Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) was a non-profit organization dedicated to the research and development of molecular genealogy, which combines DNA analysis with traditional genealogical methods to establish family relationships. Founded in 1999 by James LeVoy Sorenson and under the direction of Scott R. Woodward, the foundation aimed to build a comprehensive database of genetic and genealogical information to assist individuals in tracing their ancestry.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The foundation's work involved collecting DNA samples and detailed family histories from volunteers around the world. By analyzing Y-chromosome DNA (passed from father to son) and mitochondrial DNA (passed from mother to offspring), SMGF sought to create a global family tree that could potentially link every person on earth. The foundation's database became a valuable resource for genealogists, historians, and scientists studying human migration patterns and genetic diseases.

Methodology[edit | edit source]

SMGF's methodology combined molecular biology and genealogical research. Participants provided a DNA sample, typically through a cheek swab, along with their known family history. The DNA was then analyzed in the laboratory, focusing on specific markers that are known to mutate at predictable rates. These markers could be used to estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) for two individuals. By integrating this information with traditional genealogical records, SMGF could identify relationships between participants and place them within the global family tree.

Contributions and Impact[edit | edit source]

The foundation made significant contributions to the field of genetic genealogy. It developed new techniques for analyzing and interpreting DNA data, and its database facilitated numerous research projects on human genetics and migration. Additionally, SMGF's work helped popularize DNA testing as a tool for genealogical research among the general public.

One of the foundation's notable projects was the creation of the Molecular Genealogy Research Project, which aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of using DNA to construct a worldwide family tree. This project laid the groundwork for future efforts in the field and highlighted the potential of molecular genealogy to revolutionize our understanding of human ancestry.

Closure[edit | edit source]

In 2012, the assets and research of the Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation were acquired by Ancestry.com, a commercial genealogy company. This acquisition included the SMGF database, which was integrated into Ancestry.com's existing collection of genealogical records and DNA data. While the foundation itself no longer operates, its legacy continues through the ongoing use of its research and data in the field of genetic genealogy.