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Member Y-DNA Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/12/2021

Due Date,      Batch #,        Kit #,              Type of Test

10/25/21         1225               200146           Big Y-700

10/25/21         1221               499085           Big Y-700

10/25/21         1225               B79400           Big Y-700

10/27/21         1226               233001           Big Y-700

11/01/21         1231               476522           Y-DNA37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of single tandem repeat markers found on a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

Big Y Test:  This is direct paternal lineage Y chromosome test of single nucleotide polymorphism markers designed to explore ancient, deep ancestral links on the universal paternal tree.  It is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science, not personal genealogy.  This is an anthropological test, not a genealogical test.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Everyone should watch this fascinating video on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyaEQEmt5ls&feature=youtu.be

Neanderthals have long been seen as uber-masculine hunks, at least compared with their lightweight human cousins, with whom they competed for food, territory, and mates. But a new study finds Homo sapiens men essentially emasculated their brawny brethren when they mated with Neanderthal women more than 100,000 years ago. Those unions caused the modern Y chromosomes to sweep through future generations of Neanderthal boys, eventually replacing the Neanderthal Y. Click here to read the entire story in sciencemag.org.

The Y chromosome is a sex chromosome. Sex chromosomes carry the genetic code that makes each of us male or female. All people inherit two sex chromosomes. One comes from their mother and the other from their father. Men receive a Y chromosome from their father and an X chromosome from their mother. Men and only men inherit their father’s Y chromosome. Thus, it follows the same path of inheritance as their direct paternal line.

Paternal line DNA testing uses STR markers. STR markers are places where your genetic code has a variable number of repeated parts. STR marker values change slowly from one generation to the next. Testing multiple markers gives distinctive result sets. These sets form signatures for a paternal lineage. We compare your set of results to those of other men in our database. The range of possible generations before you share a common ancestor with a match depends on the level of test you take. A match may be recent, but it may also be hundreds of years in the past.

Tools meant to reunite families are now being “used essentially to get families to put their members in jail.” Please note that the type of DNA being used by police is autosomal DNA, not Y-DNA. Our Phillips DNA Project is a Y-DNA project. Click here to read more on The Atlantic website.

Member Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/24/2018

Due Date,      Batch #,        Kit #,              Type of Test

11/12/18         782                 89255             mtFull Sequence

11/12/18         884                 260279           Big Y-500

11/19/18         887                 465443           Big Y-500

11/19/18         869                 503286           Big Y-500

11/26/18         894                 698272           Big Y-500

11/26/18         894                 N34744          Big Y-500

11/28/18         895                 678932           Big Y-500

12/10/18         906                 872700           Y-DNA 67

12/10/18         906                 873256           Y-DNA 12

12/12/18         907                 208360           mtFull Sequence

12/17/18         908                 31455             Y-DNA 111

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of single tandem repeat markers found on a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

Big Y Test:  This is direct paternal lineage Y chromosome test of single nucleotide polymorphism markers designed to explore ancient, deep ancestral links on the universal paternal tree.  It is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science, not personal genealogy.  This is an anthropological test, not a genealogical test.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Only two percent of the population needs to have done a DNA test to identify nearly everyone else, researchers found. Click here to read the entire article in the New York Times and thanks to member Doyle Phillips for this link.

A Dutch man has made the startling discovery through a FTDNA Y-DNA test that his dad was a 'super sperm donor' and he could have as many as 1,000 half-brothers and half-sisters around the world. Click here to read the whole story in The Sun.

Member Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/22/2017

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/30/2017, 782, 76446, MT-Full Sequence

10/30/2017, 782, 201688, Y-DNA 111

10/30/2017, 782, 229498, Y-DNA 111

10/30/2017, 782, 288896, Big Y

11/01/2017, 689, 71714, Family Finder

11/06/2017, 776, 241057, Big Y

11/06/2017, 788, 344757, Family Finder and MT-DNA Plus and Y-DNA 111

11/06/2017, 776, 394204, Family Finder

11/06/2017, 786, 757435, MT-Full Sequence

11/06/2017, 790, 770389, Y-DNA 37

11/06/2017, 743, B120736, Big Y

11/08/2017, 744, 26404, Big Y

11/13/2017, 778, 12069, Y102 SNP

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of single tandem repeat markers found on a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

Big Y Test:  This is direct paternal lineage Y chromosome test of single nucleotide polymorphism markers designed to explore ancient, deep ancestral links on the universal paternal tree.  It is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science, not personal genealogy.  This is an anthropological test, not a genealogical test.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The DAR website lists 237 bible records that include the name Phillips. Here is a link to the page that displays those records. Thanks to member Doyle Phillips for this tip.

You should test more Y-chromosome DNA short tandem repeat (STR) markers when you wish to compare additional markers against others with similar results. They will refine your matches for genealogical purposes. It does not increase the number of generations traced by a Y-DNA STR test but rather reduces the range of generations in the time to a common ancestor with your match.

Testing additional STR markers can also help refine the matches in the Y-DNA – Ancestral Origins page. Testing more markers means that the information is more relevant to your personal ancestry. However, information on deeper origins (historical and anthropological) may be better answered with an extended Y-DNA SNP test like the Geno 2.0 test.

