MyHeritage Adds Automatic Clustering of DNA Matches for Insights on Common Ancestors
TEL AVIV, Israel & LEHI, Utah–(BUSINESS WIRE)–lt;a href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/Genealogy?src=hash” target=”_blank”gt;#Genealogylt;/agt;–MyHeritage,
the leading global service for genetic genealogy, announced today the
release of AutoClusters, a new feature that automatically clusters and
visualizes shared DNA Matches.
In the past few years, millions of consumers have purchased DNA kits in
order to find relatives based on shared DNA. However, the DNA results
typically do not describe the exact relationship path between two
matching people, and only cite the likely connection (for example, 3rd
cousins). AutoClusters are helpful in shedding light on the relationship
paths, by grouping together DNA Matches who likely belong to the same
branch and have a common ancestor. Reviewing their family trees can
allow users to piece together the entire branch.
This new AutoClusters feature on MyHeritage was developed in
collaboration with Evert-Jan Blom of GeneticAffairs.com and is based on
technology created by Mr. Blom with enhancements added by MyHeritage.
These additions are especially helpful for successful clustering of
endogamous populations (people who lived in isolated communities with a
high rate of intermarriage, such as Acadians and Ashkenazi Jews).
AutoClustering technology organizes a person’s list of DNA Matches into
clusters of people who are likely to have the same common ancestor,
because they are all mostly related to each other. Clusters are
color-coded for convenience and are presented in a powerful visual
chart, as well as in list format.
“MyHeritage strives to be at the forefront of genetic genealogy and
offer its users the best tools,” said Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of
MyHeritage. “When automatic clustering was introduced several months
ago, we were impressed by the usefulness of this cutting edge technology
and its ability to provide insights on DNA Matches. We set it as our
goal to be the first major DNA service to offer it, and are happy to
fulfill this promise today.”
“I’ve enjoyed working with MyHeritage very much,” said Evert-Jan Blom.
“It’s a very dynamic and vibrant company to work with.”
AutoClusters is a premium feature that requires a subscription on
MyHeritage. Users who upload their raw DNA data from another testing
service to MyHeritage and do not wish to purchase a subscription can pay
a one-time fee of $29 per kit to unlock all advanced DNA features
offered by MyHeritage, including AutoClusters.
MyHeritage DNA kits are available for purchase online at www.myheritageDNA.com.
About MyHeritage
MyHeritage is the leading global service for family history and DNA
testing. As technology thought leaders, MyHeritage has transformed
family history into an activity that is accessible and instantly
rewarding. Its global user community enjoys access to a massive library
of historical records, the most internationally diverse collection of
family trees, and groundbreaking search and matching technologies.
Launched in November 2016, MyHeritage DNA is a technologically advanced,
affordable DNA test that reveals ethnic origins and previously unknown
relatives. Trusted by millions of families, MyHeritage provides an easy
way to find new family members, discover ethnic origins, and to treasure
family stories, past and present, for generations to come. MyHeritage is
available in 42 languages. www.myheritage.com
Contacts
MyHeritage
Rafi Mendelsohn
Director of PR & Social Media
Phone:
917-725-5018
Email: pr@myheritage.com
