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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.

Beginners Foundations in DNA Bonus webinars DNA Testing DNA Course 1: Foundations Down Under Series MyHeritage MyHeritage LIVE 2019 TechZone

Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is an intellectual property attorney by day and a genetic genealogist by night. In 2007 he started The Genetic Genealogist (www.thegeneticgenealogist.com), one of the earliest blogs on the topic. Dr. Bettinger has been interviewed and quoted on personal genomics topics in Newsweek, New Scientist, Wired, and others. He authored I Have the Results of My Genetic Genealogy Test, Now What? in 2008, which is distributed by Family Tree DNA to all of their new customers.

 

Blaine frequently authors articles and gives presentations to educate others about the use of DNA to explore their ancestry. He is an instructor for genetic genealogy courses at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research, and Family Tree University. Blaine was also recently elected to the New York Genealogical and Biographical Society’s Board of Trustees, and graduated from ProGen Study Group 21 in 2015.

Blaine's Webinars (28)

1:17:17
DNA Testing
DNA Downer: Strategies for Dealing with DNA Fatigue
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
13.6K views
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DNA Downer: Strategies for Dealing with DNA Fatigue
Many genealogists have been working with their DNA results for several years, and it is natural to feel some fatigue. This is especially true since new matches are coming in at a slower rate. In this presentation we will explore some strategies to fight the fatigue and attack DNA results…
DNA Testing
DNA Downer: Strategies for Dealing with DNA Fatigue
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
13.6K views
Many genealogists have been working with their DNA results for several years, and it is natural to feel some fatigue. This is especially true since new matches are coming in at a slower rate. In this presentation we will explore some strategies to fight the fatigue and attack DNA results…
Wed, May 12 2021: 0:00 UTC
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1:11:24
DNA TestingDown Under Series
Advanced DNA Techniques: Deductive Chromosome Mapping
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
20.2K views
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Advanced DNA Techniques: Deductive Chromosome Mapping
Chromosome mapping is typically achieved by mapping the segments of DNA we share with an identified match. In this lecture, learn how to map segments of DNA that you DO NOT share with a match! Using close relatives such as parents or siblings we can figure out where pieces of…
DNA TestingDown Under Series
Advanced DNA Techniques: Deductive Chromosome Mapping
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
20.2K views
Chromosome mapping is typically achieved by mapping the segments of DNA we share with an identified match. In this lecture, learn how to map segments of DNA that you DO NOT share with a match! Using close relatives such as parents or siblings we can figure out where pieces of…
Tue, October 6 2020: 0:00 UTC
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3:50
Bonus webinarsDNA TestingTechZone
DNA Testing of Hair for Genealogy?
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
2.0K views
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DNA Testing of Hair for Genealogy?
In this video Blaine Bettinger explains the state of hair testing for DNA along with the pros and cons.
Bonus webinarsDNA TestingTechZone
DNA Testing of Hair for Genealogy?
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
2.0K views
In this video Blaine Bettinger explains the state of hair testing for DNA along with the pros and cons.
Fri, August 21 2020: 0:00 UTC
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5:19
Bonus webinarsDNA TestingTechZone
DNA Testing of Artifacts and Family Heirlooms?
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
1.9K views
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DNA Testing of Artifacts and Family Heirlooms?
Can you test ancestral artifacts such as hair, envelopes and brushes? This video covers what can be tested, ethics, cost and the companies currently providing the service.
Bonus webinarsDNA TestingTechZone
DNA Testing of Artifacts and Family Heirlooms?
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
1.9K views
Can you test ancestral artifacts such as hair, envelopes and brushes? This video covers what can be tested, ethics, cost and the companies currently providing the service.
Fri, May 15 2020: 0:00 UTC
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4:27
Bonus webinarsDNA TestingTechZone
DNA Testing after a Bone Marrow Transplant?
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
738 views
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DNA Testing after a Bone Marrow Transplant?
Is it possible to take a DNA test after having a bone marrow transplant? Discover everything you need to know to make the right decision.
Bonus webinarsDNA TestingTechZone
DNA Testing after a Bone Marrow Transplant?
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
738 views
Is it possible to take a DNA test after having a bone marrow transplant? Discover everything you need to know to make the right decision.
Fri, April 17 2020: 0:00 UTC
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Advanced
1:31:35
DNA Testing
LucidChart and Other Tools for Genetic Genealogy
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
13.0K views
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LucidChart and Other Tools for Genetic Genealogy
In addition to company tools and traditional third-party tools, genetic genealogists find themselves adapting tools to help achieve their research goals. For example, LucidChart is a charting tool that allows genealogists to create dynamic family tree diagrams. We will examine this and other tools genetic genealogists can use in their…
DNA Testing
LucidChart and Other Tools for Genetic Genealogy
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
13.0K views
In addition to company tools and traditional third-party tools, genetic genealogists find themselves adapting tools to help achieve their research goals. For example, LucidChart is a charting tool that allows genealogists to create dynamic family tree diagrams. We will examine this and other tools genetic genealogists can use in their…
Wed, March 11 2020: 0:00 UTC
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5:25
Bonus webinarsDNA TestingTechZone
DNA Testing and Chemotherapy?
