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.
Once you understand the fundamentals of DNA testing, these DNA bloggers can provide useful tips and help you keep up with new developments.
Imagine finding out through a DNA test that (1) you were adopted and (2) your father was a killer.
New features have made the Family Finder Matrix an even more useful tool for DNA testers. Read about it here.
To work more effectively and efficiently with genetic matches, use the best features of each testing company and some outstanding tools developed by others.
Continue reading "The Best Tools for Working with DNA Matches"
After 65 years of searching for the American soldier who fathered him, a DNA test provided a breakthrough for this German man.
Continue reading "DNA Reunites German Man with American Siblings"
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.
Shirley always wondered about the baby girl she gave up for adoption. A 23andMe DNA test finally brought them together.
Continue reading "DNA Test Reunites Mother and Daughter After 49 Years"
DNA tests suggest that Christopher Columbus was not Italian but was born in Spain to parents of Jewish ancestry.
Continue reading "DNA Questions Origin of Christopher Columbus"
Expanding from 42 to 79 regions, this new model provides higher-resolution results. Read about it here and then check your new results.
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.
Seven siblings, all sold by their parents, managed to find each other through genetic genealogy DNA tests.
I just discovered this website by Brit Nicholson that applies math and science to genetic genealogy. Check it out.
Genetic genealogists helped solve a 16-year-old double-murder that inspired The Breakthrough. See how it happened.
Continue reading "The Forensic Genealogy Behind a Netflix Hit"
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.
I have five different presentations on popular genetic genealogy topics. These are perfect for libraries and genealogy societies. See topics and pricing here.
Continue reading "Need an Experienced Speaker on DNA Testing Topics?"
This well-told story reveals a black market baby-selling practice that focused on Jewish babies. Both 23andMe and Ancestry revealed more siblings.
Continue reading "DNA Tests Lead Woman to 18 Secret Siblings"
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.
Even AARP is helping educate adoptees about finding birth families through DNA and other methods. The online event is free.
Another decades-old adoption mystery is solved through a genetic genealogy DNA test. See the video.
Continue reading "DNA Match Reunites Woman with Her Daughter and Granddaughters."
DNA testing and genealogical records company MyHeritage was aggressively innovative in 2024. Here are the month-by-month highlights.
The result of a teenage pregnancy, Deedee finally found her biological father. After quickly meeting, her kids now have a wonderful grandfather.
Continue reading "DNA Leads Woman to Father After a 16-Year Search"
This year's webinar series will feature 132 speakers (including me). The webinars begin on January 8, 2025. Register for free at this page.
Continue reading "Registration is Open for 2025 Legacy Family Tree Webinars"
A top source for genetic genealogy tools, DNA Painter released several new features in 2024. See this summary.
Genetic Legacies (formerly Keepsake DNA) is now testing artifacts from deceased ancestors to upload to GEDMatch.