| Company name | Family Tree DNA |
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| Company type | Ltd |
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| Foundation | 1999 |
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| Location | Houston, TX |
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| Area served | International |
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| Founder | Bennett Greenspan |
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| Industry | Genealogy, DTC Genetic Testing |
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| Products | Y-SNP Tests, Y-STR Tests, mtDNA Tests, Autosomal Testing |
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| Homepage | familytreedna.com |
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Family Tree DNA is a commercial genetic genealogy company based in Houston, Texas with its partner laboratory, Arizona Research Labs, housed at the University of Arizona. Family Tree DNA offers analysis of YDNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA to individuals for genealogical purposes based on DNA samples collected using a cheek swab method with a kit supplied by Family Tree DNA to its customers. All samples once submitted are stored at Arizona Research Labs for future testing and archiving of DNA samples collected from family members. In February 2009, Family Tree DNA announced that they, in partnership with the National Geographic Genographic Project, have tested over 500,000 kits.
History
Family Tree DNA was founded in 1999 by Bennett Greenspan, an entrepreneur and lifelong genealogy enthusiast. Greenspan now serves as President and CEO of Family Tree DNA.
Family Tree DNA became widely known for its Y-chromosome STR testing for the Cohen Modal Haplotype. Family Tree DNA includes among its scientific staff, Dr. Michael Hammer (PhD), one of a team of scientists that first published on the Cohen Modal Haplotype in 1997 in the journal Nature.
Scientific background
Scientists employed by Family Tree DNA or who serve on the Scientific Advisory Board of Family Tree DNA include: Michael Hammer (PhD), Bruce Walsh (PhD), Doron Behar (MD, PhD), Theodore G. Schurr (PhD), Alan J. Redd (PhD), Connie Bormans (PhD), Thomas Krahn (Msc), Matthew Kaplan (PhD cand.).
DNA Testing
Y-Chromosome DNA
Family Tree DNA offers the analysis of
Y-DNA for identification of the ethnic and geographic origin of the paternal line. Also, it is used to affirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line. A haplogroup is determined and backed by Family Tree DNA's SNP Assurance Program. In addition Family Tree DNA has a test performed at their "advanced lab" led Dr. Thomas Krahn that seeks the discovery of new SNPs in accepted customers who participate, this test that customers can buy as a service is named
Walk Through the Y (WTY).
Mitochondrial DNA
Family Tree DNA offers the analysis of mitochondrial DNA,
mtDNA, which is found in both men and women. mtDNA traces the direct maternal line. Family Tree DNA offers the testing of the HVR1 region, HVR2 region, and the Full Genome Sequence of the mitochondrial DNA. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal line.
Partnerships
African DNA
Founded by
Henry Louis Gates, African DNA combines DNA testing with genealogical research.
DNA Ancestry & Family Origin
DNA Ancestry & Family Origin is a genetic genealogy testing partnership between Family Tree DNA and
Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences. Their website is available in both English and Arabic.
iGENEA
Family Tree DNA has a European partnership with iGENEA. Their website is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
myHeritage
A dynamic partnership with myHeritage was launched in November 2008. myHeritage is a genealogical and family social networking website that produces online and PC based genealogy software.
National Geographic Genographic Project
Family Tree DNA is the testing company for all public participation in the
Genographic Project.
Press reviews
November 2005 Family Tree DNA was featured on the
Today Show because of their partnership with
National Geographic's
Genographic Project. On the show
Matt Lauer,
Al Roker,
Katie Couric and
Ann Curry had their
haplogroups tested and explained by Genographic Project director
Spencer Wells.
*October 2007 Family Tree DNA was profiled by Leslie Stahl on 60 minutes.
*February 2008 David Paterson, Lt. Governor of New York, was interviewed on “New York Now” about his experience with genetic genealogy. Family Tree DNA provided the testing.
*November 2008 In a New York Post article, they were the testing company used by Latino youths who were exploring their diverse genetic heritage.
See also
Genetic Genealogy
*Ancient DNA
*Genealogical DNA test
*Genetic Genealogy
*Human mtDNA
*Phylogenetic Tree
*SNP
*STR
Test Types
*DNA Sequencing Technologies
*Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
*DNA Microarray
*Sanger Sequencing
Test Manufactures
*Affymetrix
*Applied Biosystems
*Illumina
Genetic Genealogy and Anthro-Genetics Companies
*AncestryDNA
*deCODEme
*DNA Heritage
*DNA Tribes
*GeneTree
*Genebase
*Relative Genetics
*Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF)
*23andMe
References
External links
;Official
Family Tree DNA Website
iGENEA website
;Articles
MSNBC article "Family Tree DNA"..."solves a family mystery"
Wired magazine article on Family Tree DNA genealogy
New York Times article quoting FamilyTreeDNA president on Thomas Jefferson's genetic heritage
BBC News article mentioning US firm "Family Tree DNA"
USA Today article pricing FamilyTreeDNA among other DNA testing services
Wall Street Journal article on an adopted man's use of DNA to find his biological father
Category:Companies based in Houston, Texas
Category:Commercial laboratories
Category:Genealogy websites
Category:Genetic genealogy projects