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
982 views
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DNA Testing and Chemotherapy?
Can you take a DNA test while undergoing chemotherapy treatment? This video explains everything you need to know.
Bonus webinarsDNA TestingTechZone
DNA Testing and Chemotherapy?
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
982 views
Can you take a DNA test while undergoing chemotherapy treatment? This video explains everything you need to know.
Fri, February 21 2020: 0:00 UTC
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Advanced
1:32:30
DNA TestingDown Under Series
The Stories Behind the Segments
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
13.3K views
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The Stories Behind the Segments
DNA evidence helps us break through brick walls and confirm decades of research, while introducing an entirely new generation of people to genealogy. It also allows us to create maps linking specific segments of DNA to our ancestors. But how many of us stop to consider the story behind that…
DNA TestingDown Under Series
The Stories Behind the Segments
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
13.3K views
DNA evidence helps us break through brick walls and confirm decades of research, while introducing an entirely new generation of people to genealogy. It also allows us to create maps linking specific segments of DNA to our ancestors. But how many of us stop to consider the story behind that…
Tue, October 1 2019: 0:00 UTC
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Advanced
1:24:53
DNA Testing
Advanced DNA Techniques: Using Phasing to Test DNA Segments
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
11.3K views
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Advanced DNA Techniques: Using Phasing to Test DNA Segments
Phasing is a tool used to separate your DNA into the DNA you received from Mom and the DNA you received from Dad. It requires a tested child and at least one tested parent. The benefit of phasing is that it allows us to test smaller segments which are sometimes…
DNA Testing
Advanced DNA Techniques: Using Phasing to Test DNA Segments
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
11.3K views
Phasing is a tool used to separate your DNA into the DNA you received from Mom and the DNA you received from Dad. It requires a tested child and at least one tested parent. The benefit of phasing is that it allows us to test smaller segments which are sometimes…
Wed, September 11 2019: 0:00 UTC
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37:14
DNA TestingMyHeritage
Formulating a DNA Testing Plan
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
1.9K views
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Free
Formulating a DNA Testing Plan
DNA testing can be expensive, but DNA evidence is a component of exhaustive research when it is available. Identify some of the ways you can minimize costs while maximizing results by formulating a DNA testing plan early in your research.
DNA TestingMyHeritage
Formulating a DNA Testing Plan
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Free
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
1.9K views
DNA testing can be expensive, but DNA evidence is a component of exhaustive research when it is available. Identify some of the ways you can minimize costs while maximizing results by formulating a DNA testing plan early in your research.
Sun, September 8 2019: 0:00 UTC
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Advanced
45:35
DNA TestingMyHeritage
PANEL: The Future of DNA Testing
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
1.9K views
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Free
PANEL: The Future of DNA Testing
This panel of DNA experts discusses the current state of DNA testing and what the future will bring.
DNA TestingMyHeritage
PANEL: The Future of DNA Testing
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Free
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
1.9K views
This panel of DNA experts discusses the current state of DNA testing and what the future will bring.
Sat, September 7 2019: 0:00 UTC
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Advanced
44:42
DNA TestingMyHeritage
Mapping Your DNA Matches on MyHeritage
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
3.1K views
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Free
Mapping Your DNA Matches on MyHeritage
Learn about useful tools to organize your list of DNA Matches, how to differentiate between them, and how to better utilize each tool.
DNA TestingMyHeritage
Mapping Your DNA Matches on MyHeritage
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Free
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
3.1K views
Learn about useful tools to organize your list of DNA Matches, how to differentiate between them, and how to better utilize each tool.
Sat, September 7 2019: 0:00 UTC
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1:27:43
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Reconstructing Your Genetic Family Tree
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
33.7K views
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Reconstructing Your Genetic Family Tree
A genetic family tree is the list of genealogical ancestors from whom you inherited DNA. One of the goals of genetic genealogy is to recreate this genetic family tree through a process called “chromosome mapping.” Chromosome mapping uses cousin matches to identify which segments of DNA came from which ancestors…
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Reconstructing Your Genetic Family Tree
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
33.7K views
A genetic family tree is the list of genealogical ancestors from whom you inherited DNA. One of the goals of genetic genealogy is to recreate this genetic family tree through a process called “chromosome mapping.” Chromosome mapping uses cousin matches to identify which segments of DNA came from which ancestors…
Wed, February 13 2019: 0:00 UTC
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1:27:38
DNA Testing
The First 5 Things to Do with Your New Test Results
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
13.9K views
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The First 5 Things to Do with Your New Test Results
You've just received your test results, now what should you do? Together we'll examine some of the first things you should do with your new test results.
