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 21, 2025

The Top DNA Testing Bloggers

Once you understand the fundamentals of DNA testing, these DNA bloggers can provide useful tips and help you keep up with new developments.

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Feb 19, 2025

DNA Test Delivers TWO Shocking Results

Imagine finding out through a DNA test that (1) you were adopted and (2) your father was a killer.

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Feb 17, 2025

A More Powerful Family Finder Matrix

New features have made the Family Finder Matrix an even more useful tool for DNA testers. Read about it here.

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Feb 14, 2025

The Best Tools for Working with DNA Matches

To work more effectively and efficiently with genetic matches, use the best features of each testing company and some outstanding tools developed by others.

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Feb 12, 2025

DNA Reunites German Man with American Siblings

After 65 years of searching for the American soldier who fathered him, a DNA test provided a breakthrough for this German man.

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Feb 10, 2025

Relatives at RootsTech is Back

If you have a free account at FamilySearch, you can now opt into this year's Relatives at RootsTech. Find cousins and candidates for DNA testing.

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Feb 07, 2025

DNA Test Reunites Mother and Daughter After 49 Years

Shirley always wondered about the baby girl she gave up for adoption. A 23andMe DNA test finally brought them together.

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Feb 05, 2025

DNA Questions Origin of Christopher Columbus

DNA tests suggest that Christopher Columbus was not Italian but was born in Spain to parents of Jewish ancestry.

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Feb 03, 2025

MyHeritage Updates Ethnicity Estimates

Expanding from 42 to 79 regions, this new model provides higher-resolution results. Read about it here and then check your new results.

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Jan 31, 2025

All About Mitochondrial DNA

Family Tree DNA concludes a five-part series about mitochondrial DNA, what mtDNA can tell you, and how to apply mtDNA results to your genealogy.

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Jan 29, 2025

DNA Testing Finds Siblings Sold at Birth

Seven siblings, all sold by their parents, managed to find each other through genetic genealogy DNA tests.

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Jan 27, 2025

DNA Tools to Predict Relationships

I just discovered this website by Brit Nicholson that applies math and science to genetic genealogy. Check it out.

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Jan 23, 2025

The Forensic Genealogy Behind a Netflix Hit

Genetic genealogists helped solve a 16-year-old double-murder that inspired The Breakthrough. See how it happened.

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Jan 21, 2025

Major Updates in Y-DNA Haplogroups

The Y-DNA Tree of Humankind is a dynamic, living map of humanity’s history. Thanks to more testers and new tools, 2024 saw big changes.

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Jan 17, 2025

Need an Experienced Speaker on DNA Testing Topics?

I have five different presentations on popular genetic genealogy topics. These are perfect for libraries and genealogy societies. See topics and pricing here.

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Jan 15, 2025

DNA Tests Lead Woman to 18 Secret Siblings

This well-told story reveals a black market baby-selling practice that focused on Jewish babies. Both 23andMe and Ancestry revealed more siblings.

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Jan 13, 2025

Understanding the Big-Y 700 DNA Test

What does the Big-Y 700 test from Family Tree DNA give you that standard STR Y-DNA testing does not? Roberta Estes has a great blog post that explains it all.

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Jan 10, 2025

Researching Your Ancestry for Adoptees

Even AARP is helping educate adoptees about finding birth families through DNA and other methods. The online event is free.

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Jan 08, 2025

DNA Match Reunites Woman with Her Daughter and Granddaughters.

Another decades-old adoption mystery is solved through a genetic genealogy DNA test. See the video.

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Jan 06, 2025

MyHeritage Year in Review

DNA testing and genealogical records company MyHeritage was aggressively innovative in 2024. Here are the month-by-month highlights.

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Jan 03, 2025

DNA Leads Woman to Father After a 16-Year Search

The result of a teenage pregnancy, Deedee finally found her biological father. After quickly meeting, her kids now have a wonderful grandfather.

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Jan 01, 2025

Registration is Open for 2025 Legacy Family Tree Webinars

This year's webinar series will feature 132 speakers (including me). The webinars begin on January 8, 2025. Register for free at this page.

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Dec 30, 2024

New Features at DNA Painter

A top source for genetic genealogy tools, DNA Painter released several new features in 2024. See this summary.

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Dec 20, 2024

Getting DNA from Letters, Stamps, Etc.

Genetic Legacies (formerly Keepsake DNA) is now testing artifacts from deceased ancestors to upload to GEDMatch.

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Dec 18, 2024

Learn About DNA Testing for Genealogy

Want to learn more about genetic genealogy? This page on my website provides links to the best DNA education resources.

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