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Your Y-DNA may help you find genetic cousins along your direct paternal line. Planned comparisons are the best choice. To set up a planned comparison, select two men who you believe share a direct paternal ancestor. Have both men take a Y-DNA test. If they match exactly or closely, then the DNA evidence supports the relationship. If they do not match, the result is evidence refuting the relationship.

When you discover a match outside of a planned comparison, you can still find your common ancestor with matches. To do so, use your known paternal genealogy. For each match, look first for a shared surname if you come from a culture where surnames have followed paternal lines. Then look for common geographic locations on the direct paternal line. Work through each of your ancestors on this line as well as their sons, their sons’ sons, and so forth. Comparing genealogy records is vital when using Y-DNA matching to help you in your research

Member Y-DNA Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 7/15/2021

Due Date,      Batch #,        Kit #,              Type of Test

07/21/2021    1198               958429           Y-DNA37

07/28/2021    1204               32428             Big Y-700

08/02/2021    1205               16530             Big Y-700

08/11/2021    1204               885658           Big Y-700

08/23/2021    1211               961511           Y-DNA37

08/23/2021    1211               B222179        Y-DNA111

09/06/2021    1211               572524           Big Y-700

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of single tandem repeat markers found on a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

Big Y Test:  This is direct paternal lineage Y chromosome test of single nucleotide polymorphism markers designed to explore ancient, deep ancestral links on the universal paternal tree.  It is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science, not personal genealogy.  This is an anthropological test, not a genealogical test.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

A man's direct paternal lineage is the line that follows his father's paternal ancestry. This line consists entirely of men. A man's Y-chromosome DNA (Y-DNA) is the same or very similar to his father's Y-DNA, his grandfather's Y-DNA, his great grandfather's Y-DNA and so forth back in time. It offers a clear, unambiguous path from him to a known or likely direct paternal ancestor. Here is a chart that illustrates the paternal ancestry.

If both you and your Y-DNA match have taken the Family Finder autosomal test but do not share any detectable autosomal DNA, it means that your relationship is unlikely to be within the past five generations. Autosomal DNA dilutes very rapidly from generation to generation. On average, you only share 0.78% of your autosomal DNA with a third cousin.

This is another bit of fiction that needs to be wiped out. Click here to read more in Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.

The Big Y-700 test is a Y chromosome direct paternal line test. It is designed to explore ancient ancestral links on our common paternal tree. This test examines thousands of known branch markers as well as millions of places where there may be new branch markers.

The Big Y test is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science and anthropology. It is not a test for matching you to one or more men with the same surname in the way that other Y-STR tests do, such as Y-37, Y-67 or Y-111.

It was the mother of the victim who insisted that a genetic genealogist analyze DNA evidence in the case that eventually led to another perpetrator. Click here to read the entire story,

It is not unusual for the relationship to be undetected by Family Finder. Most Y-DNA67 exact matches are related within six generations, which means they are fourth cousins or closer. The Family Finder test will detect a relationship between only about half of all 4th cousins.

“We think this is the [one of the] first governors of Virginia,” said David Givens, director of archaeology for Jamestown Rediscovery. “So we’re going to spend the next six or seven months trying to prove ourselves wrong.”  Click here to read the whole story in Williamsburg Yorktown Daily.

How can full siblings have different ethnicities when they have the same parents? Click here to find out in an article on Genealogy Explained.

Genealogical sleuthing techniques that are old to a handful of genealogists but new to most law enforcement have led to arrests in Washington State and Pennsylvania and unearthed a lead in a 37-year-old murder in Texas. All three cases were only revived when crime scene DNA was uploaded to GEDMatch, the same open-source ancestry site used in the Golden State killer case. Click here to read more in The New York Times.

About half of Alice Plebuch’s autosomal DNA results presented the mixed British Isles bloodline she expected. The other half picked up an unexpected combination of European Jewish, Middle Eastern and Eastern European. Surely someone in the lab had messed up. It was the early days of direct-to-consumer DNA testing, and Ancestry.com’s test was new. She wrote the company a nasty letter informing them they’d made a mistake. Click here to read the entire story in the Washington Post and thanks to member Bob Phillips for pointing out this interesting article.

Researchers have discovered that a gene mutation which increases the risk of arthritis evolved in the Ice Age to help protect our ancestors from frostbite. Click here to read more in the Telegraph.

Click here to read an article by Judy G. Russell about why you might not have any close Y-DNA matches.

Analyzing samples spanning over a millennium, researchers looked for genetic differences compared with Egyptians today. They found that the sample set showed a strong connection with a cluster of ancient non-African populations based east of the Mediterranean Sea.  Click here to read the entire story at cnn.com.

The average Briton is only 37% British with the remainder of their genes coming from European ancestors as far afield as Scandinavia, Spain and Greece.  Click here to read the entire story in the Daily Mail.

Widespread sexual exploitation before the Civil War strongly influenced the genetic make-up of essentially all African Americans alive today.  Click here to read more in the Pacific Standard.

Scholars of the period differ as to the geographical origins of the Philistines, with mainland Greece, the islands of Crete or Cyprus, and Anatolia in modern-day Turkey considered. The expedition team is now performing DNA, radiocarbon and other tests on the remains in an attempt to pinpoint their provenance.  Click here to read more in BBC News.

There is still more research to be done.  Genetic analysis may even help trace living descendants of the men.  Click here to read more at BBC.com.

The first people to set foot in the Americas apparently came from Siberia during the last ice age.

That's the conventional wisdom.

But now there's evidence from two different studies published this week that the first Americans may have migrated from different places at different times — and earlier than people thought.

Click here to read the whole story in Health News.

The new season premieres July 26th at 9/8c.  Watch a clip at this link.

Member Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 07/04/2015

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

01/15/2015, 597, 361064, Backbone

04/22/2015, 611, 376378, Backbone

07/22/2015, 627, 408490, Family Finder

07/22/2015, 627, 130263, Family Finder

07/29/2015, 628, 347740, Family Finder

07/29/2015, 620, 389206, Y-DNA 37

08/05/2015, 626, B10256, mtFull Sequence

08/12/2015, 625, 130263, Big Y

08/12/2015, 622, 389212, Y-DNA 37

08/12/2015, 622, B53939, Y-DNA 111

08/19/2015, 626, 414718, mtFull Sequence and Y-DNA 37

08/19/2015, 625, 420316, Y-DNA 12

08/26/2015, 627, 130263, Y-DNA 111

08/26/2015, 627, 201688, Big Y

08/26/2015, 629, 389225, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

Big Y Test:  This is another direct paternal lineage Y chromosome test designed to explore ancient, deep ancestral links on the universal paternal tree.  It is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science, not personal genealogy.  This is an anthropological test, not a genealogical test.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Henry Phillips, a 93-year-old World War II veteran from Wilmington, NC, became a part of a French tradition on July 11th when he received France's Legion of Honor in recognition of his contribution to the liberation of France from the Nazis in 1944.  Click here to read the entire story in Star News Online.