DNA Testing
The First 5 Things to Do with Your New Test Results
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
13.9K views
You've just received your test results, now what should you do? Together we'll examine some of the first things you should do with your new test results.
Wed, May 16 2018: 0:00 UTC
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1:29:50
DNA Testing
Formulating a DNA Testing Plan
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
5.2K views
CC
Formulating a DNA Testing Plan
DNA testing can be expensive, but DNA evidence is a component of exhaustive research when it is available. Identify some of the ways you can minimize costs while maximizing results by formulating a DNA testing plan early in your (or your client's) research.
DNA Testing
Formulating a DNA Testing Plan
CC
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
5.2K views
DNA testing can be expensive, but DNA evidence is a component of exhaustive research when it is available. Identify some of the ways you can minimize costs while maximizing results by formulating a DNA testing plan early in your (or your client's) research.
Wed, March 28 2018: 0:00 UTC
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57:03
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Who Are You? Identifying Your Mysterious DNA Matches
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
7.8K views
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Who Are You? Identifying Your Mysterious DNA Matches
There's nothing more frustrating than a match that doesn't have a tree and won't respond to messages. Let's look at some of the ways we can deduce who is behind these barricades and further our research.
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Who Are You? Identifying Your Mysterious DNA Matches
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
7.8K views
There's nothing more frustrating than a match that doesn't have a tree and won't respond to messages. Let's look at some of the ways we can deduce who is behind these barricades and further our research.
Mon, July 17 2017: 0:00 UTC
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1:00:22
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Begging For Spit
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
1.6K views
Begging For Spit
You really need that second cousin to take a DNA test, but how do you ask them to take that test? And how do you contact them in the most efficient way possible? Together we will look at some of the ways to accomplish these goals.
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Begging For Spit
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
1.6K views
You really need that second cousin to take a DNA test, but how do you ask them to take that test? And how do you contact them in the most efficient way possible? Together we will look at some of the ways to accomplish these goals.
Mon, July 17 2017: 0:00 UTC
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57:49
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Introduction to Gedmatch
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
5.4K views
Introduction to Gedmatch
The DNA website GEDmatch can be intimidating, so this lecture will start at the beginning and look at some of its basic but important tools that genealogists can utilize in their research. We will look at the ethnicity tools, the One-to-Many tool, the One-to-One tool, and the X One-to-One tool.
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Introduction to Gedmatch
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
5.4K views
The DNA website GEDmatch can be intimidating, so this lecture will start at the beginning and look at some of its basic but important tools that genealogists can utilize in their research. We will look at the ethnicity tools, the One-to-Many tool, the One-to-One tool, and the X One-to-One tool.
Mon, July 17 2017: 0:00 UTC
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55:30
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
DNA Frequently Asked Questions
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
2.0K views
DNA Frequently Asked Questions
Some questions are asked at every conference and webinar. Those questions are gathered here in this webinar along with their answers. Some of the topics covered include: Where should I test? I've tested, now what? Can you extract DNA from hair? Can you test while undergoing chemotherapy? And much more!
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
DNA Frequently Asked Questions
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
2.0K views
Some questions are asked at every conference and webinar. Those questions are gathered here in this webinar along with their answers. Some of the topics covered include: Where should I test? I've tested, now what? Can you extract DNA from hair? Can you test while undergoing chemotherapy? And much more!
Mon, July 17 2017: 0:00 UTC
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59:02
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Avoiding Genetic Genealogy Pitfalls
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
2.9K views
Avoiding Genetic Genealogy Pitfalls
Avoiding some of the most basic genetic genealogy pitfalls can save you hours and hours of frustration and lost research time. Together we will examine some of these common pitfalls including not testing close relatives, misunderstanding X-DNA, testing small segments and more.
Bonus webinarsDNA Testing
Avoiding Genetic Genealogy Pitfalls
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
2.9K views
Avoiding some of the most basic genetic genealogy pitfalls can save you hours and hours of frustration and lost research time. Together we will examine some of these common pitfalls including not testing close relatives, misunderstanding X-DNA, testing small segments and more.
Mon, July 17 2017: 0:00 UTC
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1:30:30
DNA Testing
How Harry Potter Can Teach You About DNA
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
4.8K views
How Harry Potter Can Teach You About DNA
Pop culture contains well-known family trees that genealogists can utilize to get younger generations interested in genealogy. These family trees also contain relationships that can be utilized to teach genealogists of all ages about genetic genealogy. For example, the family tree in Harry Potter – one of the most widely...
