DNA Genealogy PR: GeneTree and Sorensen

26 May 2009 by Libbi.

GeneTree and Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation Team Up to Offer Y-DNA Participants of SMGF Database a Greatly Reduced Price on Genetic Profile

Offer Extends to 50,000 Men Who Donated Y-DNA and Pedigree Information to Non-Profit Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation’s Database

Participants Receive Their Y-DNA Profile Through GeneTree Web Site With Its Powerful Family Tree-Building Tools Linked to World’s Most Comprehensive Genetic Genealogy Database

SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GeneTree and Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) today announced a special offer to the tens of thousands of men who donated their Y-DNA samples and pedigree information to the non-profit SMGF’s genetic genealogy database. At a deeply discounted price, participants now may access their Y-DNA profiles through GeneTree and employ the site’s extensive tools, including the SMGF database, to search and connect with genetic relatives.

SMGF has been building the database—the world’s most diverse collection of genetic genealogy information—since 2000 through donation of DNA samples and four-generation genealogy questionnaires by people interested in helping the foundation succeed in its goal of connecting the human family through genetic genealogy. Until the launch of GeneTree in October 2007, SMGF did not have a way to provide participants with their genetic profiles in a meaningful form. Now for $49.50, or about one-third of the typical price, SMGF participants can receive their Y-DNA profiles through GeneTree.

“We are delighted to be able to thank those who chose to help the SMGF database project,” said Matt Cupal, president and COO of GeneTree. “We think the easy-to-use and powerful genetic genealogy tools on GeneTree will help them get the most out of their DNA profiles and help them understand their own history within the larger human genetic story.”

Y-DNA is genetic material passed down exclusively from a father to sons. SMGF participants who submitted their mitochondrial DNA, passed down from a mother to each child, received a similar offer in March 2008, and may still unlock their mitochondrial DNA profile through GeneTree for $49.95.

“We believe this is the finest way we can express our appreciation to individuals who helped build the SMGF database into the foremost genetic genealogy collection of its type in the world,” said Dr. Scott Woodward, executive director of SMGF. “Collaboration with GeneTree allows us to provide contributors with their DNA profiles in a useful and confidential manner.”

Currently, the SMGF database contains more than 100,000 DNA samples and over 7.5 million corresponding genealogical records from participants in 170 nations throughout the world.

Instructions for obtaining SMGF DNA profiles for participation on GeneTree are available at www.genetree.com/dna/unlock_smgf. Approximately two weeks after receipt by GeneTree of the participant’s request, results will be available on the GeneTree Web site.

Beyond free basic membership, GeneTree offers 33-marker Y-DNA tests for $149 and 46-marker tests for $179. Enhanced maternal lineage mitochondrial DNA tests are $179.

About GeneTree

GeneTree (www.genetree.com) is mapping the world’s DNA using genetic genealogy. GeneTree’s Web site allows easy connection to genetic cousins, collaboration on family trees, and sharing of personal profiles and photos. GeneTree also provides the option for participants to integrate into their family history research their DNA profiles, through one of the world’s most respected DNA laboratories, for a scientific window into their ancestry and to find living relatives for whom no paper records exist. GeneTree users are linked to the world’s most extensive correlated genetic genealogy database.

About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation

The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF; www.smgf.org) is a non-profit research organization that has created the world’s largest repository of correlated genetic and genealogical information. The free, publicly available SMGF database currently contains information about more than 7 million ancestors through linked DNA samples and pedigree charts from more than 170 countries, or approximately 90 percent of the nations of the world. The foundation’s purpose is to foster a greater sense of identity, connection and belonging among all people by showing how closely we are connected as members of a single human family.

Posted in DNA, News, Genealogy | Print | 2 Comments »