Here is a link to an interesting story about a Phillips man involved in an Indian uprising that occurred in South Dakota in 1890.  This story appeared in the Memphis Daily Appeal on 29 November 1890.  Our thanks to member Wayne Phillips for sending us this link.

Big ad campaigns and celebrity involvement have helped increase public interest in genetic genealogy, but helping consumers understand their DNA ancestry testing results remains difficult.  Click here to read more in The Scientist.

Member Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 07/02/2014

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

05/22/2014, 544, 191679, Big Y

05/22/2014, 553, 324238, Backbone

05/29/2014, 565, 326722, Backbone

05/29/2014, 565, 327537, Backbone

06/05/2014, 566, 327862, Backbone

06/19/2014, 568, N116909, PF4837

07/12/2014, 570, 337278, MT-DNA Full Sequence

07/17/2014, 572, 122807, Y-DNA 111

07/17/2014, 572, N123569, Y-DNA 37

07/31/2014, 574, 157462, Big Y

07/31/2014, 576, 351812, Y-DNA 12

08/07/2014, 575, 233001, Family Finder

08/07/2014, 575, 76446, Big Y

08/07/2014, 575, 275787, Big Y

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

Big Y Test:  This is another direct paternal lineage Y chromosome test designed to explore ancient, deep ancestral links on the universal paternal tree.  It is intended for expert users with an interest in advancing science, not personal genealogy.  This is an anthropological test, not a genealogical test.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Students who had their genomes tested as part of a groundbreaking medical school course on personalized medicine improved their knowledge of the class materials by an average of 31 percent compared with those who didn’t undergo the testing, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine.  Click here to read more.

The remains of the earliest European fort in the interior of what is now the continental United States have been discovered by a team of archaeologists, providing new insight into the start of the U.S. colonial era and the all-too-human reasons spoiling Spanish dreams of gold and glory.  Click here to read more in Past Horizons.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 07/26/2013

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

08/07/2013, 521, 228279, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/21/2013, 523, 93184, Various SNPs

08/21/2013, 523, 219904, Family Finder

08/21/2013, 523, 243435, Family Finder

08/21/2013, 523, 246259, Family Finder

08/21/2013, 523, 254745, Family Finder

08/28/2013, 524, 53092, L21 SNP Test

08/28/2013, 524, 84729, Family Finder

08/28/2013, 524, 109920, Refine 67 to 111 markers

08/28/2013, 524, 152954, Family Finder

08/28/3013, 524, 202983, Family Finder

09/04/2013, 525, 196407, Refine 67 to 111 markers

09/11/2013, 526, 265897, Family Finder

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Near the northern Spanish city of Burgos, in the Sierra de Atapuerca, can be found the remains of the "oldest Europeans," who lived a million years ago. New discoveries are being made all the time.

Read more here.

There's no way of escaping the fact that inbreeding does increase the risk of birth defects, particularly over multiple generations, and it can have some fairly horrific consequences. That said, the risks of limited inbreeding seem to be pretty massively overstated, and inbreeding by slightly more distant relatives like third cousins might actually confer a significant benefit.  Click here to read more at i09.com.

DNA sequenced from nearly 40 ancient skeletons has shed light on the complex prehistoric events that shaped modern European populations.  Click here to read more in an article by Paul Rincon, science editor of BBC News.

Improvements in computer programs have not kept pace with the enhancements and widespread use of the sequencers that are cranking out huge amounts of DNA data. The result is, the puzzle cannot be pieced together in a timely manner.  Click here to read more in Esciencenews.

Myriad Genetics Inc. is suing two privately-held competitors to stop it from selling a genetic test that competes with Myriad's BRACAnalysis breast and ovarian cancer test.  Click here to read more in BloombergBusinessweek.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 07/12/2013

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

08/07/2013, 521, 69666, Family Finder

08/07/2013, 521, 228279, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/07/2013, 521, 245862, FGS or Mega MT-DNA

08/14/2013, 522, 207489, Family Finder

08/21/2013, 523, 93184, Various SNPs

08/21/2013, 523, 151873, Warrior Gene Test

08/21/2013, 523, 219904, Family Finder

08/21/2013, 523, 243435, Family Finder

08/21/2013, 523, 246259, Family Finder

08/21/2013, 523, 254745, Family Finder

08/28/2013, 524, 53092, L21 SNP Test

08/28/2013, 524, 84729, Family Finder

08/28/2013, 524, 109920, Refine 67 to 111 markers

08/28/2013, 524, 152954, Family Finder

08/28/3013, 524, 202983, Family Finder

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Scientists have traced a genetic descent from 5,500 year-old remains to a second set of 2,500 year-old female remains found nearby and, amazingly, to a woman still living close to both prehistoric sites on British Columbia’s northern coast.  Click here to read more in Abroad in the Yard.

How do you get one group of people who looks at the evidence and sees contamination, while another decides "The data conclusively prove that the Sasquatch exists"? To find out, we went through the paper's data carefully, then talked to Ketchum to understand the reasoning behind the work.  Click here to read the entire article in Arstechnica.

Genomics England is a new company set up by the UK's Department of Health to help deliver the 100k Genome Project first announced by Prime Minister David Cameron in December 2012.  Click here to read more about it.

Greta had given up on ever finding her mother so by the time she joined 23andMe it wasn't really about finding family members.  She just wanted to learn a little bit more about herself.  Click here to read more in the 23andMe blog.

A recently discovered DNA marker suggests that 10% of Scottish men are directly descended from the Picts.  Click here to read more in a press release from a new company named ScotlandsDNA.

The human family tree just got another mysterious branch, an African "sister species" to the heavy-browed Neanderthals that once roamed Europe.  While no fossilized bones have been found from these enigmatic people, they did leave a calling card in present-day Africans: snippets of foreign DNA.  Click here to read more in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 07/29/2012:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

08/13/2012, 467, 240422, DNA37+MT-DNAPlus

08/15/2012, 470, 74046, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/17/2012, 469, 242917, Y-DNA 25

08/29/2012, 472, 117153, Family Finder

08/30/2012, 471, 243435, Y-DNA 25

09/05/2012, 473, 99467, Refine 25 to 37 markers

09/05/2012, 473, 129481, Refine 67 to 111 markers

09/05/2012, 473, 196582, Family Finder

09/05/2012, 473, 231809, Refine 67 to 111 markers

09/12/2012, 474, 208820, Refine 37 to 67 markers

09/14/2012, 473, 246259, Y-DNA 37 + MT-DNAPlus

09/15/2012, 473, 247547, Y-DNA 37

09/21/2012, 474, 247231, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test: This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test. Women do not have a Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line. There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA: 12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test: This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women. It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines. Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test. FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests: HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test: This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line. Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test: This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women. It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform. The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs. FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test: When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination. Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry. If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test: Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing. FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,and R.