DNA Testing
How Harry Potter Can Teach You About DNA
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
4.8K views
Pop culture contains well-known family trees that genealogists can utilize to get younger generations interested in genealogy. These family trees also contain relationships that can be utilized to teach genealogists of all ages about genetic genealogy. For example, the family tree in Harry Potter – one of the most widely...
Wed, June 14 2017: 0:00 UTC
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1:28:33
DNA Testing
Exploring AncestryDNA's New Genetic Communities
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
14.9K views
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Exploring AncestryDNA's New Genetic Communities
AncestryDNA is releasing a new tool called Genetic Communities which identifies regions from which our ancestors came from roughly 200 years ago. These communities provide you with insight into your ancestry, and provide a new method to characterize and organize some of those mysterious matches! Together we'll look at this
DNA Testing
Exploring AncestryDNA's New Genetic Communities
CC
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
14.9K views
AncestryDNA is releasing a new tool called Genetic Communities which identifies regions from which our ancestors came from roughly 200 years ago. These communities provide you with insight into your ancestry, and provide a new method to characterize and organize some of those mysterious matches! Together we'll look at this
Thu, March 30 2017: 0:00 UTC
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1:30:02
DNA Testing
The WHO of Genetic Genealogy
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
5.6K views
The WHO of Genetic Genealogy
Genealogists are increasingly using autosomal DNA to find genetic cousins and examine specific genealogical questions. But knowing who to test is one of the biggest hurdles of autosomal DNA. For example, why are second cousins so great to test? Why should we test the oldest generation first? Together we’ll answer…
DNA Testing
The WHO of Genetic Genealogy
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
5.6K views
Genealogists are increasingly using autosomal DNA to find genetic cousins and examine specific genealogical questions. But knowing who to test is one of the biggest hurdles of autosomal DNA. For example, why are second cousins so great to test? Why should we test the oldest generation first? Together we’ll answer…
Wed, February 8 2017: 0:00 UTC
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52:05
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 5 of 5: Autosomal DNA
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
20.0K views
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Foundations in DNA 5 of 5: Autosomal DNA
A look at how atDNA can be used for genealogical research, with examples, and a demonstration of how to review your atDNA test results at 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and Family Tree DNA.
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 5 of 5: Autosomal DNA
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
20.0K views
A look at how atDNA can be used for genealogical research, with examples, and a demonstration of how to review your atDNA test results at 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and Family Tree DNA.
Thu, August 11 2016: 0:00 UTC
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48:47
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 4 of 5: Mitochondrial DNA
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
17.3K views
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Foundations in DNA 4 of 5: Mitochondrial DNA
A look at how mtDNA can be used for genealogical research, with examples, and a demonstration of how to review your mtDNA test results at Family Tree DNA.
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 4 of 5: Mitochondrial DNA
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
17.3K views
A look at how mtDNA can be used for genealogical research, with examples, and a demonstration of how to review your mtDNA test results at Family Tree DNA.
Thu, August 11 2016: 0:00 UTC
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51:26
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 3 of 5: Y-DNA
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
18.5K views
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Foundations in DNA 3 of 5: Y-DNA
A look at how Y-DNA can be used for genealogical research, with examples, and a demonstration of how to review your Y-DNA test results at Family Tree DNA.
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 3 of 5: Y-DNA
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
18.5K views
A look at how Y-DNA can be used for genealogical research, with examples, and a demonstration of how to review your Y-DNA test results at Family Tree DNA.
Thu, August 11 2016: 0:00 UTC
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1:03:55
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 2 of 5: DNA Overview
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
16.7K views
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Foundations in DNA 2 of 5: DNA Overview
An introduction to Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal DNA testing, including how each of these types of DNA are inherited, how they are tested, who you should have tested, and where you should purchase testing.
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 2 of 5: DNA Overview
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Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
16.7K views
An introduction to Y-DNA, mitochondrial DNA, and autosomal DNA testing, including how each of these types of DNA are inherited, how they are tested, who you should have tested, and where you should purchase testing.
Thu, August 11 2016: 0:00 UTC
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56:35
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 1 of 5: Genealogy and DNA
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
47.0K views
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Foundations in DNA 1 of 5: Genealogy and DNA
A very basic introduction to DNA and how it can be used in combination with traditional genealogical research. Together we will examine the answers to questions like: "why should you test your DNA?" and "how do I get started with DNA?"
BeginnersDNA Testing
Foundations in DNA 1 of 5: Genealogy and DNA
CC
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D.
47.0K views
A very basic introduction to DNA and how it can be used in combination with traditional genealogical research. Together we will examine the answers to questions like: "why should you test your DNA?" and "how do I get started with DNA?"
Thu, August 11 2016: 0:00 UTC
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