AJC.com > Talk of the town > Archives > 2007 > October > 19 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USHow reliable is DNA testing?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Researchers from various universities around the country are questioning the reliability of DNA testing to determine ancestry.
In a report, “The Science and Business of Genetic Ancestry Testing,” in the Oct. 19 issue of Science, the researchers push for more public education about the process. Click to read the article.
The testing has been extremely popular in the African-American community. Several years ago, civil rights leader Andrew Young was tested and it was determined his maternal lineage came from Sierra Leone.
Have you had your DNA tested to determine ancestry? Are you comfortable with the results?
Did you have any surprises?
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Comments
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By Lisa H
October 19, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this
The testing itself is reliable, but the results are presented in overly simplistic ways. I tested with African Ancestry. I don’t “need” any affirmation of my identity, but thought it woudl be interesting to know something more about the ONE ancestor from whom I inherited mitochondrial DNA. AA returned a report that my deep maternal roots were in Sudan. No tribe designated, and no reponse to an email requesting clarification. I took the information I received, determined what my haplotype is, and did further research on the Internet. I found that my haplotype is found among modern-day Sudanese, as well as well many other central Africans, and there is no way to know (at least right now) more about specifically where my ancestor lived 10000+ years ago.
By Dr. I.Q.
October 19, 2007 3:22 PM | Link to this
I always thought it was a croc and a scam to tell folks their genealogy goes back to an Egyptian Queen or Kunta Ketay or whatever.
A fool and his money are soon parted!
By Fahamu P
October 19, 2007 4:09 PM | Link to this
I too took the test with African Ancestry. The results came back to me identifying a specific tribe in present day Cameroon. I approached the test and subsequent results knowing that there was room for error and that no one could ever give me specific, rock solid affirmation as to where my ancestors originated. But as a person who would otherwise have no clue, I found the results informative and it has provided for me at least some point of departure to continue my personal search. One thing I did find interesting was that I shared similar ancestral results to other people who’s families have lived for generations in a small region of S.C. as did my family.
By Nan
October 19, 2007 4:11 PM | Link to this
Personally, I think it would enlightening for a lot of “white” folks to discover they fail the one drop test.
The example given is both hilarious and typical, too, the white lady going looking for (figuratively speaking) Pocahantas and discovering Nat Turner instead.
By ds
October 19, 2007 6:19 PM | Link to this
Responsible DNA testing for Genetic Genealogy:
[http://www.dirkschweitzer.net/DNATests.html]