SNP Test: You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade. The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test: This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b. By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second. This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b. For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test: This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test: This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker. It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids: This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions. The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

KTLA, a Los Angeles TV station, recently broadcast a short news segment on someone who discovered a couple of 2nd cousins through Ancestry's new autosomal DNA test. Here is a link to the news story.

National Geographic is entering the next phase of their Genographic Project in partnership with Family Tree DNA and the genetic genealogy community. Continuing to move toward their goal of mapping the pattern of human genetics, they are introducing the new GenoChip 2.0. This chip is specifically designed for ancestry testing and includes SNPs from autosomal DNA, X-DNA, Y-DNA and mtDNA. The design of the new chip was a collaborative effort between Eran Elhaik of Johns Hopkins, Spencer Wells of National Geographic, Family Tree DNA and Illumina.  The testing will be done at FTDNA in Houston.  Click here to read more in CeCe's blog,  Your Genetic Genealogist.

In The Violinist's Thumb, author Sam Kean goes inside our genetic code, looking at the stories written by the fundamental building blocks within us. The book explains things like why some people can't handle drinking coffee and why some human babies are born with tails. It also delves into the history and science of the story of DNA, a nucleic acid which contains the genetic instructions that form the basis for all living organisms.  Click here to read more and listen to an interview with Sam Kean on Fresh Air, a National Public Radio program.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 07/22/2012:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

08/03/2012, 467, 240422, DNA37+MT-DNAPlus

08/15/2012, 470, 74046, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/17/2012, 469, 242497, Y-DNA 37

08/17/2012, 469, 242917, Y-DNA 25

08/21/2012, 471, 65267, Z2069 SNP test

08/29/2012, 472, 117153, Family Finder

08/30/2012, 471, 243435, Y-DNA 25

08/30/2012, 471, 244300, Y-DNA 37

09/05/2012, 473, 93184, Z302 SNP

09/05/2012, 473, 99467, Refine 25 to 37 markers

09/05/2012, 473, 129481, Refine 67 to 111 markers

09/05/2012, 473, 196582, Family Finder

09/05/2012, 473, 231809, Refine 67 to 111 markers

09/14/2012, 473, 246259, Y-DNA 37 + MT-DNAPlus

09/15/2012, 473, 247547, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O, and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Here is a link to a new blog by Roberta Estes that goes into a detailed discussion of the evolution of mitochondrial DNA testing.

Here is a link to an interview with Bennett Greenspan, president of Family Tree DNA, conducted by Russ Capper on The BusinessMakers Show.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 07/15/2012:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/16/2012, 463, 206072, MT- DNA

07/27/2012, 466, 238578, Y-DNA 37

08/03/2012, 467, 240422, DNA37+MT-DNAPlus

08/03/2012, 467, 241826, MT-DNAPlus

08/08/2012, 469, 231809, Family Finder

08/15/2012, 470, 74046, Refine 37 markers to 67 markers

08/17/2012, 469, 242497, Y-DNA 37

08/17/2012, 469, 242917, Y-DNA 25

08/21/2012, 471, 65267, Z2069 SNP test

08/29/2012, 472, 117153, Family Finder

08/30/2012, 471, 243435, Y-DNA 25

08/30/2012, 471, 244300, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O, and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Here is a link to a very interesting review in the Wall Street Journal of Bryan Sykes' new book, "DNA USA".  Mr. Sykes's latest foray into hereditary history, "DNA USA," is an attempt to provide "a genetic portrait of America" similar to the representation of Europe in his book "Seven Daughters".

A relatively unknown site related to the Hatfield - McCoy feud is being reclaimed from Mother Nature in hopes of becoming part of the phenomenon that began with a series on the History Channel.  The site, located in Pike County, Kentucky, is the cemetery that houses the graves of "Bad" Frank Phillips and his wife, Nancy McCoy.  Click here to read more in the Williamson Daily News.  We also have a story in this month's newsletter about Frank Phillips.

Special summer prices:

You must order through a project to obtain these prices and the orders must be in and paid for by 11:59 PM on Sunday July 15th.  Click here to order through the Phillips DNA Project.

Phillips Tests in Progress at FTDNA as of 07/08/2012:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/16/2012, 463, 206072, MT- DNA

07/27/2012, 466, 238578, Y-DNA 37

08/03/2012, 467, 240422, DNA37+MT-DNAPlus

08/03/2012, 467, 241826, MT-DNAPlus

08/08/2012, 469, 231809, Family Finder

08/15/2012, 470, 74046, Refine 37 markers to 67 markers

08/17/2012, 469, 242497, Y-DNA 37

08/17/2012, 469, 242917, Y-DNA 25

08/21/2012, 471, 65267, Z2069 SNP test

08/30/2012, 471, 243435, Y-DNA 25

08/30/2012, 471, 144300, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man’s Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are five different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers, 67 markers and 111 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O, and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a “quazi-SNP” test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted “cocktail party” test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

This article in The Telegraph has a silly title but interesting content.

Here is a link to the Great Britain Family Names Profiling website which presents the findings of a project based at University College London that is investigating the distribution of surnames in Great Britain.

The July 2012 issue of the Phillips DNA Project's newsletter has been posted on this website under the News tab.  Just click on the News tab and you can choose to read the newsletter in PDF, XPS, or plain text format.  This month the newsletter contains a book review of Some Ancient Landowners in Saint Martin's Parish, Hanover County, Virginia, an article on Deputy Sheriff "Bad" Frank Phillips of the Hatfield-McCoy feud, and a family story about Phillips Family DNA Group 3 written by Rex Phillips.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 30 July 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

08/03/2011, 417, 109920, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 105015, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 111170, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 181543, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 203276, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 201688, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Family Finder

08/12/2011, 417, 191795, Y-DNA 37

08/26/2011, 419, 208820, Y-DNA 37

08/31/2011, 421, 196882, Refine 67 to 111 markers

09/02/2011, 420, 159211, Mt-DNA

09/07/2011, 422, 132255, Family Finder

09/14/2011, 423, 84729, Various SNP tests

09/14/2011, 423, 174501, Various SNP tests

09/14/2011, 423, 208781, Backbone test

09/16/2011, 422, 208358, Y-DNA 37

09/16/2011, 422, 208372, Y-DNA 37

09/23/2011, 423, 210107, Y-DNA 37

09/23/2011, 423, 210403, Y-DNA 37 + MT-DNA

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Personal genomics company 23andMe has launched an initiative designed to shift the balance in favour of participation of one non-European minority both in personal genomics and genetic research. The Roots into the Future project will recruit 10,000 African-Americans by offering volunteers free genetic testing, and full access to the results of their tests.