If you do not have many matches or do not have many matches that have tested more markers, you may still choose to upgrade. That way as the database grows and you gain additional matches, you will be prepared to make comparisons that are more refined. Note that the Y-DNA111 is new enough that matching and information from matching may be limited by FTDNA's current database size.  This test is becoming more popular and the database is growing rapidly, so this should change over time.

What is the probability that my relative and I share enough autosomal DNA for testing to detect?

If your relationship is within recent generations (2nd cousins or more recent relatives), testing is almost sure to detect your relationship. Testing will also detect many 3rd cousins and about half of your 4th cousins. It will only detect a small percentage of 5th and more distant cousins. This is because you share an average of 50% less DNA with an ancestor with each additional generation. Here is a chart that shows how much autosomal DNA you can expect to share with different levels of cousins.

Richard III, the protagonist in Shakespeare's play of the same name, is the focus of this year's Queen's Lecture. In August 2012, the University of Leicester in collaboration with the Richard III Society and Leicester City Council, began one of the most ambitious archaeological projects ever attempted: no less than a search for the lost grave of King Richard III. The last English king to die in battle.

Turi King led the international research team which provided overwhelming evidence that the skeleton discovered under a car park in Leicester indeed represents the remains of King Richard III, thereby closing what is probably the oldest forensic case solved to date.

At this year’s Queen’s Lecture, Turi King will speak about the Grey Friars project, from the early stages of planning the dig, through to the excavation and the results of the various strands of analysis carried out on the remains and modern DNA obtained from a straight descendant of Anne of York, Richard III’s eldest sister.

Click here to watch the live stream on 1 November.  The lecture will be held in English.

Back in August, crews working on part of Leine castle uncovered a long-dead skeleton. Early analysis of the remains by researchers at Lund University indicates that the bones are centuries old, which could put them in the running to be Königsmarck’s long-lost body. However, there could be an answer soon—scientists at the university are working on ways to extract DNA samples from the bones in hopes of comparing it with samples from Königsmarck’s living relatives to see if they can make a match.  Read more here in Smithsonian.com.

MAURICE GLEESON MB is a London-based doctor during the day, but when he’s not working the Irishman is delving deep into his family’s history, using DNA.

He’s gearing up to speak at the Back to our Past event next weekend, an event set up for those who want trace their family’s past.

Click here to read more in The Journal.ie.

Americans are digging up surprises about their immigrant ancestors using DNA testing and online genealogy research.  Click here to read more in The Wall Street Journal.

Russian investigators said Monday that they will exhume the remains of Russian Tsar Alexander III to confirm the identity of two of his grandchildren, who were executed alongside their father, Tsar Nicholas II, by the Bolsheviks in 1918.  Click here to read the entire story in The Moscow Times.

DNA evidence could be used for the first time to resolve a feud over a hereditary title after Queen Elizabeth intervenes.  Click here to read the entire story in the Telegraph.

Member Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/10/2015

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

11/11/2015, 635, 389248, Y-DNA 37

11/25/2015, 639, 438740, Y-DNA 37

12/02/2015, 641, 433559, Y-DNA 37

12/09/2015, 642, 402256, Y-DNA 67

12/23/2015, 643, 420316, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

Big Y Test:  This is another direct paternal lineage Y chromosome test designed to explore ancient, deep ancestral links on the universal paternal tree.  It is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science, not personal genealogy.  This is an anthropological test, not a genealogical test.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Using forensic, isotopic and DNA techniques, scientists found the burials belonged to more than one generation of a single family, with two of the bodies thought to be warriors due to their multiple healed wounds.  Click here to read the entire story in the Independent.

Last month Russell Edwards, the author of a new book entitled Naming Jack the Ripper, said he had irrefutable evidence that the notorious serial killer who terrorized London in the late 1880's was a Polish emigrant named Aaron Kosminski.  However, Edwards' claim has been called into question by a scathing follow-up report published by The Independent.  Click here to read the story in the Huffington Post.

Here is a link to a blog called the Legal Genealogist written by Judy G. Russell that explains why haplogroup predictions acquired from autosomal DNA testing are not as accurate as haplogroup predictions obtained through Y-DNA and mtDNA tests. 

Cece Moore is a genetic genealogist who is serving as a consultant on the PBS TV show "Finding Your Roots".  Here is a link to an article she wrote reflecting on her experience behind the scenes of Episode One which was titled In Search of Our Fathers.

Member Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/07/2014

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

08/07/2014, 575, 233001, Family Finder

10/16/2014, 586, 197659, Y-DNA 67 markers

10/16/2014, 586, 231510, Y-DNA 67 markers

10/16/2014, 586, 275787, Y-DNA 111 markers

10/16/2014, 586, 353516, Y-DNA 37 markers

10/23/2014, 590, 221647, Family Finder

10/30/2014, 588, 248598, Y-DNA 67 markers

10/30/2014, 588, 361064, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

Big Y Test:  This is another direct paternal lineage Y chromosome test designed to explore ancient, deep ancestral links on the universal paternal tree.  It is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science, not personal genealogy.  This is an anthropological test, not a genealogical test.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/30/2013:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

11/14/2013, 535, 26802, Family Finder

11/20/2013, 536, 259755, Refine 67 to 111 markers

11/20/2013, 536, 53092, DF21, M37

11/29/2013, 536, 308603, Family Finder and Y-DNA 37

11/29/2013, 536, 308689, Y-DNA 37

12/07/2013, 537, 310463, Family Finder and MT-DNA Full Sequence

12/13/2013, 538, 311661, Family Finder, MT-DNA Full Sequence and Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Where did the first Americans come from?  Most researchers agree that Paleoamericans moved across the Bering Land Bridge from Asia sometime before 15,000 years ago, suggesting roots in East Asia.  But just where the source populations arose has long been a mystery.  Now comes a surprising twist, from the complete nuclear genome of a Siberian boy who died 24,000 year ago - the oldest complete genome of a modern human sequenced to date.  Click here to read more in Science Magazine.

