Genealogy site uses DNA and social networks to trace ancestors

October 23, 2007 | Source: Computerworld

GeneTree, a new genealogy site, adds a new twist to online family history searches by allowing users to submit their own DNA and to collaborate with others using social networking tools.

The site also will also let users share pictures and video clips on the site to create interactive digital family trees.

For between $99 and $149, users can submit DNA samples to be matched against dozens of subgroups of DNA. It will then be used to map the global origin of a person’s ancestors and digitally show the migration of relatives throughout the world to discover a family’s history that may predate written records.

GeneTree will analyze only a piece of the mitochondrial DNA, which traces a person’s family history on his mother’s side.