Archive for the ‘news’ Category

GeneTree Adds Y-Chromosome DNA Testing Option to Trace Paternal Line Ancestors, Research Surnames and Connect with Present Day Relatives

Posted on July 21st, 2008 by Colleen  |  No Comments »

Addition of New Test Means GeneTree Participants Can Now Conveniently Tap into the World’s Largest and Most Diverse Databases of Linked DNA and Family History Information Using Both Y-Chromosome (Paternal Line) DNA and Mitochondrial (Maternal Line) DNA Profiles.

Y-DNA InheritanceSALT 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.
Pricing and Availability
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.
About GeneTree
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.

GeneTree Family History-Sharing Networking Web Site Selected for 2008’s ‘Best Family History Web Sites’ by Family Tree Magazine

Posted on July 16th, 2008 by Colleen  |  No Comments »

Popular Genealogy Magazine Names DNA-Based Family Networking Site to List of 101 Best Family History Web Sites. Genetic-Genealogy Tools Provided by GeneTree Represent New Option for Ancestry Exploration and Unique Way to Discover and Connect with Family Members Around the World

genealogy awardSALT 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.
About GeneTree
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.

GENETREE TO JOIN OSMOND FAMILY 50TH ANNIVERSARY WORLDWIDE CONCERT TOUR

Posted on May 22nd, 2008 by Colleen  |  No Comments »


Thursday, 22 May 2008
GeneTree, a leading DNA-enabled family history-sharing Web site, today announced that the company will be joining the Osmonds, one of the world’s best-known entertainment families, on its 50thAnniversary worldwide concert tour. 

GeneTree is currently collaborating with the Osmonds to promote the concept of extended family, and will work with the family to find and connect with unknown relatives living throughout the world.

“Family is one of the most powerful positive influences in each of our lives,” said Alan Osmond, the oldest performing member of the Osmond family. “We are delighted to collaborate with GeneTree to promote the importance of family connections and to emphasize the close genetic connection we all share as members of a single human family.”

The Osmond family homepage, www.Osmond.com, features a prominent link toOsmonds.GeneTree.com, under the heading, “Hi Cousin! Are You An Osmond?” The Osmonds GeneTree link encourages people throughout the world to learn more about their genetic heritage by registering for a free GeneTree membership account, and ordering and submitting a cost-effective GeneTree DNA test kit. GeneTree members can use the site to find and contact previously unknown relatives in more than 170 countries, utilizing the world’s most diverse collection of DNA samples. In addition, GeneTree is publishing the Osmond family tree and family photos on the site and sending out an exclusive 50th Anniversary keepsake photo of the Osmonds with every DNA kit order.

A GeneTree banner illustrating Osmonds.GeneTree.com will also be placed at venues throughout the Osmond 50th Anniversary tour, and a GeneTree brochure inviting people to join GeneTree and learn whether they are related to the Osmonds will be included in each of the concert programs.

During the course of the tour, the Osmonds and GeneTree will meet with newly discovered relatives who learned of their family connection through Osmonds.GeneTree.com.

The tour kicked off May 18 with a performance in Belfast, Ireland, followed by performances in Glasgow, Scotland (May 20); Newcastle (May 22), Sheffield (May 23), Manchester (May 24), Birmingham (May 26), Cardiff (May 27 and May 28), London Wembley Arena (May 30) and London 02 Arena (June 1) in Great Britain; Perth, Australia (June 5); Taipei, Taiwan (June 8); Manila, Philippines (June 14); Singapore (June 17); and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (June 21).

“It is a genuine honor to work with the Osmonds in broadening and deepening family connections for people throughout the world,” said John Winger, vice president of marketing for GeneTree. “It’s difficult to imagine a group of entertainers who represent the ideals and reality of family better than the Osmonds.”

The Osmond family is one of the world’s best-known and most popular entertainment families. The Osmonds – originally consisting of performing brothers Alan, Wayne, Merrill and Jay – entered the world music stage with a breakout performance at Disneyland, followed by regular appearances on the Andy Williams Show in the early 1960s. The group later added brothers Donny and Jimmy and the family’s only sister, Marie, to the mix. Older brothers George Jr. and Thomas are both legally deaf and do not sing with the family, although they have appeared fairly frequently on stage with their siblings.

Beginning in the early 1970s, the Osmond Brothers released a series of successful albums with a long string of hit singles, including “One Bad Apple,” which topped the pop charts for five consecutive weeks and top ten singles “Yo-yo” and “Down by the Lazy River.” The Osmonds’ notoriety and popularity was furthered by the Saturday morning cartoon series The Osmonds, which aired in 1972 and 1973; theDonny and Marie variety show (1976 to 1979); Donny’s starring Broadway turns in the title role ofJoseph and the Amazing Technicolor Coat and as Gaston in Beauty and the Beast; Marie’s recent third-place run on Dancing with the Stars; and a 50th-anniversary appearance on the Oprah Winfrey show honoring the family’s patriarch George Osmond shortly after his passing.

