genetic genealogy became law enforcement’s unexpected breakthrough tool. How it works and the privacy issues. A great summary. Mon, 4 May 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#The-1Tool-for-Assessing-DNA-Matches4a1070d64b98426e619c9511a1694272When you get a DNA match with an unknown person, DNA Painter's Shared cM Project Tool identifies possible relationships. Fri, 1 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#An-Interview-with-Roberta-Estesd084b43a5896e1b08d3ffaf870e65c5bDNA expert Roberta Estes is a prolific blogger. Here she shares how genetic genealogy uncovered surprises and solved long-standing mysteries in her family tree. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Test-Confirms-Patriot-Ancestor854bc470a32efc594b15a4c26dc5f604On the 250th anniversary of the United States, a DNA test led this man to a Revolutionary War ancestor. Mon, 27 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Autosomal-DNA-Database-Growth-Chartd1db533455802f63a03d8032e3ace2fdLeah Larkin tracks the growth of autosomal DNA databases. Her latest update shares the numbers and explains the trends. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/best-dna-testing-companies.htmlab64c925f61e859017d3d32de9f6c68a-cpAn independent comparison of the strengths and limitations of the top five DNA testing companies. Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#7-Myths-About-DNA-Testingd8e05bd9c0d6195310b0486369b6bfb6Many people hesitate to take a DNA test because of assumptions that simply aren’t true. Find the truth here. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Korean-Adoptees-and-DNA6fdf4fcac34e9361b0a6bdc930ca3ebbOverseas South Korean adoptees struggle to reconnect with their roots decades after adoption. DNA tests are a huge help. Fri, 17 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Clustering-vs-Triangulation-Whats-the-Differenced788e5b74c213be038ec75a635917c52Each genetic genealogy tool has unique strengths and some drawbacks. Here's a concise summary and comparison. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#A-DNA-Detective-Interviewe2d7fb6d00ae322d9e1986a08cd28495Michelle Leonard uncovers the truth about ancestry, even when it is painful. I met her when I did a DNA presentation in England. A great interview! Mon, 13 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Test-Uncovers-IVF-Embryo-MIx-Upf7ec4915c66f4eb6f568f2f407aaacadTwins born 30 years ago take a DNA test and discover a bombshell truth about their parents. Fri, 10 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/DNA-Facebook-Groups.htmlf70535d091a708f1e13a4f4214953cadFacebook is the epicenter for discussions about DNA testing. Here are some of the most useful DNA Facebook groups organized by category. Wed, 8 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Relatives-Clustering-at-23andMe4b68a2823a0a24431feb656fc08be3f2Here's a new way to map genetic connections at 23andMe. Track down shared ancestors and visualize family branches. 23andMe+plus Premium™ members only. Mon, 6 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#MyHeritage-Traits-Video7486ad79281fadef2b88e2f4537c933dIf you generate a Traits report from your MyHeritage DNA test, you can create a traits video using AI that humorously highlights some of your traits. Here is mine. #MyHeritage #MyHeritageDNA Fri, 3 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#NextGen-Sequencing-Comes-to-Genealogyd158e4f450aa80692e407a8c65688513MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA are pioneering new technology for autosomal DNA testing with two different approaches. Learn more in this blog post. Wed, 1 Apr 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Free-Book-on-Segmentology-Fundamentals508607f4c51daf7efface9130fcb1955Download segmentology expert Jim Bartlett's new book on the ISOGG website. It flows from “What is a Segment?” to Clustering and Triangulation and beyond. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#New-MyHeritage-Tools-Introduced-at-RootsTecha07d974b15ecd7abd2bd6eff49fdc1caWatch the MyHeritage Founder and CEO share the latest developments in family trees, historical records, DNA, and AI to help users make discoveries and better understand their family history. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#An-Introduction-to-Genetics50d7506619f8e4eb149891fe2608385923andMe has a Genetics Learning Hub that includes a helpful introduction to the genetic concepts behind genetic genealogy. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Adoptees-Facing-Deportation37beaead28cdb1269abf1a9670446f6bThrough no fault of their own, many adoptees can be deported. As an adoptee myself, I find this a terrifying example. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#The-Worlds-Largest-mtDNA-Haplotree3e7a82a666b32c2d495ba7d87e10fe88This update highlights the current state of the mtDNA haplotree, including overall branch growth, notable haplogroups, and newly added ancient connections. Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Sex-Based-Interbreeding-with-Neanderthalse9bfc35093c3d57958563fedf366a77fNew research shows that interbreeding occurred predominantly between Neanderthal males and anatomically modern human females rather than the other way around. Fri, 13 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Chinas-National-DNA-Database7cb52c698678c932d9566bfe3cf28c84Lost at a Chinese railway station at age 4, now 28-year-old Zhang Yunpeng reunited with his father through this DNA database. Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/finding-long-lost-family.htmlce58cfcc04c71bb9364d7f1fdce0ea58Learn how to find birth parents and siblings through DNA testing. Explore more than 75 links to adoptee resources. Mon, 9 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#A-Fascinating-Story-of-DNA-Discoveriesc62f9bfceee0bcfa427fd4ebbb87170fRebecca's DNA testing uncovered one surprise after another with an eventual happy ending. Thu, 5 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Big-Change-to-Family-Findera13ed23824183d7676398daac9daf56bThe Family Finder DNA test at FamilyTreeDNA has transitioned to a next-generation sequencing panel for improved accuracy and consistency. Tue, 3 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/Artifact-DNA-Testing.html07c20cc13822450090808c00a5fd61f1How to obtain the DNA of deceased ancestors through items that still contain samples of their DNA. Fri, 27 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500