Research

Scientists have found traces of two mysterious ancestors hiding in the human genome, and you almost certainly carry DNA from at least one of them.

Accused witches were real people with real families. See how DNA traces their lines, from Salem’s gallows to a fire in Brussels, and whether you’re connected.

Real legends rest in your DNA. Explore how genetic testing reveals the truth behind vampires, fear, and the families who inspired the myths.

Real mummies walk among your DNA results. Explore how genetic testing uncovers links to ancient remains in our Genes and Screams series.

From Haplogroup L0 to the Malagasy Motif, uncover the African maternal lineages that shaped humanity—and still live on in your mtDNA.

For years, experts believed Ötzi the Iceman’s maternal lineage had vanished. New genetic research shows that ancient line may still survive today.

An accessible overview of the DNA sequencing technologies used in genetic genealogy, from early methods like Sanger sequencing to modern next-generation sequencing.

Your maternal line holds secrets from across centuries and continents. See how mtDNA connects modern testers to ancient individuals around the world.

FamilyTreeDNA’s Y-DNA haplotree is the largest of its kind, with over 90,000 branches and 750,000 variants. This overview outlines its structure, scientific value, and current scope as of April 2025.

Explore the intriguing survival of haplogroup C, one of the world’s oldest Y-chromosome lineages.