Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation Announces Database Expansion, Upgrade of Free Ancestry Web Site

SALT LAKE CITY (March 28, 2005)—Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF), a non-profit research organization building the world's most comprehensive database of correlated genetic and genealogical information, today announced that it has significantly expanded the data available on its free Web site and enhanced the research tools for visitors.

People researching their family tree on the foundation's interactive Web site, www.smgf.org, can now query a database of over 12,000 individual genetic profiles linked to genealogies of more than 480,000 ancestors representing over 7,900 surnames around the world. On the Web site, anyone may enter the numerical values from their own DNA profile into the database's drop-down menus to search for likely ancestors. This personal DNA profile is obtained by an inexpensive cheek-swab genetic test offered by many laboratories.

Tools on the foundation's Web site are further refined as well. "We have improved the Y-chromosome database search function to give users greater versatility in customizing searches and interpreting results," said Ugo A. Perego, director of operations for SMGF. "Also, we have enhanced the database's genetic matching capabilities to increase the number of results from each query."

The new science of molecular genealogy is transforming the popular hobby of ancestry research because it links individuals to genealogies using genetic profiles, which eliminates guesswork caused by surname changes and incomplete historical records.

Assembling and publishing a free, genetic-genealogy database was conceived and funded by billionaire biotechnology pioneer James LeVoy Sorenson, whose visionary goal is to map the entire human family tree through genetics.

To build the database, the foundation collects samples of DNA from people all over the world who already have written ancestry records. Then, both the DNA profiles and genealogical information are linked into the database. SMGF encourages people to use its Internet database and contribute their own family history records and DNA profiles to the project. For more information, visit www.smgf.org.

About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation:
Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is a non-profit research organization with the mission: "To collect DNA samples within a genealogical context for creating the world's most comprehensive correlated genetic and genealogical database. To provide the funding necessary to construct genetic tools from the information contained within the database to be used for the purpose of family history research. And, to maintain the integrity of the database content and to ensure it is used for purposes that will promote peace, compassion, and brotherhood among mankind."