Back To Our Past 2013 was held last weekend in Dublin.  The was plenty of curiosity evident on the Family Tree DNA stand, which was rarely without a bank of queueing visitors.  Click here to read more in Irish Genealogy News.

Beginning 1 January 2014, the Daughters of the American Revolution will accept Y-DNA evidence in support of new member applications and supplementals.  Click here to read more in an article written by Lynn Young, President General of the DAR.

A group of amateur historians are trying to collect the DNA of people in Oxfordshire, England, to help build family trees.  The Oxfordshire DNA project is looking specifically for people whose ancestors lived in the county from at least the late 19th century.  Click here to read more in the Oxford Mail.

Austrian scientists have found that 19 Tyrolean men alive today are related to Oetzi the Iceman, whose 5,300-year-old frozen body was discovered in the Alps.  Their relationship was established through DNA analysis.  Click here to read more in BBC News Europe.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/13/2013:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/24/2013, 532, 58509, Refine 12 to 67 markers

10/24/2013, 532, 85668, Refine 37 to 67 markers

10/24/2013, 532, 176001, Refine 37 to 67 markers

11/02/2013, 532, 273166, Y-DNA 37

11/04/2013, 527, 299495, Y-DNA 67 + MT-DNA

11/14/2013, 535, 26802, Family Finder

11/14/2013, 536, 53092, DF21, M37

11/14/2013, 535, 282875, Refine 37 to 67 markers

11/20/2013, 536, 259755, Refine 67 to 111 markers

11/23/2013, 535, 293112, MT-DNA Plus

11/29/2013, 536, 308603, Family Finder and Y-DNA 37

11/29/2013, 536, 308689, Y-DNA 37

12/07/2013, 537, 310463, Family Finder and MT-DNA Full Sequence

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

DNA from ancient skeletons has revealed how a complex patchwork of prehistoric migrations fashioned the modern European gene pool.  Click here to read the entire article in the science and environment section of BBC News and thanks to our British member Alan Phillips for the tip.

The origin of the Ashkenazi Jews, who come most recently from Europe, has largely been shrouded in mystery. But a new study suggests that at least their maternal lineage may derive largely from Europe.

Though the finding may seem intuitive, it contradicts the notion that European Jews mostly descend from people who left Israel and the Middle East around 2,000 years ago. Instead, a substantial proportion of the population originates from local Europeans who converted to Judaism, said study co-author Martin Richards, an archaeogeneticist at the University of Huddersfield in England.

Click here to read more in the science section of NBC News and our thanks to member Doyle Phillips for submitting this news item.

Here is a link to an interesting map indicating the varying degrees of 'blondness' in Europe.

With over 100 million memorials and 75 million photos, Find A Grave has amassed an unparalleled collection of burial information. Over the past 18 years, it has grown to become an invaluable resource for genealogists, history buffs and cemetery preservationists. Find A Grave will become a wholly owned subsidiary of Ancestry.com, and will continue to be managed by its founder, Jim Tipton.  Click here to read more in Dear Myrtle.

One of our members sent me a link to this website that is a list of every man named Phillips in the American Revolution.  Thanks for the tip, Lee!

Here is a link to a truly captivating map that shows the ancestry of every one of the 317 million people who call the melting pot of American home on a county by county basis.

Click here to listen to an interesting after-dinner talk by genetist Michael Hammer which is now available on YouTube.  The talk is entitled "Beyond Eden: The Significance of Archaic Admixture in Africa".  Part of it is quite technical but Mr. Hammer explains the concepts very clearly.  Mike Hammer is FTDNA's Chief Scientist and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board.  Thanks to Debbie Kennett for this tip.

Here is a link to an excellent DNA presentation by Maurice Gleeson at the recent Back to our Roots show in Ireland.  It addresses all three different types of DNA testing (Y-DNA, MT-DNA, and Autosomal DNA) and Maurice has a delightful Irish accent.

Here is a link to a blog written by Dave Dowell about the sale of Ancestry.com and the efforts of FamilySearch to offer a new generation of online family trees. 

Ancestry.com, the genealogy giant with more than two million subscribers, is set to be acquired by a private-equity firm, in a bid to move into the Western European market.  Click here to read more in CNET News.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/21/2012:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

11/14/2012, 483, 16530, Family Finder

11/21/2012, 484, 156888, Family Finder

11/21/2012, 484, 208358, Refine 37 to 67

10/29/2012, 478, 233007, MT-DNAPlus

12/07/2012, 485, 255758, Family Finder + Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test: This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test. Women do not have a Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line. There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA: 12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test: This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women. It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines. Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test. FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests: HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test: This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test: This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women. It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform. The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs. FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test: When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination. Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry. If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test: Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing. FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,and R.

