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DNA Ancestry Tests - What Do You Think ?

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OneFootInTheGrave

OneFootInTheGrave Report 7 Mar 2013 06:13

DNA Ancestry Tests Branded Meaningless.

Commercial DNA tests that claim to tell people whether they are related to Richard III or descended from the Vikings are no more than "genetic astrology", scientists have warned.

A warning about the accuracy of the tests was made by the Sense About Science campaign group, which said "such histories are either so general as to be personally meaningless or they are just speculation from thin evidence."

The warning was backed by a number of leading genetics experts. Steve Jones, Emeritus Professor of Human Genetics at UCL said: “On a long trudge through history – two parents, four great-grandparents, and so on – very soon everyone runs out of ancestors and has to share them.

"As a result, almost every Briton is a descendant of Viking hordes, Roman legions, African migrants, Indian Brahmins, or anyone else they fancy.”

His colleague Prof Mark Thomas said: "These claims are usually planted by the companies that provide these so-called tests and are not backed up by published scientific research. This is business, and the business is genetic astrology.”

Tracey Brown, Director of Sense About Science added: “Genetics researchers are telling us that you are better off digging around in your loft than doing a DNA ancestry test if you want to find out about your family tree."

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/science-news/9912822/DNA-ancestry-tests-branded-meaningless.html

Researching:
I am researching the Wotherspoon family from the Old/New Monkland areas of Scotland, some moved to the Leslie and Kelty areas of Fife and I'm having problems linking the Wotherspoon's from Leslie and the Wotherspoon's from Kelty. I am also researching the Clusker family from Co. Meath in Ireland who moved to West Lothian and from there to Fife............"Vita non est vivere sed valere vita est"

SylviaInCanada

SylviaInCanada Report 7 Mar 2013 07:23

IMHO ................



a waste of money in the majority of cases!

Researching:
My brother, photo taken in September 1991 just a couple of weeks before he died. ............................................................ To help us and to get better results, please post as much detail as you can, especially name, date(s) and place. Also say what you already know.