Review: “NextGen Genealogy: The DNA Connection”
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NextGen Genealogy: The DNA Connection
By David R. Dowell
Published by Libraries Unlimited: 2014
173 pp.
Available on Amazon
No longer considered a novelty, DNA testing is an essential part of the well-rounded genealogist’s toolkit. NextGen Genealogy: The DNA Connection is specifically aimed at genealogists who are new to genetic genealogy and wish to learn how to apply it to their research.
The book covers the three main types of DNA testing and helps readers to determine which test(s) to purchase, which family members to test, as well as how to interpret the results, using case studies from author David Dowell’s own research as examples.
A Look Inside This Book
Chapter 1, “What is DNA? Family Information Inside Our Cells,” takes the reader back to high school biology class, as Dowell reviews the basics of genetics and inheritance. Several charts and illustrations are included for visual learners. Dowell also discusses the importance of setting testing goals in order to determine which tests to buy, and which family members to test, thus maximizing the chances of success.
In Chapter 2, “Who Is the Father? ‘GuY’ DNA,” Dowell gives a brief history of YDNA testing and discusses what you should do before you test, what you can expect to learn from your Y-DNA test results, and shares a detailed case study of information he learned from his own experience with YDNA testing. He also offers a prediction of what he expects will be coming in the future for this type of testing.
The whys and hows of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are covered in Chapter 3, “Who is the Mother? ‘Umbilical’ mtDNA.” Often referred to as “umbilical line” testing, mtDNA follows a subject’s mother’s mother’s mother’s line, and because of its slow mutation rate, it is useful for tracking paths of human migration over thousands of years. In this section, Dowell discusses a brief history of mtDNA testing, what you can expect to learn from your test results, and offers a case study showing how he has used mtDNA results in his own research.
Autosomal DNA (atDNA) is the subject of Chapter 4, “Who is Closely Related? atDNA.” As Dowell notes, “atDNA testing is where much of the action is – particularly for newcomers to genetic genealogy.” If you have tested at Ancestry DNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, Living DNA, or have taken the Family Tree DNA “Family Finder” test, you will want to pay special attention to this chapter. Dowell discusses why one should take an atDNA test, how we inherit atDNA, as well as how to analyze your results and contact potential matches at the three major U.S. testing companies. Finally, he presents a case study showing how he used atDNA and mtDNA together to solve a genealogical mystery.
DNA testing on the X-chromosome is the subject of Chapter 5, “What is the X Factor? A Different Inheritance Pattern.” In this chapter, Dowell explains the inheritance pattern of X-chromosomes, as well as how he used these test results to help an adopted cousin find his birth parents. Before reading this chapter, I had not included X-chromosome test results in my research, but I will be doing so now!
Chapter 6 delves into “Extreme Genealogy,” or ancestry that extends back thousands of years. Different from “traditional genealogy,” Extreme Genealogy takes a more anthropological look at our ancestry by tracking yDNA and mtDNA haplogroups and their migration patterns, potentially extending one’s family tree to a time well before written records were kept. Dowell again offers case studies from his own research, as well as instructions on how to conduct your own deep ancestry research.
Chapter 7, “Is It Ethical? Balancing Technological Possibilities With Human Values,” is a departure from the other chapters, as it discusses our right to know versus our right to privacy. A former ethics professor, Dowell has given plenty of consideration to this topic and examines various laws and concerns about DNA testing and who owns our genetic information. This chapter provides plenty of food for thought, as well as answers to potential questions from family members who may be reluctant to participate in DNA testing.
Where do you go next? Chapter 8, “How Do You Continue to Document Your Family Story? Continuous Learning” offers a few suggestions. Dowell recommends that you “collect as much DNA from members of your family as you can afford,” especially older family members who may not be around to benefit from future advances in genetic testing. He also urges readers to continue to educate themselves by reading additional books, blogs, and articles, attending conferences, and joining DNA groups on Facebook and other forms of social media. Specific recommendations are included in a Further Reading section following this chapter.
Who is This Book For?
NextGen Genealogy is a must-read for anyone who is new to genetic genealogy and wants to learn how to apply DNA testing to their genealogical research. Readers will appreciate Dowell’s breezy, conversational writing style, which keeps the subject matter from coming across as too academic or technical. Each chapter is sourced with detailed footnotes, and a glossary of genetic genealogy terms is included at the back of the book.
While I do not consider myself to be a DNA novice, I found NextGen Genealogy to be an enjoyable and educational read, and I highly recommend it.
Note: This article first appeared in the Federation of Genealogical Societies FORUM magazine (Winter, 2016); reprinted with permission.
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