This is an important announcement. Personal genomics has, since its inception, been predominantly a game played by white people. An illustration: recent numbers on the ethnic breakdown of 23andMe customers indicate that of the ~81,500 customers with self-reported ancestry in the company's database a whopping 74.7% are primarily of European descent. African-Americans are particularly poorly represented in the customer base, comprising just 1.2% (compared to 12.6% pf the total US population.

Clickhere to read more in Wired.

DNA testing is expanding rapidly. The various genealogy DNA testing companies used to test for 25 markers. Then they expanded to 37 markers. Now some test for 67 markers. Not enough? Hardware is now available that tests for up to 500,000 custom markers. Clickhere to read more about it in Dick Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 24 July 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/25/2011, 413, 29631, Refine 67 to 111 markers

07/27/2011, 416, 169298, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/03/2011, 417, 109920, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 105015, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 111170, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 181543, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 203276, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 201688, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Family Finder

08/12/2011, 417, 191795, Y-DNA 37

08/24/2011, 420, 206072, Deep Clade

08/26/2011, 419, 208651, Y-DNA 37

08/26/2011, 419, 208781, Y-DNA 37

08/26/2011, 419, 208820, Y-DNA 37

08/31/2011, 421, 196882, Refine 67 to 111 markers

09/02/2011, 420, 159211, Mt-DNA

09/07/2011, 422, 132255, Family Finder

09/16/2011, 422, 208358, Y-DNA 37

09/16/2011, 422, 208372, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

If your heritage is non-African, you may be part Neanderthal, according to a new genetics study.  This latest research confirms earlier findings.  Click here to read more in Discovery News.

Skeletons dating back to the 12th or 13th century found at the bottom of a medieval well in England could have been victims of persecution, new evidence has suggested. The most likely explanation is that those down the well were Jewish and were probably murdered or forced to commit suicide, according to scientists who used a combination of DNA analysis, carbon dating and bone chemical studies in their investigation. Click here to read more in the BBC News UK.

Wayne Witt Bates did not set out to take on the Daughters of the American Revolution but he is not used to being challenged on his genealogy.  "I am surprised DAR wants to fight me about the Bateses," said Bates who has been researching his family tree since retiring as a Pentagon employee in 1974.  "I know more than anyone wants to know." And he has DNA proof on his side, which the DAR refuses to accept as evidence.  Clickhere to read more in The Washington Post.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 17 July 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/25/2011, 413, 29631, Refine 67 to 111 markers

07/27/2011, 417, 169298, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/03/2011, 417, 109920, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/05/2011, 416, 207489, Y-DNA 37

08/10/2011, 418, 105015, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 111170, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 181543, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 203276, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 201688, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Family Finder

08/12/2011, 417, 191795, Y-DNA 37

08/12/2011, 417, 200071, Y-DNA 37

08/24/2011, 420, 206072, Deep Clade

08/26/2011, 419, 208651, Y-DNA 37

08/26/2011, 419, 208781, Y-DNA 37

08/26/2011, 419, 208820, Y-DNA 37

09/02/2011, 420, 159211, Mt-DNA

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Last summer, FTDNA offered special pricing to attract new members.  They are offering the following summer special pricing again this year.  Order now to get in on the reduced prices for NEW members.   Also the Family Finder reduced price is available for current project members.

The promotion starts Friday the 15th of July at 6PM CST and will end Thursday, July 21, 11:59PM CST.  Kits need to be paid for by the end of the promotion.

    •    Y-DNA37 for $119 (Regular price would be $149)
    •    Y-DNA67 for $199 (Regular price would be $239)
    •    Family Finder for $199 (Regular price would be $289)
    •    Family Finder + Y-DNA37 for $318 (Regular price would be $438)
    •    Family Finder + mtDNAPlus for $318 (Regular Price would be $438)
    •    mtDNA Full Sequence for $219 (Regular Price would be $299)
    •    SuperDNA for $418 (Regular Price would be $518, includes Y-DNA67 and mtFullSequence)
    •    Comprehensive Genome for $617 (Regular Price would be $797, includes Y-DNA67, mtFullSequence and Family Finder)

In addition, existing Family Tree DNA customers may order the Family Finder add-on for $199

The following new members were added to the following groups over the past month:

205815 added to Group 10

169298 added to Group 16

206453 added to Group 30

204208 added to Group 36

198908 added to R1b Singletons

206072 added to R1b Singletons

As always, you can view the Phillips lineages of the new members under the appropriate yLineage page on this website, if they have supplied their lineages to us.

Major-General William Phillips was a brilliant soldier, artillerist, and leader, and Thomas Jefferson described him as "the proudest man of the proudest nation on earth." By whatever description, Phillips' final claim to fame was to have conducted one of the British army's most successful campaigns in the American Revolution. Clickhere to read more on the City of Petersburg website.

Surprising new DNA evidence which overturns current theories of how humans colonised the Pacific has been discovered by scientists at the University of Leeds, UK. Click here to read more about it in Medical News Today. 

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 10 July 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/25/2011, 413, 29631, Refine 67 to 111 markers

07/27/2011, 417, 169298, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/03/2011, 417, 109920, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/05/2011, 416, 207489, Y-DNA 37

08/10/2011, 418, 105015, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 111170, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 181543, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 203276, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 201688, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Family Finder

08/12/2011, 417, 191795, Y-DNA 37

08/12/2011, 417, 200071, Y-DNA 37

08/24/2011, 420, 206072, Deep Clade

08/26/2011, 419, 208651, Y-DNA 37

08/26/2011, 419, 208781, Y-DNA 37

08/26/2011, 419, 208820, Y-DNA 37

09/02/2011, 420, 159211, Mt-DNA

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

One of our members, Doyle Phillips, sent us a link to a list of personal web sites at RootsWeb for the Phillips surname.  Clickhere to look at this list and thanks to Doyle for sending us this information!

