MAY 26 • 2022 | 15

Since the genetic genealo-
gy revolution began in the 
late 1990s, DNA testing has 
provided valuable informa-
tion to anyone interested in 
learning about their genetic 
ancestry.
Researchers find the 
commercial DNA testing 
kits invaluable for untan-
gling genealogical riddles 
on their family trees. The 
kits reveal how the custom-
er’s DNA is similar to others 
from certain geographic 
regions. 

Results are shown by per-
centage, and sometimes on 
a pie chart. A specific DNA 
test can also indicate a cus-
tomer’s genetic health risk 
and carrier status.
Perhaps most interesting 
— and even life-changing — 
are the testing kits’ ability 
to provide a list of family 
matches, such as happened 
with first cousins Susie 
Simons Liebman and Marcy 
Schulman.
The process starts with 
a sample of the customer’s 

DNA, obtained through spit-
ting or inner-cheek swab-
bing into the provided small 
container. Sent to each 
company’s laboratory, sci-
entists isolate the cells and 
analyze their genes.
Variants in the custom-
er’s genes, called alleles, 
are compared with alleles 
already in the company’s 
databases to determine simi-
larities. Then a report is gen-
erated on the person’s heri-
tage and genetic relatives. 
Note that different results 

are possible because com-
panies have access to dif-
ferent databases.
For more information, the 
four best-known DNA test 
kits to consider are:

AncestryDNA: 
www.ancestry.com 
23andMe: 
www.23andme.com 
FamilyTreeDNA: 
www.familytreedna.com
My Heritage: 
www.myheritage.com

— Esther Allweiss Ingber

DNA Revolution

Supported through the generosity of The Jewish Fund and the D. Dan and Betty Kahn Family Foundation.

.org
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