PRLog (Press Release) -
Sep 02, 2009 -
LEICESTER, UK – A newly published scientific study by geneticists at the University of Leicester recognizes the contributions to the field of genetics by hobbyists known as ‘genetic genealogists’
. The study published in the latest edition of Trends in Genetics by Turi E. King and Mark A. Jobling, “What’s in a name: Y chromosomes, surnames and the genetic genealogy revolution” cites the thousands of DNA surname projects established by genetic genealogists along with discoveries they have made.
The researchers reference the detection of a rare single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, in haplogroup G as an example of the “opportunities for collaboration between the academic and amateur communities”
. The discovery of the novel SNP was directly facilitated through donor recruitment in genetic genealogy databases.
King and Jobling regconize that “Genetic genealogy enthusiasts often display an impressive level of knowledge about aspects of molecular evolution, population genetics and statistics; some of this is evinced in the quarterly online Journal of Genetic Genealogy (www.jogg.info)
.”
The International Society of Genetic Genealogy (www.isogg.org)
, a dues free society, which educates about and promotes the use of DNA as a tool for genealogical research is additionally noted for maintaining a regularly updated Y-chromosome haplogroup tree.
The International Society of Genetic Genealogy is a dues free society with the mission to "advocate for and educate about the use of genetics as a tool for genealogical research, and promote a supportive network for genetic genealogists."