One hundred years after the death of Francis Galton, the "father of eugenics", geneticists are increasingly baffled by the nature versus nurture debate, writes Professor Steve Jones.  Galton is best known for his interest in inheritance. His book Hereditary Genius is sometimes said to have founded human genetics, and Galton founded the science (if that is the right word) of eugenics.  He even made a beauty map of Britain, based on a secret grading of the local women on a scale from attractive to repulsive (the low point was in Aberdeen).  Clickhere to read more in BBC News Magazine.

 None of us are strangers to stress of various kinds. It turns out the effects of all those stresses can change the fate of future generations, influencing our very DNA.  Clickhere to read more about it in Science News.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 3 July 2011:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/06/2011, 413, 29631, Refine 67 to 111 markers

07/11/2011, 411, 204208, Y-DNA 37

07/20/2011, 415, 202983, Refine 37 to 67 markers

07/22/2011, 416, 207489, Y-DNA 37

07/27/2011, 417, 169298, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/03/2011, 417, 109920, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 105015, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 111170, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 181543, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 203276, Refine 37 to 67 markers

08/10/2011, 418, 201688, Refine 37 to 67 markers and Family Finder

08/10/2011, 418, 181584, Family Finder

08/10/2011, 418, 182049, Family Finder

08/12/2011, 417, 191795, Y-DNA 37

08/12/2011, 417, 200071, Y-DNA 37

08/26/2011, 419, 208651, Y-DNA 37

08/26,2911, 419, 208781, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the generations, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mitochondrial DNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Super DNA Test:  This is a combination of a male specific-chromosome 67 marker test for the direct paternal line and the Full Mitochondrial Sequence (FMS) test for the direct maternal line.  Results identify the ethnic and geographic origin of the maternal and paternal lines of the individual being tested.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Family Finder Conversion is the conversion of the original Family Finder test to a new platform called the Illumina Omni platform.  The new microarray chip tests about 710,000 unique autosomal DNA SNPs.  FTDNA is changing to the new platform because it offers better potential for future upgrade options.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L257 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DYS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Click on the News tab in the blue bar above to read the July issue of the Phillips DNA Project's newsletter.

This month the newsletter contains information on the growth of our Phillips DNA Project, an obituary for Wayne Scott Phillips, a member of the project who died last month, an article on Mark Anthony Peter Phillips, ex-husband of Princess Anne, and a controversial article by Dick Eastman about on-line genealogy data.

We hope you enjoy the newsletter!  If you would like to submit a story for the newsletter, please let us know.

For the first time since his discovery almost twenty years ago, we are about to have access to the complete genetic profile of Otzi the Iceman.  As a result, the path is clear for imminent answers to many of the puzzles surrounding this mummy.  Clickhere to read more about it in AlphaGalileo, Europe's leading source of research news. 

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 25 July 2010:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

08/09/2010, 366, N88318, Deep Clade-I

08/16/2010, 367, 180250, Refine 37 to 67

08/23/2010, 368, 181871, 464X

08/30/2010, 369, 122807, Refine 37 to 67

08/30/2010, 369, 162333, Family Finder

08/30/2010, 369, 177099, Refine 37 to 67

08/30/2010, 369, 180167, Refine 37 to 67

08/30/2010, 369, 26802, Refine 37 to 67

09/01/2010, 369, 92622, Refine 12 to 37

09/03/2010, 368, 183198, Y-DNA 37

09/06/2010, 370, 108314, Refine 37 to 67

09/06/2010, 370, 60411, Refine 37 to 67

09/06/2010, 370, 84527, Backbone

09/08/2010, 370, 12069, Refine 12 to 37

09/08/2010, 370, 128707, Refine 12 to 37

09/10/2010, 369, 183790, Y-DNA 37

09/10/2010, 369, 183868, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Several days ago, the FDA held a public meeting regarding Oversight of Laboratory Developed Tests, which includes DNA tests that are marketed directly to consumers.  Some people believe these tests should only be obtainable through doctors.  Katherine Borges, the director of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, spoke at the meeting and here is alink to her speech posted by Megan Smolenyak in The Huffington Post.  If you agree that people should not be forced to go through their doctors to obtain a DNA test, please sign the petition at this link.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 18 July 2010:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

03/01/2010, 343, 84729, R-L21 SNP

08/06/2010, 364, 180967, Y-DNA 67

08/09/2010, 366, N82180, mtDNA plus

08/11/2010, 366, N88318, Y-DNA 67 plus mtDNA

08/13/2010, 365, 182049, Y-DNA 37

08/16/2010, 367, 180250, Refine 37 to 67

08/20/2010, 366, 157465, Y-DNA 37 plus mtDNA

08/20/2010, 366, 181886, Y-DNA 37

08/23/2010, 368, 107831, Backbone test

08/23/2010, 368, 181871, 464X

08/30/2010, 369, 122807, Refine 37 to 67

08/30/2010, 369, 162333, Family Finder

08/30/2010, 369, 177099, Refine 37 to 67

08/30/2010, 369, 180167, Refine 37 to 67

08/30/2010, 369, 26802, Refine 37 to 67

09/01/2010, 369, 92622, Refine 12 to 37

09/03/2010, 368, 183198, Y-DNA 37

09/10/2010, 369, 183790, Y-DNA 37

09/10/2010, 369, 183868, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

New Y-DNA results returned from the FTDNA lab for the following participants over the past month.  These participants were added to various groups as follows:

177526 was added to Group 1

178919 was added to Group 8

179979 was added to Group 10

180071 was added to Group 32

181543 was added to I Singletons

180167 was added to R1b Singletons

As these results indicate, we continue to see about 70% of our participants match an existing or new family group and about 30% of our participants fail to match anyone else named Phillips.  This has been the trend since 2006.  Basically, when a Phillips man gets DNA tested, he has about a 2 in 3 chance of immediately matching another man named Phillips.

We found a link in Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter to a hilarious comedy sketch featuring British comedian Alexander Armstrong.  He will be in a future episode of the British television version of "Who Do You Think You Are?" In this pretend preview of the episode, Armstrong learns some startling news about his maternal grandmother while examining census records. 

