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 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:11:02 -0400 Mon, 12 Oct 2026 15:11:02 -0400 dnafavorites.com https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#A-New-Resource-for-DNA-Education411da7c0bbc8f59f52b12cfe477f2dd5I recently discovered the Genetic Voyage DNA Academy. It's another great option for learning about genetic genealogy. Check it out. Mon, 12 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Huge-Updates-on-AncestryDNA-Test159bd6e331d6fbd0dda4568ef248cff8Ancestry just doubled the number of ancestral regions, from 146 to 302. The regions are more specific and culturally informed. Plus, DNA tests and memberships are discounted until 10/20/26. Fri, 9 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Using-What-Are-the-Odds-WATO-Plus-to-Solve-DNA-Mysteriese94f1fd5bbb1403627fc05e6a35d6069For a limited time, you can watch a recording of this great how-to webinar for free. Wed, 7 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Adopted-Man-Discovers-His-Biological-Father-Is-a-Grammy-Winning-Artist2097b89c2aa6530411605a0bfb88e77bThanks to a DNA match with his half-brother, he learns his father was in the Doobie Brothers. Mon, 5 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Navigating-DNA-Surprises-Through-an-Adoptee-Lensc9c8dbed2cc6d0513e8919286846502fDNA testing can help adoptees explore biological family connections, but the journey often reaches far beyond genealogy. Fri, 2 Oct 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#A-Princely-DNA-Storyecd8b77fc84efdf9e29a36ad5efc93e5A 26-year-old former car salesman was officially recognized as a Prince of Belgium after a DNA test confirmed a 99.5 percent match with King Philippe's younger brother, Prince Laurent. Wed, 30 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#A-Remarkable-DNA-Discovery8601ec40eef0b4d90b4238eb120f332dTwo childhood friends learned 40 years later that they were actually sisters. Left at orphanages in India as infants, they grew up with different adoptive families in the Netherlands. Mon, 28 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Testing-Tips-for-African-Americansc7a9ec13dfa8b93b55f22aa46167f857For African Americans descended from enslaved ancestors, genealogical records alone are often insufficient to trace lineages prior to 1870, when the U.S. census began recording African Americans by name. Fri, 25 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Jews-Tracing-Roots-with-DNA3954a93b892946bf5b7fdf6bc40fb846Many Jews of European background grew up believing that their relatives on both sides of their families had been murdered during the Holocaust. DNA tests can lead to amazing discoveries. Wed, 23 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Tests-Lead-to-Lawsuit-Against-Hospital7187aa69c091ff1ba6e838c10476fbd0The families of two men who discovered through DNA tests that they were switched at birth 38 years ago are suing the hospital over the mix-up. Mon, 21 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/DNA-Bloggers.html25cfd7cfc080a757ddf5ec36ec066960Once you understand the fundamentals of DNA testing, these DNA bloggers can provide useful tips and help you keep up with new developments. Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Test-Leads-Marine-to-the-Father-He-Never-Knewfdf49636fd1ce134dc99a3ffe27f0b49The two had roughly two and a half years together before the father died. The Marine helped care for him in his final days and stepped in to manage the estate. Wed, 16 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Family-Phasing-at-23andMee5136f9c6951ccb9571dd498d46418a1Learn about 23andMe’s Premium Parental Inheritance feature, which allows members to see their Ancestry Composition split by Parent 1 and Parent 2. Mon, 14 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#The-DNA-Discovery-Boom4d02095bfc08e5300b5cb93d95eabdd9How at-home tests are rewriting American family trees. This article summarizes the topic well and includes statistics on things you may have wondered about. Fri, 11 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Inside-a-Famous-DNA-Academy036a166a1e83a2da7c4fd6b5f5168f60The East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference held its annual DNA Academy in August. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at what makes it such a great learning experience. Wed, 9 Sep 2026 14:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#See-the-Finding-Your-Roots-Season-13-Lineup34016f508e9b63c8e17fc5aa54b847deSeason 13 of ‘Finding Your Roots,’ hosted by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr., premieres Jan. 12, 2027, on PBS. Guests include Noah Wyle, Bette Midler, Rita Moreno, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Ashley Judd, and more. Fri, 4 Sep 2026 10:00:00 -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. Wed, 2 Sep 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Ideal-Paths-for-Learning-about-Genealogy-DNA8871ae784433fc549c2001cd36459c3dFamilyTreeWebinars has introduced Learning Paths, step-by-step routes through 2,800+ genealogy webinars, including 325 on DNA testing. Mon, 31 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Holocaust-Descendant-Finds-Relatives-Around-the-Worlda40390d6071fffb1af94e574eea5aa7cDNA led a woman who thought her family was killed in the Holocaust to meet relatives she didn’t know existed. Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Upgrade-Family-Finder-to-NGSfd3aecf8728034ea02268b962cb92e5cFamily Finder has switched to next-generation sequencing. Learn what’s changed and how to upgrade your existing results. Wed, 26 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#New-Y-DNA-Analysis-on-MyHeritage00e79c410255f407713ec0c936e5c3c0Male customers taking the MyHeritage autosomal DNA test get a new bonus: See your Y-DNA haplogroup. For me, it was more precise than the haplogroup reported by 23andMe or Family Finder. Mon, 24 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Preview-the-New-GEDmatch-Interfacef2417d43e912b207722319b33acffdfdA new interface is coming to GEDmatch. See a preview, try the beta test version, and lock in Tier 1 pricing before the September 1 increase. Fri, 21 Aug 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. Wed, 19 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Big-Changes-at-FamilyTreeDNAbe5d64406ed7c5874290dc5920a1f184The autosomal unlock for transferred DNA files at FamilyTreeDNA is being discontinued on August 18th. The new Family Finder NGS test provides substantially more coverage than a transfer test, and an upgrade will be offered at a special price beginning on the 18th. Mon, 17 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#The-Secrets-In-My-DNA-Genetic-Genealogy-and-Adoption6d6bc694502b166933acb23714d399fdIn this episode of the Legacy Tree Podcast, Sarah Stoddard, an advanced researcher at Legacy Tree Genealogists, sat down with Richard Hill, the founder of DNA Favorites and a pioneer in the field. Together, they explored the emotional rollercoaster of DNA discovery and how technology is turning “family secrets” into “family history.” Fri, 14 Aug 2026 11:00:00 -0400 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-Genealogy9493e686ec5243b0decb7928ecce9244-cpAn 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