[Chief Joseph]

My Uncle recently had a DNA test done through Heritage.com and his result came back 48% western European, 34% Scandinavian, and 18% Irish. He was puzzled by these results because through extensive Family Tree research there was no history of a Scandinavian bloodline. So he asked my Mom to have a DNA test done, which she did through Ancestry.com. The results were baffling as hers came back at 78% English, 18.4% Scandinavian, and 3.6% Irish. My uncle then questioned my Mom as to whether their Mom might have had an affair with a Scandinavian travelling salesman or the like. Very unlikely given the type of person she was. So then my Mom had a DNA test done through Heritage.com (the same one her brother used) and her results came back completely different than the one she did through Ancestry.com at 64% Western European, 18% Irish, and 17% English. My uncle then did one through Ancestry.com to see if it matches my Mom's results, he is still awaiting the results of that second test. So it seems that one of the two is a scam and that Ancestry.com is more accurate as to our family tree research. Anyone else have thoughts or experience with this?

[mike]

I suggest that you read the recent three part series on DNA testing done by Science News.

[Ski]

The British Isles were invaded by the Norse in the latter half of the 9th Century. The "Great Heathen Army" took up residence in what is present-day York and controlled what was known as the Danelaw for some time. The impact the Norse had on what is present-day England (and to a degree Ireland) is still seen in many words in the English language, as well as many place names. While your ancestors might claim "English" ancestry, there is a good likelihood of them having some Scandinavian blood running through their veins.

[Chief Joseph]

That's likely, but doesn't explain why one DNA test showed Scandinavian blood and one didn't.

[zephyr]

[mike]

Well, the series ran beginning in June I think. Quite informative. my old copies have gone to the magazine exchange so i can't look it up. i think this is one. Basically the dna is extremely complex and the commercial tests are really pretty rudimentary despite the advertising. If I can find the issues I'll post. (May need a subscription to read) edit: links from above article. ...an more links in articles link link

[zephyr]

[treeswarper]

[Seventy2002]

[Chief Joseph]

So, I conclude that DNA tests are a waste of time and money, glad I didn't waste mine. Some even have their pets tested, those people obviously have waaaay too much money. We are all pretty much a bunch of mutts anyway.

[treeswarper]

I have people pressuring me to get my mutt tested. I will only do so if they pay for it. My niece's test confirmed what we'd been told, except for the French and Turkish bit and I seem to remember a bit of Finlander was in the mix.

[Randito]

[Schroder]

Here's how 23andMe determines ancestry composition 23andMe's State-of-the-Art Geographic Ancestry Analysis