Posted on October 21st, 2009 by Colleen | No Comments »
Are you on the search not only for your ancestors, but a solid understanding of how this DNA- genealogy works? You might identify with someone we talked with recently. Here is her story.
While watching TV one night, our friend saw a special program describing how DNA can be used to trace ancestry. Intrigued, she went to her computer and searched for DNA testing companies. Not knowing anything about any of them, she picked a name she recognized and ordered a kit. The kit came, she sent it back, and waited eagerly for the results.
When the results arrived, she read the report, searched for matches, learned a little bit, but wanted more information and better explanations. She went back to her computer and ultimately landed on GeneTree.com. She created a free GeneTree account, added her DNA profile, and began to explore the website. The tutorials answered her general questions, but she still wanted more information on her specific results. Was there anything more?
When she called GeneTree and asked that question, we offered to give her DNA results a makeover. They got a fresh look as part of a personalized GeneTree report. Her results didn’t come from GeneTree, but she received an understandable summary of DNA fundamentals, an explanation of her personal results, and suggestions for next steps just as if she had ordered a GeneTree test in the first place.
It was exactly what she was looking for!
Her excitement was overflowing as she told us of her plans use her GeneTree report as a reference guide. She was thrilled to have her report in hand to give to family members who know nothing about DNA or genealogy – and help them learn more about the ancestors they share with her. Now she was on the right track to use DNA in her personal genealogy research.
Are you ready for a different take on your DNA results? Contact us about a DNA Makeover for yourself. It just might be the change you are looking for.
We would love to hear about your experience on GeneTree! Let us know what you have learned from using your previous DNA results on GeneTree and enter to win a free DNA Makeover just by submitting your story!
Hours: 8am–5pm MDT (GMT -6)
Outside the US: +1.801.428.1095
Toll Free in the US: +1.866.740.6362
Email: info@genetree.com
Posted on October 23rd, 2008 by Colleen | No Comments »
You can share the power of discovery through DNA with your family by sharing your DNA profile with them. GeneTree’s new “inheritance” service now makes it easy to share DNA profile(s) with your relatives by only paying for a single test. Here is how it works:
If you are a GeneTree member with Certified* DNA test results, you can easily identify relatives in your pedigree with those whom you share certain portions of your DNA. By inviting these relatives to join GeneTree they will automatically have the option to “inherit” your DNA profile(s) into their accounts, and can use them in all of GeneTree’s on-line genetic-genealogy tools without having to be tested themselves.
GeneTree members who have not yet obtained Certified results can also benefit from this new service. When you log on to your GeneTree account and visit the DNA section, you will be notified if you have relatives in your family tree having Certified GeneTree test results with whom you share DNA. You can request to “inherit” these DNA test results into your GeneTree account and use them as your own. Alternatively, you can purchase a Certified DNA test to share with your family members. Some families chip in money to have one person tested and then share the results.
Please keep in mind that “inherited” DNA profiles are only correct when shared with biological relatives. Thus, GeneTree members with pedigrees including non-biological relatives should use caution when sharing DNA profiles. Additionally, while “inherited” DNA profiles from biological relatives are typically reliable they are still estimates**. For this reason, “inherited” profiles are posted in GeneTree accounts as “Uncertified”. The most accurate DNA test results come from a personal test. If you would like to ensure the highest accuracy when utilizing the DNA features of GeneTree please purchase a Certified DNA test.
We invite you to take advantage of GeneTree’s new “inheritance” service to enhance your family’s ability to connect and collaborate in discovering your common history.
*”Certified GeneTree DNA Results” signify a GeneTree Test or unlocked DNA results from SMGF. If the results have been hand entered or imported through inheritance, the results are “Uncertified”.
** DNA mutations can cause slight differences between relatives’ DNA test results. The more distant the biological relationship the greater likelihood mutations have occurred. Additionally, slight variations in sample quality and/or laboratory conditions can result in differences reported between relatives’ mtDNA poly-C regions. Inaccurate pedigree information can also result in false “inheritance”

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

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.
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.