Category: Results

Cousin Confusion: What is a “Second Cousin Once Removed”?

You've got questions about removed cousins and second (or further) cousins. Our experts have the answers.

6 Things to Do When Your DNA Match Doesn’t Have a Tree

Yes, you still can use your DNA matches even if there's no tree or genealogy information attached. Here are six ways to make no-tree matches work for you.

DNA Q&A: The Best Ethnicity Estimates

When it comes to the best ethnicity estimates, not all DNA testing companies are equal. So which ones have the most specific results? A DNA expert weighs in.

Discovering a New Sibling Through DNA Results

An expected close relative led to an astonishing DNA discovery, giving one researcher a new sibling—and information on a long-hidden wartime romance.

DNA Q&A: GEDmatch

While GEDmatch isn't necessary for more in-depth DNA results, it does have many valuable tools for genealogists. Our DNA expert Diahan Southard explains.

DNA Q&A: Organizing DNA Matches

It's easy to get overwhelmed with organizing DNA matches. Learn the best approach, plus three additional techniques for keeping track of all those cousins.

free family tree chart

DNA Q&A: The Case of Mom’s Missing Surname

A reader has many DNA matches on her maternal side, but not one of them shares her mother's maiden name. What? Our DNA expert weighs in on the case of the missing surname.

AncestryDNA ThruLines Help Build Your Tree

Check out the AncestryDNA Match experience and ThruLines, which proposes possible family relationships to your matches based on trees and DNA.

DNA Q&A: Do You Really Need a Chromosome Browser?

Do you really need to figure out how to use things like chromosome browsers and centimorgans to be successful in your family history research? DNA expert Diahan Southard explains.

DNA Q&A: Analyzing DNA Matches Using Mirror Trees

Just what are "mirror trees," and what do they have to do with your DNA results? Our DNA expert explains this technique for exploring DNA matches, as well as some alternatives to consider.

Do DNA Tests Put Your Personal Information at Risk?

Have the millions of DNA test-takers given up personal information? Our legal expert answers 19 crucial questions about DNA testing and your privacy.

How to Use Shared DNA to Determine Relationships

DNA testing has opened up new doors for researchers hoping to find their birth parents. Learn how to use data in your DNA results to figure out relationships.

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