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, 20 Apr 2026 11:02:42 -0400 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 11:02:42 -0400 dnafavorites.com 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 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#MyHeritage-Whole-Genome-Sequencingce5c9b2c5b77945c35f071d9e7ced931Roberta Estes compares the new low-pass Whole Genome Sequencing test with prior results. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Using-DNA-Testing-for-Ethnic-Ancestryd31ef179972ead8817552ffcf6f84369The publisher of my book interviewed me about this topic on their Helping Families Be Happy Podcast. Listen here or on your favorite podcast platform. Mon, 23 Feb 2026 11:15:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Compare-the-Top-DNA-Testing-Companies8cc6d98e43c7e3f8b280b118c8e53a4dSeveral DNA tests can help you solve genealogical mysteries. See this page to compare the strengths and limitations of the top five DNA testing companies. Fri, 20 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Presenting-Comparing-DNA-Ethnicity-Estimatesf9b75970ae7287d39064b93eddf0d6b6This Friday, February 20, 2026, I will be giving a virtual presentation titled "Comparing DNA Ethnicity Estimates" for the Irish Cultural Center & McClelland Library in Phoenix. Time is 10:30 am Arizona time. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 16:30:33 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Epstein-Assistant-Spent-6000-on-DNA-Kits53e31123d941c27b1022669ad9269c03One of the stranger things to emerge from the Epstein files is this order of DNA test kits from 23andMe. Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#New-Tool-Creates-Family-Trees-from-DNA-Matchesa07c0f0cb9d8b2e56772dba4f0e76c3aAutoKinship by Genetic Affairs builds family trees from your FamilyTreeDNA matches and more. Learn how to use it. Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Y-DNA-Tree-Tops-100000-Branches044c47664e00e88b8dbe0821a0364608Learn how FamilyTree DNA has traced the lineage of all human males using individual Y-DNA testers and thousands of academic and ancient results. Fri, 13 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#New-GEDmatch-Tool-Explained3171dc6bc75ce90dcbcd4b1300bcc5bfFor a detailed explanation of the new AutoSegment Split tool on GEDmatch, read this blog post. Fri, 6 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#71-More-DNA-Test-Surprisesc28df6b11e5a3184e026321b81a36a0cOn Reddit, people who took DNA tests and discovered way more than they bargained for shared what they learned. Wed, 4 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Mitotree-Updatesf4a8e900cc00372427448046e3a86edeIn addition to adding almost 13,000 new branches, Mitotree now incorporates more than 10,000 ancient DNA samples from archaeological sites around the world. Mon, 2 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Sequencing-Technologies-Explained41c280c12cc5488653f8c699823b9756See this page for an overview of the major DNA sequencing technologies used in genetic genealogy, how they work, and why their differences matter. Fri, 23 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Taken-a-DNA-test-Start-Helping-Solve-Cases-Todaydeeac0b46bf815ae431f40e6dab05f2dDNA Justice accepts uploads of raw DNA data. Upload yours to help solve homicides and identify remains. I did it. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Do-You-Hate-Finding-Your-Roots799dc40a6c316c99ed992bfd03be6fb3If you don't like Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Finding Your Roots, your bias may be showing. A good essay. Fri, 16 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Why-Attend-RootsTech-20262418e5b7bcf06aefaa4f7bf9b2b03affIf you’ve been wondering why you should attend RootsTech in person, this guide explores the benefits. Wed, 14 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#An-Interesting-Discussion-about-DNA-and-Adoptee-Searches5b6b1102d3df43b5e0106949e47b40caWatch a researcher at Legacy Tree Genealogists interview me about my search and DNA testing today. Use this link, then scroll down the page. Mon, 12 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/DNA-Facebook-Groups.htmlf70535d091a708f1e13a4f4214953cad-cpFacebook is the epicenter for discussions about DNA testing. Here are some of the most useful DNA Facebook groups organized by category. Fri, 9 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Introducing-MyHeritage-DNA-Traitsd55e027b7646a1ffe809b2e7a2693673DNA testing company MyHeritage now offers a DNA Traits add-on to your genetic genealogy test results. Read all about it here. Wed, 7 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#2025-Genetic-Genealogy-Retrospectiveeb677166a03531d5e09375d9484db0acProlific DNA blogger Roberta Estes looks back on the genetic genealogy