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 11 July 2010:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

03/01/2010, 343, 84729, R-L21 SNP

07/09/2010, 359, 123739, Refine 37 to 67

08/02/2010, 365, 180057, Refine 37 to 67

08/06/2010, 364, 180967, Y-DNA 67

08/09/2010, 366, N82180, mtDNA plus

08/11/2010, 366, N88318, Y-DNA 67 plus mtDNA

08/13/2010, 365, 181871, Y-DNA 37 plus mtDNA

08/13/2010, 365, 182049, Y-DNA 37

08/16/2010, 367, 111382, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 113048, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 120482, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 120672, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 180967, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 180250, Refine 37 to 67

08/20/2010, 366, 157465, Y-DNA 37 plus mtDNA

08/20/2010, 366, 181886, Y-DNA 37

08/23/2010, 368, 107831, Backbone test

08/23/2010, 368, 181871, 464X

09/03/2010, 368, 183198, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

Don't procrastinate!  From July 8th through July 19th, FTDNA is reducing all their Y-DNA upgrade prices as follows:

 
To order this special offer, log in to your personal page and click on the special offers link in the left hand navigation bar. ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED AND PAID FOR BY MIDNIGHT JULY 19th TO RECEIVE THE SALE PRICE.

The 1940 USA census is scheduled to be released to the public in April of 2012.  Here is alink to an article in Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.  Many genealogists are eagerly waiting for the release of this census.

The following tests were underway at FTDNA as of 4 July 2010:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

03/01/2010, 343, 84729, R-L21 SNP

07/09/2010, 359, 123739, Refine 37 to 67

08/02/2010, 365, 176529, Backbone test

08/02/2010, 365, 180057, Refine 37 to 67

08/06/2010, 364, 180967, Y-DNA 67

08/06/2010, 364, 181543, Y-DNA 37

08/09/2010, 366, 126160, Backbone Test

08/09/2010, 366, N82180, mtDNA plus

08/11/2010, 366, N88318, Y-DNA 67 plus mtDNA

08/13/2010, 365, 181871, Y-DNA 37 plus mtDNA

08/13/2010, 365, 182049, Y-DNA 37

08/16/2010, 367, 111382, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 113048, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 120482, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 120672, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 180967, Backbone

08/16/2010, 367, 180250, Refine 37 to 67

08/20/2010, 366, 157465, Y-DNA 37 plus mtDNA

08/20/2010, 366, 181886, Y-DNA 37

EXPLANATION OF TESTS:

Y-DNA Test:  This is a test of a man's Y chromosome and it is a male specific test.  Women do not have a Y chromosome.  The Y chromosome is handed down from father to son over the centuries, so results of this test are used to confirm or disprove a genealogical connection on the direct paternal line.  There are four different levels of yDNA tests offered by FTDNA:  12 markers, 24 markers, 37 markers and 67 markers.

MT-DNA Test:  This is a test of mtDNA which is found in both men and women.  It traces the direct maternal line without influence from other lines.  Because mtDNA mutates very slowly, this test is more of an anthropological test than a genealogical test.  FTDNA offers the following mtDNA tests:  HVR1, HVR1 and 2, and Full Sequence (FGS) or Mega test.

Family Finder Test:  This is a test of autosomal DNA which is found in both men and women.  It is designed to trace most of your ancestral lines and it can identify relationships up to five generations back from you with confidence.

Backbone Test:  When you take any of the yDNA or mtDNA tests at FTDNA, your results include a free haplogroup determination.  Haplogroup is similar to nationality and reflects your very deep, ancient ancestry.  If your yDNA test is inconclusive, FTDNA will perform a free Backbone SNP test to determine your basic haplogroup designation.

Deep Clade Test:  Once you know your Y chromosome male haplogroup, you may then focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through subclade testing, also known as Deep Clade testing.  FTDNA currently offers Deep Clade tests for Haplogroups E, G, H, I, J, N, O,  and R.

SNP Test:  You may also focus on your branch of the phylogenetic tree through testing for specific Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) which help determine your specific subclade.  The L226 SNP test is one example.

Kittler Test:  This is an advanced test of one double marker called DYS385a/b.  By convention, the lowest value is always listed first and the highest value second.  This test will allow you to see the actual order of DYS385a/b.  For example, DYS385a/b is usually 14-11 in Haplogroup R1b and is usually 11-14 in Haplogroup R1a.

DYF371X Test:  This is an advanced test that determines why certain individuals have a null value for DYS425, which is a fairly rare event.

DYS464X Test:  This is an advanced test of DTS464, a fast-moving multi-copy DNA marker.  It could be called a "quazi-SNP" test and it has value for exploring both genealogy and anthropology.

Factoids:  This is a lighthearted "cocktail party" test of predisposition to certain physical traits or conditions.  The list of factoids available to be tested include the following: alcohol flush reaction, avoidance of errors, back pain, bitter taste perception, caffeine metabolism, earwax type, freckling, longevity, male pattern baldness, muscle performance and nicotine dependence.

The July issue of our Phillips DNA Project newsletter has been posted on this website under the News tab.  You can elect to read it in plain text or PDF format.  This month the newsletter contains information on our new venture, a wiki page, as well as an explanation of genetic distance and probability, a Phillips story involving the discovery of some New Zealand relatives, and a guest article on crazy mistakes to be found in most genealogy databases.  Hope you enjoy reading the newsletter!

The following tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 31 July 2009:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/06/2009, 309, 52586, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 53092, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 37 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 150158, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 134671, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 124770, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 67 markers)

08/12/2009, 313, 154111, MT-DNA (FSG)

08/12/2009, 313, 151199, MT-DNA (FGS)

08/14/2009, 309, 105015, Refine Y-DNA (13 to 25 markers)

08/14/2009, 313, 153600, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA + Y-HAP

08/14/2009, 308, 50779, Deep Clade R

08/21/2009, 314, 155010, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/24/2009, 316, 152000, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

08/29/2009, 315, 154603, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 155266, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156136, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156290, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156888, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/07/2009, 318, 65267, L126 SNP Test

09/11/2009, 317, 156988, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/15/2009, 319, 93841, L126 SNP Test

09/16/2009, 318, 158959, MT-DNA Plus

09/18/2009, 318, 158089, Y-DNA37

09/18/2009, 318, 158403, Y-DNA37

09/18/2009, 318, 158484, Y-DNA37

Apparently Harvard professor Henry Louis Gates and Sgt. James Crowley both trace their Y-DNA back to Niall of the Nine Hostages, the 4th or 5th century Irish warlord who supposedly created one of the dominant strains of Irish DNA signatures because he had so many offspring.  Here is alink to the story in Irish Central, an online Irish blog and newsletter.

Two more British men ordered kits and joined our project today as a result of our on-going campaign to recruit more European participants.  One of them traces his Phillips line back to Bristol and the other one actually has the surname Phillip and traces his Phillip line back to Angus, Scotland in the mid 1700s.  We now have 26 British participants in the project and about 60% of them matched a pre-existing group or singleton when their results returned from the lab.  If you have not gotten a European match yet, hang in there!  With any luck, your day is coming!

