DNA Favorites Blog

This is Richard Hill, founder of DNA Favorites. I don't write long, detailed blogs. My blogging style matches that of my website: clear, concise summaries with links to learn more.

I typically share these posts to my DNA Favorites Facebook page and to my RichardHillDNA accounts on Bluesky, X,and LinkedIn. You can follow me in whatever medium you prefer.

Feb 06, 2026

New GEDmatch Tool Explained

For a detailed explanation of the new AutoSegment Split tool on GEDmatch, read this blog post.

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Feb 04, 2026

71 More DNA Test Surprises

On Reddit, people who took DNA tests and discovered way more than they bargained for shared what they learned.

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Feb 02, 2026

Mitotree Updates

In addition to adding almost 13,000 new branches, Mitotree now incorporates more than 10,000 ancient DNA samples from archaeological sites around the world.

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Jan 23, 2026

DNA Sequencing Technologies Explained

See this page for an overview of the major DNA sequencing technologies used in genetic genealogy, how they work, and why their differences matter.

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Jan 21, 2026

Taken a DNA test? Start Helping Solve Cases Today.

DNA Justice accepts uploads of raw DNA data. Upload yours to help solve homicides and identify remains. I did it.

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Jan 16, 2026

Do You Hate "Finding Your Roots"?

If you don't like Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Finding Your Roots, your bias may be showing. A good essay.

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Jan 14, 2026

Why Attend RootsTech 2026?

If you’ve been wondering why you should attend RootsTech in person, this guide explores the benefits.

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Jan 12, 2026

An Interesting Discussion about DNA and Adoptee Searches

Watch a researcher at Legacy Tree Genealogists interview me about my search and DNA testing today. Use this link, then scroll down the page.

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Jan 09, 2026

Useful Facebook Groups for DNA Testers

Facebook is the epicenter for discussions about DNA testing. Here are some of the most useful DNA Facebook groups organized by category.

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Jan 07, 2026

Introducing MyHeritage DNA Traits

DNA testing company MyHeritage now offers a DNA Traits add-on to your genetic genealogy test results. Read all about it here.

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Jan 05, 2026

2025 Genetic Genealogy Retrospective

Prolific DNA blogger Roberta Estes looks back on the genetic genealogy highlights from 2025.

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Dec 30, 2025

Comparing DNA Ethnicity Estimates

A holiday gift to my followers: Watch one of my recent presentations through this link for a limited time.

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Dec 15, 2025

Need a Speaker on a DNA Testing Topic?

If you belong to a library or genealogy group, I have five different presentations on genetic genealogy that I update regularly.

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Dec 12, 2025

A Mother-Son Reunion 42 Years in the Making

She was told her son died at birth. But he was the victim of a child trafficking operation. DNA reunited them.

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Dec 10, 2025

Stunned by a DNA Discovery?

Brianne Kirkpatrick Williams explains how a genetic counselor can help someone after a DNA surprise.

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Dec 05, 2025

Woman Discovers Over a Dozen Half-Siblings

DNA testing uncovers a secret. Instead of using different sperm donors, a Duke doctor fathered them all.

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Dec 03, 2025

DNA from Rootless Hairs

Bode Technology can extract DNA from rootless hairs for forensic applications. Could it be used for genealogy tests?

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Dec 01, 2025

Irish Family Roots: A DNA Journey

Two Irish reporters tried the MyHeritage DNA test and shared their expected and unexpected findings.

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Nov 28, 2025

Father and Son Meet Through DNA

After learning of each other through DNA testing, a father and son met for the first time in Idaho, changing both of their lives forever.

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Nov 27, 2025

Legacy Webinars Black Friday Sale

You can access my webinars—and over 2,500 other genealogy classes—for 50% off: $24.98 for the entire year. The sale ends Sunday, Nov 30th.

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Nov 26, 2025

DNA Test Uncovers Murder Mystery

A DNA test revealed that a man’s biological mother was a murder victim. Now, two families unite to solve a decades-old case together.

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Nov 24, 2025

U.S. Adoptees Face Deportation

Some adoptees raised in the U.S. never received citizenship and now face deportation risks. Find out what this means for adoptees’ rights.

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Nov 22, 2025

Decoding DNA for Adoptees This Sunday

Finding Biological Family with Search Angel Susan Christin is an online event on Sunday, 11/23/25 at 3:00 pm Eastern time.

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Nov 20, 2025

What Are Nigerians Mixed With?

Genetic studies show Nigerians have a rich mix of African ancestries from across the continent, with only minor traces from outside Africa. Learn more about the roots and diversity of Nigerian DNA.

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Nov 18, 2025

The Most Shocking DNA Surprise Ever

Lots of people have been surprised by the results of a DNA test. But this story is a revelation I've never heard of before.

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