SNP Test: You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade. The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test: This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b. By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second. This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b. For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test: This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test: This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker. It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids: This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions. The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Dr Grierson explained the task: 'Understanding European history since man first arrived on the continent is a huge challenge for archaeologists and historians. One way that scientists can help is by studying the genetics of European men. All men carry a Y chromosome that they inherit from their father, which has been passed down the generations from father to son for thousands of years. So most men in Europe will share common ancestry at some point in the past, and we are able to investigate this shared ancestry using genetic studies of the Y chromosome. However, up until recently, there have not been many genetic clues on the Y chromosome to allow scientists to be certain about identifying different populations.'

Click here to read more in CORDIS. 

A new study suggests that present-day Europeans share more genes with now-extinct Neandertals than do living Africans, at least partly because of interbreeding that took place between 37,000 and 86,000 years ago.  Click here to read more in ScienceNews.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/14/2012:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/10/2012, 478, 233007, MT-DNAPlus

11/14/2012, 483, 16530, Family Finder

11/21/2012, 484, 156888, Family Finder

11/21/2012, 484, 208358, Refine 37 to 67

11/30/2012, 484, 256086, Y-DNA 37

12/07/2012, 485, 255758, Family Finder + Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test: This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test. Women do not have a Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line. There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA: 12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test: This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women. It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines. Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test. FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests: HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test: This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test: This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women. It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform. The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs. FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test: When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination. Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry. If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test: Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing. FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,and R.

SNP Test: You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade. The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test: This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b. By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second. This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b. For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test: This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test: This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker. It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids: This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions. The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

A new video from FamilySearch Wiki describes one approach to fast genealogy research.  David Rencher narrates the video, describing the concept of real time collaboration as being similar to "a genealogical barn raising."  Click here to view the video on brightcove.com.

A world away from the corridors of power in Washington, one English family are following the U.S. Presidential election more closely than most - they've recently found out they are distant relatives of Republican hopeful, Mitt Romney.  Click here to watch a video on Reuters.

Ancestry.com is the world's largest for-profit genealogy corporation. The company's latest venture, AncestryDNA, will crunch your genes, revealing not only from whence you came, but who came there with you. More than a DNA test, "It's a dynamic new experience in family history," the company claims. Individual results are analyzed, and then compared with that of other subscribers. Your self-provided family tree is then meshed with that of your matches, resulting in a hybrid redwood that towers over those of all the non-tested.

Click here to read more in Esquire.

But, dear readers, please be advised that this latest test from Ancestry.com is an autosomal DNA test and will not work for the purposes of our Phillips DNA Project, which compares the results of Y-DNA tests among men with the surname Phillips.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 10/06/2012:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/03/2012, 477, 248598, Y-DNA 37 + MT-DNA

10/10/2012, 478, 233007, MT-DNAPlus

11/14/2012, 483, 16530, Family Finder

11/14/2012, 483, 247737, Y-DNA 37

11/16/2012, 482, 254078, Y-DNA 37

11/21/2012, 484, 156888, Family Finder

11/21/2012, 484, 208358, Refine 37 to 67

11/23/2012, 483, 254460, Y-DNA 37

11/23/2012, 483, 255757, Y-DNA 37

11/30/2012, 484, 256086, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test: This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test. Women do not have a Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line. There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA: 12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test: This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women. It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines. Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test. FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests: HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test: This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test: This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women. It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform. The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs. FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test: When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination. Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry. If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test: Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing. FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,and R.

SNP Test: You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade. The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test: This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b. By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second. This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b. For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test: This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test: This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker. It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids: This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions. The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Permira Advisers LLP has emerged as the front-runner to take genealogy website Ancestry.com private say two people familiar with the matter.  Click here to read more in PEHUB.

The October 2012 issue of the Phillips DNA Project's newsletter has been posted on this website under the News tab, where you can read it in PDF, XPS or plain text format.

This month the newsletter contains a report on the status of British participants in our DNA project, a book review of “Where a Man Can Go: Major General Williams Phillips” by Robert P. Davis, and an article from the Petersburg, Virginia, website also written by Robert P. Davis about Major General William Phillips.

We hope you enjoy the newsletter!  If you would like to submit a story or have any suggestions for the newsletter, please let us know.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 30 October 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

11/02/2011, 430, 210403, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Deep Clade

11/07/2011, 428, 198908, Refine 37 to 67 markers

11/09/2011, 431, 180250, Refine 67 to 111 markers

11/16/2011, 432, 207489, mtDNA

11/25/2011, 432, 214692, Y-DNA 67

11/30/2011, 434, 60411, SNP test

12/07/2011, 435, 15640, Refine 67 to 111 markers

12/07/2011, 435, 73829, Refine 37 to 67 markers

12/09/2011, 436, 217625, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Pedra Furada in northeastern Brazil represents possibly the oldest known human site in the Americas. Since C-14 dates of 48-32,000 BP were reported in a Nature article (Guidon and Delibrias 1986), the site's Paleoindian components have been highly controversial, challenged (though not refuted) by many North American researchers. Yet the site has solid evidence of non-Clovis, Paleoindian occupations including human remains, plus a unique rock painting tradition from at least 12,000-6,000 BP.  Clickhere to read more in the Athena Review.

