Family Tree DNA Offers First Commercially Available DNA Test to Reveal Ancient European Origins

HOUSTON, Nov. 15, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Family Tree DNA, the pioneer in DNA-based ancestry and genealogy testing, announced today the release of the newest feature to its signature Family Finder suite of products, ancientOrigins. 

This latest enhancement to the popular Family Finder test complements the myOrigins mapping tool which provides an ethnic and geographic breakdown of a where a person's ancestors came from, and the updated Family Matching tool which allows users to sort confirmed DNA matches by paternal and maternal lines. Most notably, current and future customers who have autosomal testing through Family Tree DNA will have access to the new ancientOrigins feature at no charge.

Developed exclusively by Family Tree DNA, ancientOrigins is the first commercially available DNA test to give insight into how ancient ancestors lived, survived and interacted. It delves even further into one's ancestry by comparing autosomal DNA to samples found at archaeological sites throughout the European continent. Results provide percentile breakdowns of a customer's DNA relation to the three major groups of peoples associated with ancient European migrations: Hunter-Gatherers (Mesolithic and Neolithic Eras), Farmers (Neolithic Era) and Metal Age Invaders (Bronze Age). 

Within a customer's private dashboard, the ancientOrigins feature is an interactive page that contains a summary about each ancient group, an option to display their migration routes, and information pertaining to the archeological dig sites from which ancient autosomal DNA was obtained. 

"We're very excited to offer this first-ever analysis to our worldwide customer base, and at no additional cost," said Family Tree DNA founder and CEO, Bennett Greenspan. "Providing new clues through ancientOrigins is yet another way for customers to discover their past and at the same time gain a deeper understanding of their personal ancient history."

The official announcement of ancientOrigins came during Family Tree DNA's annual 2016 International Conference on Genetic Genealogy held November 11th-13th in Houston, Texas. Among its distinguished panel of speakers was PhD Geneticist Dr. Michael Hammer, Biotechnology Research Scientist and Director of the University of Arizona Genetics Core (UAGC) with joint appointments in Anthropology, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.

Also featured at the Conference was well-known CNBC anchor and genealogy enthusiast Bill Griffeth, who recently released his book "The Stranger in My Genes," the story of a how a simple DNA test impacted his life and family, chronicling Griffeth's search for his biological father and his real identity.

The Conference, which welcomed participants from all over the globe, comes at the start of Family Tree DNA's annual Holiday Sale, which, among other price reductions, brought the Family Finder price down to $59, the lowest price ever for this test.

With the release of ancientOrigins, included for free with Family Finder, customers can continue exploring their roots while uncovering their deep ancestry and ancient migrations.

About Family Tree DNA:

Since pioneering the field of direct-to-consumer DNA testing for genetic genealogy in 2000, Family Tree DNA has grown to become the most trusted source for providing beginners, enthusiasts and serious genealogists with innovative ways and powerful tools to break through conventional barriers in unlocking family history. The company's premier suite of DNA tests along with world's most comprehensive ancestry database are what set Family Tree DNA apart, and led to their being selected as the official testing provider for National Geographic's Genographic Project launched in 2005. Located in Houston, Texas, Family Tree DNA is the only company in the industry with its own state-of-the-art Genomics Research Center. By offering the widest variety of DNA tests to help determine genetic relationships and ancestral origins, Family Tree DNA has continued to experience unprecedented growth and success worldwide. To learn more, visit www.familytreedna.com.

For further information, please contact:

Wendy Roberts
Orca Communications Unlimited, LLC
[email protected]
www.orcacommunications.com

SOURCE Family Tree DNA

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