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DNA

Deep Dive AncestryDNA 2024 Update

26 MIN VIDEO

Watch as Crista Cowan and Nicka Sewell-Smith discuss the recent AncestryDNA Origins update. They explain that AncestryDNA Origins provides insights into the regions and journeys of your ancestors, showing where your DNA was 500 to 1,000 years ago and where your family lived in the last 200 years. The update includes new ethnic groups, particularly from West Africa, and offers rich stories and cultural insights. This annual update is driven by the expanding reference panel and the growing number of DNA test participants, allowing for more refined and specific results.

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Nicka highlights the addition of 64 new ethnic groups from Africa and the accompanying stories that provide cultural context. These stories cover traditions, languages, and daily life, offering a deeper connection to one's heritage. The update also includes a refreshed user experience, making it easier to explore and understand the origins and journeys. Nicka emphasizes the importance of understanding that DNA results may show a mix of ethnicities due to historical migrations and geopolitical changes, and encourages users to explore the detailed content provided.

The session concludes with a Q&A, addressing common questions about changes in DNA results and the reasons behind them. They explain that as the reference panel grows, regions may be refined or reassigned, leading to shifts in results. They encourage users to explore the updated content and maps for a better understanding of their ancestry. The video also promotes upcoming educational events for National Family History Month, offering beginner classes on tree building and DNA usage to help users make more family history discoveries.