Dr Neeta Tailor is an anaesthetist working at the Royal Gwent Hospital in Wales. Dr Tailor recently treated a friend of Genomes Unzipped members (referred to here as Patient X) who required emergency surgery following some unusual and fairly horrible complications (believe me, I've seen the photos!) from wisdom tooth removal. The remarkable thing about this case: prior to surgery the patient volunteered information about her potential drug responses based on her 23andMe profile, including variation in one gene that could have had a profound effect on her response to a standard muscle relaxant. Dr Tailor kindly agreed to write up her experience in this guest post.  Click here to read the story in Genomes Unzipped.

The Genealogical Society of Ireland and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland has launched an important All-Ireland project to create a collection of DNA samples from individuals of Irish origin, which will be used to explore human genetic variation in the Irish population.  Clickhere to read more about it in Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 23 October 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/19/2011, 428, 198908, Refine 37 to 67 markers

11/02/2011, 430, 210403, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Deep Clade

11/09/2011, 431, 180250, Refine 67 to 111 markers

11/16/2011, 432, 207489, mtDNA

11/25/2011, 432, 214692, Y-DNA 67

11/30/2011, 434, 60411, SNP test

12/07/2011, 435, 15640, Refine 67 to 111 markers

12/07/2011, 435, 73829, Refine 37 to 67 markers

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The Faroe Islands, a self-governing group of islands within the Kingdom of Denmark, are to become the world's first nation offering full genome sequencing to every citizen.  All 50,000 inhabitants will have the opportunity to participate in the new FarGen project, which will link genome sequence data to individuals' health records, and assess whether this will allow personalised medicine, with doctors using genetic information to guide disease prevention and choices of treatment.  Click here to read more in PHG Foundation.

Do you have a "family" coat of arms? If so, it may not be exactly what you think.  Except for a few individual exceptions from some parts of Eastern Europe, there is no such thing as a coat of arms for a surname - despite the claims and implications of some companies to the contrary.  Coats of arms are granted to individuals, not families or surnames.  A form of property, coats of arms may rightfully be used only by the uninterrupted male line descendants of the person to whom the coat of arms was originally granted.  Clickhere to read more about coats of arms and heraldry at genealogy.about.com and don't be fooled by companies offering to sell you your family crest or coat of arms.

The entire DNA sequence of a woman who lived to 115 has been pieced together by scientists.  The woman, who was the oldest in the world at the time of her death, had the mind of someone decades younger and no signs of dementia, say Dutch experts.

The study, reported at a scientific conference in Canada, suggests she had genes that protected against dementia.  Further work could give clues to why some people are born with genes for a long life, says a UK scientist.

Clickhere to read more in BBC News Health.

The following new member was added to the following group over the past month:

212721 was added to Group 3

As always, you can view the Phillips lineages of the new members under the appropriate yLineage page on this website, if they have supplied their lineages to us.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 15 October 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/19/2011, 428, 198908, Refine 37 to 67 markers

11/02/2011, 430, 210403, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Deep Clade

11/09/2011, 431, 180250, Refine 67 to 111 markers

11/16/2011, 432, 207489, mtDNA

11/25/2011, 432, 214692, Y-DNA 67

11/30/2011, 434, 60411, SNP test

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Here is alink to a very instructive article in the latest edition of Ancestry Magazine.  This article shows you how to use the censuses to find clues about your ancestors.  This article is a must read for all serious researchers.

We recently received the following announcement from an Irishman named Dr. Tyrone Bowes:

Dear Sir/Madam,
As the Administrator of the Phillips Surname I am hoping that you will pass on the details of this new website http://www.irishorigenes.com/ and its benefits to your members, some of whom may suspect that they have Irish ancestry based on the Surnames of their genetic matches. Given that the Surnames of one's genetic matches are a snapshot of one's medieval ancestors neighbors, this new website can be used to place one's ancestors in a particular locality/Clan territory. The 'DNA does not lie' and to prove that one's ancestor was living in a pinpointed area requires the DNA testing of individuals with the Phillips Surname or its variants from that location.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 9 October 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/12/2011, 427, 202983, Refine 37 to 67 markers

10/19/2011, 428, 198908, Refine 37 to 67 markers

11/02/2011, 430, 210403, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Deep Clade

11/09/2011, 431, 180250, Refine 67 to 111 markers

11/16/2011, 432, 207489, mtDNA

11/25/2011, 432, 214692, Y-DNA 67

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

A mixed race and European couple, who are expecting twins, have about a one in 500 chance that the babies will have different skin colours. Fifty years ago these twin births were almost unheard of, but with the number of interracial relationships increasing, so too are the number of cases.  Clickhere to read more in BBC Mobile.

October is Family History Month and GeneTree is having a HUGE sale to celebrate families!

Y DNA 46 marker test is now *$99.00
mtDNA test is now *$129.00

* regular price is $179.00 each

Preserve your family's genetic record by ordering a test for you or a family member and enjoy the savings!

To order now go to the GeneTree Store.

Sale runs through October 11, 2011.  If you order a test through GeneTree, you must forward your results to the Phillips DNA Project to be included in and compared with the Phillips database.  GeneTree does not automatically send us your results.