About GeneTree

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; and Sorenson Media, which created of the world’s leading digital video compression software.

The GeneTree online press room is located at http://www.genetree.com/help/pressroom.html.

SMGF Announces the unlocking of maternal line DNA results through GeneTree

Posted on March 24th, 2008 by Colleen  |  No Comments »

GeneTree Family History-Sharing Web Site and Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation Collaborate to Offer Sorenson Database Participants Deeply Discounted DNA Profiles for Use on GeneTree Site

Participants in the Foundation’s DNA Database, the World’s Most Diverse Collection of Correlated Genetic and Genealogical Information, Can Receive the Mitochondrial DNA Profiles from Their Submitted DNA Samples for an Introductory Price of $19.50 Through GeneTree

SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GeneTree, a DNA-enabled family history-sharing Web site designed to help people understand where their personal histories belong within the greater human genetic story, and the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF), a non-profit scientific organization currently expanding the world’s most diverse collection of genetic genealogy information, today announced a special offer that enables participants who have contributed DNA samples and genealogical pedigree charts to the SMGF Database project to receive deeply discounted DNA profiles in order to take advantage of the resources available on the GeneTree family history social networking site.

“SMGF has not been able to provide individual DNA results back to study participants,” said Dr. Scott Woodward, executive director of SMGF. “The collaboration with GeneTree allows us to return results in a compelling, confidential way and we’re pleased to be able to offer this exceptional opportunity to those individuals who have participated in helping build the SMGF database. Many SMGF participants have expressed the desire to make greater family connections and collaborate on family history research using DNA tools; SMGF’s arrangement with GeneTree enables this.”

In order to be eligible for this special GeneTree/SMGF offer, participants must have ordered an SMGF participation kit prior to October 23, 2007 and returned the properly completed DNA kit, postmarked no later than December 31, 2007, to SMGF.

SMGF participants who meet these criteria will be able to access their mitochondrial DNA profiles (genetic information passed from mothers to all of their children) along with their SMGF-submitted pedigree information through the GeneTree Web site, generally within two weeks of their request. These profiles can be used to search for and connect with potential genetic relatives on the GeneTree site.

In 2000, SMGF began collecting DNA samples to build the Sorenson Database, the world’s most comprehensive and diverse collection of genetic information correlated with genealogical records. Currently, the database contains nearly 100,000 DNA samples and over six million corresponding genealogical records from participants in more than 170 nations throughout the world, and the Foundation continues to accelerate the growth of the database.

The GeneTree site, launched October 23, 2007, has licensed the SMGF database to further the family history research and social networking purposes of its members. A basic GeneTree membership is free. In addition, GeneTree offers cost-effective mitochondrial DNA tests. A $99 GeneTree test provides genetic sequence information collected from one of three major mitochondrial regions; a $149 test provides information from all three regions.

“GeneTree’s DNA testing services are extremely cost-effective, but we wanted to reward the people who chose to participate in the SMGF project before the advent of GeneTree, to help them take advantage of all the opportunities for social networking and collaborative family tree building available on that site,” said Matt Cupal, president and COO of GeneTree. “Providing participants with their genetic profiles for only $19.50 is the best way we could think of to say, ‘Thank you for participating in this project to connect the world’s individuals and families.’”

Additional information and instructions for obtaining SMGF DNA profiles for participation in GeneTree is available at www.genetree.com/dna/unlock_smgf

GeneTree on Fox 13 news

Posted on January 17th, 2008 by Colleen  |  No Comments »

Thank You to Fox 13’s Nineveh Dinha for the great story. Last night Fox 13 news did a 2 part story to put GeneTree to the test. The story was titled “Know Your Roots”.

Here are links to the stories if you’d like to go see them.

Click here for “Know Your Roots Part 1″

Click here for “Know Your Roots Part 2″

Not signed up for GeneTree yet? Sign up now!

Nightline-The Secrets in Your DNA

Posted on December 18th, 2007 by Colleen  |  No Comments »

Tracing Lineage With DNA
Genetic Testing Helps People Discover Ancestry, Dispels Notions of Genetic Purity

Watch

By MARTIN BASHIR
Dec. 4, 2007 —

“Where are you from?”

It’s one of the first questions we ask one another. But even though national identity has been used to divide people for generations, nationalities may be more closely connected than we ever imagined. Genetic science is beginning to create a new understanding of human ancestry.

Scott Woodward, chief scientific officer of Sorenson Genomics in Salt Lake City, is now giving people the chance to trace their lineage by using their DNA.

Formerly specializing in paternity testing, Sorenson spent $40 million building the largest DNA database in the country. Over the last seven years, it’s collected 100,000 samples of maternally inherited mitochondrial DNA, considered the purest form of genetic inheritance because it barely changes through the generations.

New samples are continually being added to the database, which was conceived by 86-year-old entrepreneur James LeVoy Sorenson. He doesn’t give interviews, but “Nightline” spoke with his son James Lee who is in charge of the company.

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