highlights from 2025. Mon, 5 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Comparing-DNA-Ethnicity-Estimates410abf19a79fefd52ba10322343fe36bA holiday gift to my followers: Watch one of my recent presentations through this link for a limited time. Tue, 30 Dec 2025 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/genealogy-speaker.html6d13d6fcfb05d24b27441bdfb7ac515eIf you belong to a library or genealogy group, I have five different presentations on genetic genealogy that I update regularly. Mon, 15 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#A-Mother-Son-Reunion-42-Years-in-the-Making3c5f6939182eab021b969da6e3b2d5e7She was told her son died at birth. But he was the victim of a child trafficking operation. DNA reunited them. Fri, 12 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Stunned-by-a-DNA-Discovery29764426764c366441cf0ebfeeefb307Brianne Kirkpatrick Williams explains how a genetic counselor can help someone after a DNA surprise. Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Woman-Discovers-Over-a-Dozen-Half-Siblingsc81a6444b394f8bc316315f9e7f506ccDNA testing uncovers a secret. Instead of using different sperm donors, a Duke doctor fathered them all. Fri, 5 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-from-Rootless-Hairs622f072e97b02a2b50e89307bc22ad7fBode Technology can extract DNA from rootless hairs for forensic applications. Could it be used for genealogy tests? Wed, 3 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Irish-Family-Roots-A-DNA-Journey34f68a3c785ba1e0495a5d0bd90bc385Two Irish reporters tried the MyHeritage DNA test and shared their expected and unexpected findings. Mon, 1 Dec 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Father-and-Son-Meet-Through-DNA971bf930698e71d10e0568ae828c20d7After learning of each other through DNA testing, a father and son met for the first time in Idaho, changing both of their lives forever. Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Legacy-Webinars-Black-Friday-Salebc5188f3574c3d6fab2a70efda9af048You can access my webinars—and over 2,500 other genealogy classes—for 50% off: $24.98 for the entire year. The sale ends Sunday, Nov 30th. Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Test-Uncovers-Murder-Mysterya90ce72a383d84fe1d8ec8493ce39bc6A DNA test revealed that a man’s biological mother was a murder victim. Now, two families unite to solve a decades-old case together. Wed, 26 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#US-Adoptees-Face-Deportation6e2558e0713ffa6426c1c89c2946bdfbSome adoptees raised in the U.S. never received citizenship and now face deportation risks. Find out what this means for adoptees’ rights. Mon, 24 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Decoding-DNA-for-Adoptees-This-Sunday34b9abad9227528654ae0b0967a59ac1Finding Biological Family with Search Angel Susan Christin is an online event on Sunday, 11/23/25 at 3:00 pm Eastern time. Sat, 22 Nov 2025 11:57:34 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#What-Are-Nigerians-Mixed-Withc88809d166dccf19a57851b59821c60bGenetic studies show Nigerians have a rich mix of African ancestries from across the continent, with only minor traces from outside Africa. Learn more about the roots and diversity of Nigerian DNA. Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#The-Most-Shocking-DNA-Surprise-Everce7a1cd2a8e7e832bf3f41c0e6ca1a3aLots of people have been surprised by the results of a DNA test. But this story is a revelation I've never heard of before. Tue, 18 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Finding-Your-Roots-Returns-for-a-New-Seasonc83e1b1424f6801e951fab6d9b872078To see the celebrity guest roster for Season 12 and watch the new season trailer, click this link: Thu, 13 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Abandoned-as-a-Baby-in-Korea-She-Meets-Her-Sister-50-Years-Lateraf85ea5ccae9d72a2f76593b0e5cb8bfAnother incredible DNA success story reunites two sisters from opposite sides of the world. Tue, 11 Nov 2025 12:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#MyHeritage-DNA-test-is-now-just-29-until-November-9-2025e814f5b9c925c40f8eea7235b77329ddTIP: Buy the test kit while it's on sale. But wait until January to mail it. That's when 100% of the tests will be done through Whole Genome Sequencing. Fri, 7 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#DNA-Test-Holiday-Gift-Guide8350fa1c5f5ca54a16b50119e22ee281Before you choose any DNA test as a holiday gift, check this Guide to see which tests best fit different recipients. Wed, 5 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500 https://www.dnafavorites.com/dna-testing-blog.html#Her-88-year-old-Dad-had-a-Secret-Son57592679732c2ed23f76737bfa8ad678This woman did a DNA test for fun and discovered she had a half-brother in Scotland. Mon, 3 Nov 2025 11:00:00 -0500