Genetic genealogist CeCe Moore recently posted an interesting entry on her blog at this link: CeCe's blog.  Here are the first two paragraphs of her entry:

A few months back, spurred on by my interest in genetic genealogy, my sister Erin decided to order a DNA test from 23andMe for my brother-in-law John Huffer. John has never known his father, so we didn't really know what his results would show. His mother's family has a strong oral tradition of Native American ancestry, so we expected some mixed ethnicity. What was not expected was his African maternal line DNA haplogroup L3e4 and the five percent African ancestry that was revealed in his Ancestry Painting. (Ancestry Painting is a 23andMe tool that examines the 22 chromosomes one segment at a time and determines for each stretch whether it was most likely inherited from ancestors in Africa, Europe or Asia.)

I had never investigated John's family tree before, but my curiosity was piqued with this result, inspiring me to begin researching it. Fairly quickly it was obvious that his was no run-of-the-mill genealogy. John's mother's line traces straight back to Madison Hemings. That name may be familiar to many as the son of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson, our third president and author of the Declaration of Independence. My genealogy research clearly showed that Thomas and Sally are John's fourth great-grandparents!

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 2 October 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #,Type of Test

10/12/2011, 427, 202983, Refine 37 to 67 markers

10/19/2011, 428, 198908, Refine 37 to 67 markers

11/02/2011, 430, 210403, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Deep Clade

11/09/2011, 431, 180250, Refine 67 to 111 markers

11/09/2011, 431, 200071, Deep Clade test

11/16/2011, 432, 207489, mtDNA

11/25/2011, 432, 214692, Y-DNA 67

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The October issue of the Phillips DNA Project's newsletter has been posted on this website.  Just click on the News tab in the blue bar above and you can choose to read the newsletter in PDF, XPS or plain text format.

This month the newsletter contains a report on the size of family clusters identified thus far through DNA analysis, an article on the various Hiram Phillips who appear on the 1850 census in Tennessee, an article on the origins of the name Phillip and a family story on Samuel Phillips of Narragansett, Rhode Island.

The November 2010 Phillips DNA Project newsletter has been posted.  Just click the News tab above and you can elect to read it in plain text or PDF format.  This month there is information on the proper use of documentation in genealogical research, how to combat the genealogical misinformation being posted on the internet, computer viruses, and a Phillips family with origins in Kent County, Virginia.  Hope you enjoy reading the newsletter!

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 30 October 2010:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

11/01/2010, 378, 47247, Deep Clade-R

11/08/2010, 379, 37657, Deep Clade-R

11/29/2010, 382, 134671, Family Finder

11/29/2010, 382, 140443, Refine 37 to 67

12/10/2010, 382, 188642, Y-DNA 37

12/13/2010, 384, 12069, Backbone

12/13/2010, 384, 54019, Backbone

12/13/2010, 384, N18879, Backbond

12/24/2010, 384, 190528, Y-DNA 37

12/24/2010, 384, 189276, Y-DNA 37


EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 24 October 2010: 

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

11/01/2010, 378, 47247, Deep Clade-R

11/08/2010, 379, 37657, Deep Clade-R

11/26/2010, 380, 185273, Y-DNA 37

11/26/2010, 380, 188025, Y-DNA 37

11/29/2010, 382, 134671, Family Finder

11/29/2010, 382, 140443, Refine 37 to 67

12/10/2010, 382, 188642, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 17 October 2010: 

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #,Type of Test

11/01/2010, 378, 47247, Deep Clade-R

11/08/2010, 379, 37657, Deep Clade-R

11/26/2010, 380, 185273, Y-DNA 37

11/26/2010, 380, 188025, Y-DNA 37

11/29/2010, 382, 134671, Family Finder

11/29/2010, 382, 140443, Refine 37 to 67

12/10/2010, 382, 188642, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

New Y-DNA results returned from the FTDNA lab for the following participants over the past month.  These participants were added to various groups as follows:

Results for 186469 matched that of 132255 so they were set up as Phillips Family Group 65.

150373 and 187782 were added to Phillips Family Group 2.

187504 was added to Haplogroup R1b Singletons.

186823 was added to Haplogroup I Singletons.

In addition, the following kits received upgraded results: 60411, 12069, 108314, and 47247.

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/11/2010, 375, 64118, Backbone

10/22/2010, 375, 150373, Y-DNA 37

10/22/2010, 375, 187504, Y-DNA 37

11/01/2010, 378, 47247, Deep Clade-R

11/08/2010, 379, 37657, Deep Clade-R

11/26/2010, 380, 185273, Y-DNA 37

11/26/2010, 380, 188025, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O, and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 3 October 2010:

Due Date,Batch #,Kit #,Type of Test

10/11/2010, 375, 64118, Backbone

10/15/2010, 374, 186469, Y-DNA 67

10/18/2010, 376, 181543, Deep Clade-I

10/22/2010, 375, 150373, Y-DNA 37

10/22/2010, 375, 187504, Y-DNA 37

10/25/2010, 377, 47247, Refine 37 to 67

10/29/2010, 376, 186823, Y-DNA 67 plus MtDNA

10/29/2010, 376, 187782, Y-DNA 37

11/01/2010, 378, 47247, Deep Clade-R

11/08/2010, 379, 37657, Deep Clade-R

11/26/2010, 380, 185273, Y-DNA 37

11/26/2010, 380, 188025, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The family bible of James Carey Phillips, son of Jasper and Emma Carey Phillips, is for sale on ebay at this link:http://cgi.ebay.com/Antique-Family-Bible-Phillips-Wisnel-Horning-/380270016301?pt=Antiquarian_Collectible&hash=item5889dbf72d