Hurry!  You only have one more week to take advantage of FTDNA's summer sale on DNA tests.  Here are the tests that are on sale:

Y-DNA 37 Marker Test:  $119.00 (regular price $149.00)
Y-DNA 67 Marker Test:  $199.00 (regular price $238.00)
Mt-DNA Plus Test:  $119.00 (regular price $149.00)

These are the best prices, marker for marker, of any company in the market.  If you missed the sale in June, be sure not to miss this one!  FTDNA says they will not extend this sale beyond this month.  If you need help ordering a kit, please feel free to contact me at nancy2kiser at yahoo dot com (substitute appropriate symbols).

If you don't know anyone to test and you want to help the project, please consider making a donation of any amount to the General Fund for the Phillips DNA Project.  We will use the funds to purchase kits for future participants or you can specify how you want your contribution to be used.  Here is a link to the page where you can make online contributions: http://www.familytreedna.com/group-general-fund-contribution.aspx

You can also call FTDNA at 713-868-1438 and use your credit card to make a contribution by telephone.  Be sure to mention that you want the money to go to the General Fund of the Phillips DNA Project run by Nancy Kiser, Tom Hutchison and Virginia Phillips-Smith and thanks for your support!

The following DNA tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 25 July 2009:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/06/2009, 309, 52586, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 105015, Refine Y-DNA (13 to 25 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 53092, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 37 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 150158, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 134671, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/15/2009, 310, 124770, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 67 markers)

07/24/2009, 308, 50779, Deep Clade R

08/14/2009, 313, 153600, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 154111, MT-DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 151199, MT-DNA

08/19/2009, 314, 151873, MT-DNA

08/21/2009, 314, 155010, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 154603, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 155266, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 156988, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/24/2009, 316, 152000, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

09/04/2009, 316, 156136, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156290, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156888, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/07/2009, 318, 65267, L126 SNP Test

09/16/2009, 318, 158959, MT-DNA Plus

09/18/2009, 318, 158089, Y-DNA37

09/18/2009, 318, 158403, Y-DNA37

09/18/2009, 318, 158484, Y-DNA37

Lucky Family Group 8 has a new member who tested through Ancestry.com.  Group 8 has rather unusual yDNA, making it easy to identify matches.  This is the family group that scored a match with the 3000-year-old Bronze Age skeletons found in a cave in Germany and then last month scored a match with a British man who traces his Phillips line back to Birmingham, England in the early 1700s.  The new British family member has written an article which will appear in our August newsletter.

Here is alink to a list of the ten best blogs for anyone interested in genetic genealogy and personal genomics, according to Blaine Bettinger.  Blaine is a geneticist and law student who has been exploring the field of genetic genealogy for over seven years, and he also has his own blog, the Genetic Genealogist.

Roots Television is an internet TV show that you can watch on your computer.  It was founded by Megan Smolenyak, a professional genealogist, and it is by and for avid genealogists and family historians.  Click here to view an interesting interview of Katherine Hope Borges, Director of the Internation Society of International Genetic Genealogists, conducted by Dick Eastman, the editor of Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter.

While DNA will never replace standard genealogical research and primary documentation, it can be a tool to be used in conjunction with standard research.  An article found here in the July 6th 2009 edition of the Asheville Citizen-Times addresses this topic.

There is a fascinating article in the July-August issue of Harvard Magazine entitled "Who Killed the Men of England?" at thislink.  The subtitle is "The written record of history meets genomics, evolution, demography and molecular archaeology."  As one commenter quips, the article might be better entitled "Who Raped the Women of England?"

The following DNA tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 18 July 2009:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/06/2009, 309, 52586, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/06/2009, 309, 147495, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 105015, Refine Y-DNA (13 to 25 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 53092, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 37 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 150158, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 134671, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/15/2009, 310, 124770, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 67 markers)

07/24/2009, 308, 50779, Deep Clade R

08/14/2009, 313, 153600, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 154111, SuperDNA: Y-DNA (13 to 67 markers) + MT-DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 151199, SuperDNA: Y-DNA (1 to 67 markers) + MT-DNA

08/19/2009, 314, 151873, SuperDNA:  Y-DNA (1 to 67 markers) + MT-DNA

08/21/2009, 314, 155010, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 154603, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 155266, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 156988, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/24/2009, 316, 152000, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

09/04/2009, 316, 156136, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156290, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156888, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

Family Group 16 has become our latest group to score a European match!  Kit number 150069 traces his Phillips line back to an Owen Phillips who was born about 1810 in Ireland.  This match makes sense, because Group 16 has very Irish-looking yDNA.  Their yDNA matches the Irish Modal Haplotype, which is believed to stem from a prolific 5th century Irish warlord known as Niall of the Nine Hostages.  It is thought Niall may be the paternal ancestor of one in 12 Irishmen.  Interestingly, Group 16 is our only group who matches the Irish Modal Haplotype, perhaps indicating the surname Phillips was not very common in early Ireland. 

You only have two more weeks to take advantage of FTDNA's summer sale on DNA tests.  Here are the tests that are on sale:

Y-DNA 37 Marker Test:  $119.00 (regular price $149.00)
Y-DNA 67 Marker Test:  $199.00 (regular price $238.00)
Mt-DNA Plus Test:  $119.00 (regular price $149.00)

These are the best prices, marker for marker, of any company in the market.  If you missed the sale in June, be sure not to miss this one!  FTDNA says they will not extend this sale beyond this month.  If you need help ordering a kit, please feel free to contact me at nancy2kiser at yahoo dot com.

If you don't know anyone to test and you want to help the project, please consider making a donation of any amount to the General Fund for the Phillips DNA Project.  We will use the funds to purchase kits for future participants or you can specify how you want your contribution to be used.  Here is a link to the page where you can make online contributions: http://www.familytreedna.com/group-general-fund-contribution.aspx

You can also call FTDNA at 713-868-1438 and use your credit card to make a contribution by telephone.  Be sure to mention that you want the money to go to the General Fund of the Phillips DNA Project run by Nancy Kiser, Tom Hutchison and Virginia Phillips-Smith and thanks for your support!

Family Group 15 has a new yDNA match.  This Philips family traces its Philips line back to Pennsylvania in the 1700s.  In western Pennsylvania at the close of the Revolutionary War, there were descendants of Joseph Philips (born about 1716) and Owen Philips who are believed to have been brothers.  Y-DNA testing of descendants of both have confirmed this theory.  Congratulations to Family Group 15!

