DNA Testing - taking you further back in time!
An interesting development over the last couple of years for the family historian has been the availability of DNA testing to assist in tracing ancestral lineage. It's become both more available and less expensive and can really help with research.
In the U.S. in January, Life Technologies Corp. introduced a new machine to to map an entire human genome for $1,000 in just one day, according to The Wall Street Journal. Following on from this, Family History Research Companies have started offering DNA tests on a smaller scale. Here in the U.K., a British website, TheGenealogist has started offering these DNA tests to the public to help trace family lines.
It's a new feature that can help both amateur and professional family historians. Beginners can jump straight into family history and potentially see some significant results in a very quick time.
It is also useful when the family history researcher hits that 'brick wall' in their research. When you research a line, there's only so far back you can go before the paper trail ends. With DNA testing, it is possible to bridge that gap and get past those brick walls. Many thousands of users have taken advantage of this service in the U.S. already and the demand is increasing in the U.K. as people decide to take their family history research that step further.
Many people are interested in genealogy but don't have time to research their full family history themselves. Now you learn more about your family line than they ever thought possible. DNA testing in the UK starts from around £60 and more information can be found here.
Has anyone taken advantage of DNA testing yet in their family history research?