This appears to be a New York State Phillips family.  Here are some details from the bible:

James Carey Phillips born May 22, 1894
son of Jasper Phillips and Emma Carey Phillips 
wife Eleanor L. Phillips born Jan 24, 1897
daughter of Adlebert A.  Horning and Nora Wisnell Horning 

Births:
Beulah Irene Phillips born Aug. 15, 1816
Leon Dewey Phillips born Nov. 29th 1918
Beatrice Emma Phillips born June 14, 1920

Marriages:
Theodore C. Woodruff March 25
Majorie Thesier May 26
Allan C. Parks March 5

Deaths:
James Carey Phillips died Oct. 16, 1957, age 63
Leon Dewey Phillips died Sept. 24 1979, age 60

Our thanks to Jo Phillips, a member of the project, for alerting us to this item.

The October 2010 Phillips DNA Project newsletter has been posted on our website under the News tab.  You can elect to read it in plain text or PDF format.  This month there is information on how to set up a customized online discussion group, a report on a genetic genealogy seminar held in Denver in which I participated, and a family story on John Phillips, Senior, of Duxbury and Marshfield, Massachusetts.  Hope you enjoy reading the newsletter!

Sincerely,
Nancy Kiser
Volunteer administrator
Phillips DNA Project

The following tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 31 October, 2009: 

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

11/04/2009, 326, 26802, Refine 12 markers to 37

11/06/2009, 324, 156888, Deep Clade-R

11/09/2009, 327, 76446, Factoids

11/23/2009, 329, 65267, Kittler test

11/30/2009, 330, 152678, Mega mtDNA

11/30/2009, 330, 162033, Backbone

12/11/2009, 330, 162979, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163310, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163387, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163867, Y-DNA 37

12/07/2009, 331, 124770, Mega mtDNA

12/18/2009, 331, 163446, Y-DNA 37

12/18/2009, 331, 163870, Y-DNA 37

12/25/2009, 332, 164571, Y-DNA 25

Explanation of tests:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup. Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep ancestry.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as a Deep Clade test.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain medical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Here is alink to a video posted on YouTube of Dr. Svante Paabo of the Max Planck Institute discussing Neanderthal genetics with Dave Micklos of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.  Dr. Paabo discusses the question of whether or not humans and Neanderthals mated, the FOXP2 gene and language development, and the possibility of recreating a Neanderthal today.  Fascinating!

We have a new group, Phillips Family Group 60.  Both members of this group live in England and did not know they were related before DNA analysis proved it.  DNA testing for genealogical purposes is still not as popular in Europe as it is in America, but it is steadily gaining acceptance.  We now have more than 20 British participants in our Phillips DNA project.

The following tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 24 October 2009: 

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

11/04/2009, 326, 26802, Refine 12 markers to 37

11/04/2009, 325, 162033, Y-DNA67

11/06/2009, 324, 156888, Deep Clade-R

11/09/2009, 327, 76446, Factoids

11/23/2009, 329, 65267, Kittler test

11/30/2009, 330, 152678, Mega mtDNA

11/30/2009, 330, 162033, Backbone

12/11/2009, 330, 162979, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163310, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163387, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163867, Y-DNA 37

12/07/2009, 331, 124770, Mega mtDNA

12/18/2009, 331, 163446, Y-DNA 37

12/18/2009, 331, 163870, Y-DNA 37

Explanation of tests:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines, male or female.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence or Mega test.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup. Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep ancestry.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain medical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The September 2009 issue of the National Genealogical Society Quarterly has an article demonstrating the use of DNA to help determine the parentage of a family descended from slaves.  The article is called "Virginia Pughs and North Carolina Wests:  A Genetic Link from Slavery in Kentucky."  NGS members receive the quarterly and can access PDF copies in the members only section of their website but non-members should be able to find a copy of the Quarterly at any good genealogical library.

The following DNA tests were in progress as of 17 October 2009: 

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/19/2009, 324, 156888, Deep Clade-R

10/19/2009, 324, 50263, Deep Clade-R

10/30/2009, 324, 160846, Y-DNA67

11/04/2009, 326, 26802, Refine 12 markers to 37

11/06/2009, 325, 162033, Y-DNA67

11/09/2009, 327, 76446, Factoids

11/23/2009, 329, 65267, Kittler test

11/30/2009, 330, 152678, Mega mtDNA

11/30/2009, 330, 162033, Backbone

12/11/2009, 330, 162979, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163310, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163387, Y-DNA 37

12/11/2009, 330, 163867, Y-DNA 37

A new price for the full maternal mtDNA test (called the MEGA test) will be introduced by FTDNA in November, but until then they are offering a promotional price on an upgrade to the MEGA test for their current customers who have already taken the basic HVR1 and/or HVR2 mtDNA test.  The orders need to be placed and paid for by the end of the day on October 31st 2009.  Here are the prices:

$179 (was $410) for those who have already tested up to HVR2

$199 (was $420) for those who have already tested HVR1

Here is how to order:

• Log in to your personal page atwww.familytreedna.com
• Click on "Special Offers"
• Select mtHVR1toMEGA or mtHVR2toMEGA from the dropdown menu
• Click "Continue" to proceed to the payment screen and complete your order
  
  
   

Blaine Bettinger writes a popular blog called The Genetic Genealogist.  He posted a blog today that discusses some success stories involving the use of autosomal DNA, which has only recently begun to show some potential for use in genetic genealogy.  Here is alink to his blog.

