Welcome to the second issue of Molecular Connections. As we continue to pioneer advancements in this exciting area of genetic genealogy, we hope Molecular Connections becomes a way for you to connect more easily with what we are doing.

In this issue, we feature the introduction of the new interactive maps on the website, success stories of the Mitochondrial Database, and the easy option of conducting your own group DNA sample collection at your family reunion.

We are proud to announce that we have more than 4 million ancestors represented in the Sorenson Database from more than 100 countries. These ancestors can be seen on the new interactive world map on the website. I would like to thank the thousands of you from around the world who have made our progress to this point possible. The success of the project has exceeded our expectations thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of so many, both inside and outside of our organization. We hope that enthusiasm will continue to spread, and that those of you who haven't gotten involved yet will take this opportunity to do so.

Happy reading!

Scott Woodward
Executive Director and Chief Scientific Officer
Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation
 

The website now provides access to three interactive world maps representing the total number and geographic origin of the samples collected, as well as the comprehensive lineages represented by the ancestors available in both the Y-chromosome and the mtDNA Sorenson Databases.  To view the Lineage Maps or the Sample Collections Map, click here.

The mtDatabase has promising potential for discovering new insights into those elusive ancestral females whose maiden names are unknown. In fact, mtDNA matches found in the same place and timeframe can be even more informative than matches with the same surname.

Results obtained from any DNA testing company can be used to search the mtDatabase, as the search engine automatically adjusts for each company's ranges. Records of genealogical interest will typically be perfect matches, or perhaps show one difference. However, the search engine allows up to two mutations, which may provide some general geographical clues for people who have no closer matches.

Cynthia Wilson of Seattle found success in her family history research by utilizing the Sorenson mtDatabase. Cynthia's success shows that it is possible to breakthrough dead ends on your maternal line.   To read more about Cynthia's success, click here.

No Family Reunion is complete without a little genealogy work! As you prepare for your family reunion this summer, the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation would like to remind you additional participants from your family help your own genealogical searches. Additional participants will expand the Sorenson Database, making it even more valuable for all future searches. Participation of whole families makes an invaluable contribution to the success of this project and to the preservation of your genetic and genealogical data for many generations to come. If you are interested in coordinating a family reunion collection, contact us at info@smgf.org. 

Thank you to the thousands of you who have participated in submitting samples and pedigrees to the Foundation. If you wish to update your pedigree by adding more information or correcting information on your pedigree chart, send us your updates and we will add them to the database. Electronic submissions can be emailed to genealogy@smgf.org. The file should be PC formatted and compatible with PAF (GEDCOM, PAF file, backup). If you wish to submit paper copies of your genealogy updates, you can mail them to 2511 S. West Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84115 USA, Attn: Ali Nelson. If possible, please include the place and date that your original sample was given. 

Participation in the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation project is free, simple and makes an invaluable contribution to the preservation of your genetic and genealogical information to future generations. To participate in the project, a DNA sample is obtained through a simple, painless mouthwash method in the privacy of your own home - no needles, expensive equipment or trips to a lab required. Request a kit online today at www.smgf.org.

You may also request additional kits for your friends and family members directly on our website or by contacting an SMGF representative at info@smgf.org.