Archive for July, 2008

SALT LAKE CITY, Jul 21, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — GeneTree, a DNA-enabled family history-sharing networking Web site designed to help people understand where their personal histories belong within the greater human genetic story, today added a Y-chromosome DNA testing option allowing participants to search for paternal line ancestors in the world’s largest and most diverse genetic genealogy databases. Providing a Y-DNA testing service along with its existing mitochondrial DNA testing means GeneTree participants can now conveniently research both paternal and maternal lineages using DNA profiles.

“This is a powerful addition for people exploring their genealogy through genetics,” said Matt Cupal, GeneTree COO. “Researching a paternal line with Y-DNA enables a person to go deep into their ancestry beyond traditional research roadblocks, such as missing documentation. Also, it can help them understand how a living person with the same last name is related to them.”

Y-DNA is an unrivaled tool for tracing paternal ancestry. Only males have the Y-chromosome, which is passed down from father to son, and males with a common paternal ancestor have almost identical Y-DNA. Women may trace their paternal line by arranging Y-DNA testing for their father, a brother or other male relative in their direct paternal line. Because people generally inherit their surnames from their father, Y-DNA testing is an excellent tool for surname research.

Launched in October 2007, GeneTree applies social networking and rich media technologies to genetic genealogy providing individuals with innovative tools to map, assemble, record and share their family histories. Participants collaborate to build family networks online and add new connections with previously unknown living relatives. GeneTree is working in partnership with the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation in building the world’s most comprehensive genetic genealogy databases with the intention of expanding the concept of family and deepening the ability of individuals to comprehend their place within the human family.

The GeneTree.com online pressroom is located at www.genetree.com/help/pressroom.html, and provides high-resolution images, FAQs, backgrounder and product brochure.

Beginning immediately, GeneTree is offering two Y-chromosome DNA test options: a basic 33-marker test and an enhanced 46-marker test. Prices begin at $149 with discounts for those who have already had a mitochondrial DNA test through GeneTree. Additional information is available at www.genetree.com.

GeneTree ( www.genetree.com) is a DNA-enabled family history-sharing Web site designed to help people understand where their personal histories belong within the greater human genetic story. GeneTree creates opportunities for unlocking human genetic heritage, discovering ancestors, connecting and collaborating with living relatives, and sharing rich media to help discover, document and preserve family histories. GeneTree was developed by the Sorenson family of companies and draws on the expertise of the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, a nonprofit organization that developed the world’s foremost collection of genetic-genealogy information; Sorenson Media, which created the world’s leading digital video compression software; and Sorenson Genomics, which pioneered Internet-based consumer DNA testing.

SALT LAKE CITY, Jul 16, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) — GeneTree.com has been named by Family Tree Magazine to its annual list of the 101 best family history Web sites in its Sept. 2008 issue. GeneTree is unique because it combines powerful social networking and digital media technologies with the world’s most comprehensive genetic genealogy database created by the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation. With these resources, GeneTree helps individuals further understand their place within the human family.

Family Tree Magazine is the largest-circulation genealogy magazine in the United States and is written for a flourishing consumer audience. Ancestry research is booming today and much of it is taking place on an estimated 300,000 genealogy Web sites.

“We are thrilled that Family Tree Magazine has recognized GeneTree as one of the best family history Web sites of the year,” said Matt Cupal, GeneTree COO. “GeneTree truly provides a new frontier in family history research using technologies and resources that no other organization can. Looking forward, we plan to continue our standard of innovation in providing our users a unique and powerful way to connect with their family members from the past and present.”

On GeneTree.com, users can connect with family and friends and preserve their family histories using rich media and social networking technologies. Participants collaborate on assembling detailed family histories with powerful, easy-to-use software for building family trees and by sharing digital media and memories. “Thank you for providing such a useful resource for the readers of Family Tree Magazine,” said the magazine’s Managing Editor Diane Haddad in her congratulatory letter to GeneTree.

GeneTree takes family history research to the next level, by allowing users to have their DNA tested and then mapping those results with the Web site’s worldwide genetic genealogy collection. Through this technology, even novice genealogists can discover portions of their deep ancestral histories that predate written records. Those who elect to have genetic analysis done may choose from several types of DNA tests.

The GeneTree.com online pressroom is located at www.genetree.com/help/pressroom.html, and provides high-resolution images, FAQs, backgrounder and product brochure.

GeneTree (genetree.com) is a DNA-enabled family history-sharing networking Web site designed to help people understand where their personal histories belong within the greater human genetic story. GeneTree creates opportunities for unlocking human genetic heritage, discovering ancestors, connecting and collaborating with living relatives, and sharing rich media to help discover, document and preserve family histories. GeneTree was developed by the Sorenson family of companies and draws on the expertise of the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, a nonprofit organization that developed the world’s foremost collection of genetic-genealogy information; and Sorenson Media, which created the world’s leading digital video compression software.