The following tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 10 October 2009:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/19/2009, 324, 156888, Deep Clade-R

10/19/2009, 324, 50263, Deep Clade-R

10/30/2009, 324, 160846, Y-DNA67

11/04/2009, 326, 26802, Refine 12 markers to 37

11/06/2009, 325, 162033, Y-DNA67

11/09/2009, 327, 76446, Factoids

11/23/2009, 329, 65267, Kittler test

We have had yDNA test results come back from the lab over the past two weeks for the following participants: 161129, 156530, 160833 and 156136.  The yDNA of 161129 did not match any of our existing families or participants, so he was put into Haplogroup I Singletons.  Kit number 156530 was already in Group 16 and he continued to match Group 16 at a higher number of markers.  Kit number 160833 turned out to match Group 57, one of our new groups.  Kit number 156136 is our first participant to order a new panel of markers available from FTDNA that tests 9 Ancestry.com markers.  He ordered this panel so he could more closely compare his yDNA to the yDNA of a participant who tested through Ancestry.com.  156136 now matches ANC11 on 42 out of 43 markers, indicating they are probably related within 200 to 300 years, and possibly much closer.

Former "Friends" star Lisa Kudrow is taking celebs back to their roots on "Who Do You Think You Are?", an American version of the popular British family tree reality series.  Producers have made seven episodes which will air on NBC in primetime starting in January.  Read more about it at thislink.

On 30 September, 2009, Brian Swann gave a talk at the National Library of Wales on "DNA and Welsh Family History - Past, Present and Future."  Brian is the Regional Director of ISOGG for England and Wales and he asked if we would like to provide some Power Point slides of our Phillips DNA project to include in his presentation.  Naturally we said yes!  We hope this exposure will gain us another Welsh Phillips participant or two.  Clickhere to view our Power Point slide show.  Here is Brian's report on his presentation:

Dear All

I have just come back from a short break in Wales - which included a DNA presentation at the National Library of Wales at Aberystwyth.  The talk was a mid-week lunch-time talk (1.15 pm) and was an all-ticket affair.  So you were most likely to get retired people attending.

The NLW Lecture Theatre has the best facility I have ever spoken in.  A huge screen, very modern facilities and seating for about 100 in the main forum and a gallery upstairs for about 25 extra people.  That was not enough seating for this talk.  All tickets were taken and there was a video-link to about 30 more people outside watching on a large TV screen in one of the exhibition galleries.

All was very well received.  I did ask whether any of the audience had come to WDYTYA at London in February.  Not one person had - apart from Beryl Evans, who is the external liaison member of staff at the NLW.  This is worth remembering - WDYTYA and London Olympia may be perceived as a "long way" to come for folk in Wales and "expensive" (about 250 miles from Aberystwyth) - and perhaps not particularly relevant for their Welsh interests.  You probably have to stand up locally and say "This DNA stuff is important".  One couple who came about 100 miles to hear me were John and Sheila Rowlands.  They were the editors of the two best books on doing Welsh Family History, published in the 1990s.

So this was as successful as I could possibly have hoped and showed there is an appreciable amount of latent interest in Mid-Wales.  If I had had more time in the run-up I would have done some ISOGG Flyer leaflets as well.  But this will have been the first time that DNA and Family History will have been spoken about at the National Library of Wales, or in Mid-Wales at all as far as I am aware.  Beryl Evans asked if I would write an article for the Ceredigion Magazine (formerly Cardiganshire); she is a native of that County.

Best regards
Brian

Here is alink to an interesting chart at the International Society of Genetic Genealogists (ISOGG) that purports to show the main DNA sources of the different counties of the British Isles.  It was compiled by a man named John Eckersley.    

The following DNA tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 3 October, 2009:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

10/05/2009, 322, 156136, Various Y-DNA Markers

10/19/2009, 324, 156888, Deep Clade-R

10/19/2009, 324, 50263, Deep Clade-R

10/23/2009, 323, 161129, Y-DNA37

10/30/2009, 324, 160846, Y-DNA67

11/04/2009, 326, 26802, Refine 12 markers to 37

11/06/2009, 325, 160833, Y-DNA37

11/06/2009, 325, 162033, Y-DNA67

11/09/2009, 327, 156988, Y-HAP Backbone

11/09/2009, 327, 76446, Factoids

Oxford Ancestors is a British DNA testing company founded by Professor Bryan Sykes, who has written several popular books on genetics and genealogy.  The following message was posted yesterday on the Haplogroup I mailing list at rootsweb: 

From Oxford Ancestors:

*We are pleased to announce that Professor Sykes is writing a new book about the genetic history of America.  He is now on a two month research tour of the US talking to a wide range of people about DNA and their family history.  Let us know if you have an interesting story where DNA has helped you with your own research. *
**
If you are interested in contacting him, use this address:
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.