The British National Archives are housed at Kew Gardens in southwest London.  It is Britain's single most valuable source of primary records for social historians and genealogists.  Concern is growing that public access is under threat after an announcement that it is to reduce opening hours, limit access to original documents and lay off a number of specialist archivists.  Clickhere to read more about this story.

The following Phillips DNA tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 11 July 2009:

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

07/06/2009, 309, 52586, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/06/2009, 309, 147495, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 105015, Refine Y-DNA (13 to 25 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 132255, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 67 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 53092, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 37 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 150158, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 134671, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/15/2009, 310, 124770, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 67 markers)

07/24/2009, 308, 50779, Deep Clade R

07/27/2009, 312, 112650, Y-HAP (backbone)

08/03/2009, 313, 680, MT+DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 153600, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 154111, SuperDNA: Y-DNA (13 to 67 markers) + MT-DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 151199, SuperDNA: Y-DNA (1 to 67 markers) + MT-DNA

08/21/2009, 314, 155010, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 154603, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 155266, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 156988, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/24/2009, 316, 152000, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

09/04/2009, 316, 156136, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156290, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

09/04/2009, 316, 156888, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

During the month of July, Mountain Press is offering a 15% discount on all genealogy orders over $25.  During checkout, just enter JULY09 in the coupon code section at the bottom of the page.  Their entire collection can be viewed atwww.mountainpress.com.

Doris Wheeler, the administrator of several DNA projects, has a blog where she has recently posted about possible future governmental regulation of DNA testing.  It is something everyone interested in genetic genealogy should know about.  Here is alink to her article.

The popular BBC series, "The Incredible Human Journey", in now on YouTube for the viewing pleasure of all those who do not live in the UK.  Here are links to all five episodes:

Episode 1 Out of Africa

http://www.youtube. com/view_ play_list? p=4819BA29115297 8B

Episode 2 Asia

http://www.youtube. com/view_ play_list? p=25F1CE2A2A8683 74

Episode 3 Europe

http://www.youtube. com/view_ play_list? p=BCE9E52F5E89C4 67

Episode 4 Australia

http://www.youtube. com/view_ play_list? p=E4271F6145850F 11

Episode 5 The Americas

http://www.youtube. com/view_ play_list? p=A8CEC47E6A8FE5 65

Our 54th Phillips Family Group has been identified through DNA analysis!  Although the current family lives in Costa Rica, they trace their roots back to Scotland in the 1600s.  The yDNA of this Phillips family group is somewhat unusual; according to the noted expert Dr. Ken Nordtvelt, they appear to belong to Haplogroup I2a2-Isles-D clade. 

Ancestry.com is holding a one-hour "webinar" called "Genetic Genealogy Made Easy" at 8 PM Eastern Time on Wednesday, July 8.  The last 20 minutes will be a Q&A session.  The first 40 minutes will be a simple scientific overview of the following topics:

- How DNA testing for genealogy works--in easy terms.
- How to understand and apply your results to grow your tree.
- How DNA testing can continue to pay off for years.
- How women can benefit from a paternal lineage test.
- How to use Ancestry.com DNA features: Groups, Transfer to Tree, and Ancient Ancestry.

You must register to "attend" this webinar and I assume you must also subscribe to Ancestry.com.  Here is alink to the registration page in case you are interested.

The following tests were in progress at FTDNA as of 4 July 2009: 

Due Date, Batch #, Kit #, Type of Test

06/29/2009, 308, 50779, Deep Clade R

07/06/2009, 309, 52586, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/06/2009, 309, 147495, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 105015, Refine Y-DNA (13 to 25 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 132255, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 67 markers)

07/08/2009, 309, 53092, Refine Y-DNA (26 to 37 markers)

07/10/2009, 306, 150069, Y-DNA (26 to 37 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 150158, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/13/2009, 310, 134671, Refine Y-DNA (38 to 67 markers)

07/15/2009, 310, 124770, Refine Y-DNA (13 to 67 markers)

07/24/2009, 310, 152000, Y-DNA (26 to 37 markers)

07/27/2009, 312, 112650, Y-HAP (backbone)

08/03/2009, 313, 680, MT+DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 153600, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 154111, SuperDNA: Y-DNA (13 to 67 markers) + MT-DNA

08/14/2009, 313, 151199, SuperDNA: Y-DNA (1 to 67 markers) + MT-DNA

08/21/2009, 314, 155010, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 154603, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 155266, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

08/29/2009, 315, 156988, Y-DNA37 + MT-DNA

I am surprised and pleased to tell you that FTDNA has announced another sale for the month of July.  Here are the DNA tests that will be on sale this month:

Y-DNA 37 Marker Test:  $119.00 (regular price $149.00)
Y-DNA 67 Marker Test:  $199.00 (regular price $238.00)
Mt-DNA Plus Test:  $119.00 (regular price $149.00)

These are the best prices, marker for marker, of any company in the market.  If you missed the sale in June, be sure not to miss this one!  FTDNA says they will not extend this sale beyond this month.  If you need help ordering a kit, please feel free to contact me at nancy2kiser at yahoo dot com.

If you don't know anyone to test and you want to help the project, please consider making a donation of any amount to the General Fund for the Phillips DNA Project.  We will use the funds to purchase kits for future participants or you can specify how you want your contribution to be used.  Here is a link to the page where you can make contributions:  http://www.familytreedna.com/group-general-fund-contribution.aspx

Do you belong to Facebook?  If so, you can join the Phillips Genealogy DNA Project group just set up by Jo Phillips, one of our members.  It is a great place to chat and "meet" each other.  And I think it is especially nice to be able to put a face with a name.  To find the group on Facebook, search on the words Phillips DNA or just click here.  We have made this an open group which means anyone can join and invite others to join.  Many thanks to Jo for doing this for us!

The following was written by The Generations Network, parent company of Ancestry.ca:

Canada Day is not only a great day to spend with family - it's the perfect time to get together and learn more about how your family came to be Canadian.  To celebrate our 142nd birthday, for the first time Ancestry.ca is making available the Canadian Passenger Lists free to access from June 29 through July 3, 2009.

If you want to take advantage of this offer, go towww.Ancestry.ca and look for the red maple leaf with the red Search button to the right.

The July 2009 issue of the Phillips DNA Project newsletter has been posted on the main News page of this website.  To access the newsletter, click on the News tab at the top of this page.  You can read the newsletter in PDF format or plain text format.  The July newsletter has a report on the progress of the project, a family story about Phillips Family Group 5, and a family story about Phillips Family Group 9.  The Questions & Answers section of the newsletter discusses the surnames Phelps and Phillips, the DNA of Thomas Jefferson, and emigration from Wales.  Hope everyone enjoys the July newsletter!