Origin analysis: discover your roots through DNA test
This sentence by Simon Wiesenthal describes quite precisely the deep need of us humans to know about our origin and ancestors. As human beings, we are far more than just the sum of our parts, i.e. our genes. Environmental factors such as upbringing, early childhood imprinting, financial and social conditions as well as education and cultural background play a major role in our development. Or maybe not? Since we all have only one life available at a time, research was left with only a fairly manageable group of people for its purposes whose genetic makeup matched almost 100 percent, but who lived their lives completely differently. Studies of pairs of identical twins who were separated at birth and grew up in different families have revealed some surprising things: Our genes actually have the greatest power over us and our development. How else can it be that identical twins adopted by different families in different countries take up the same profession, get married on the same day, and dance to exactly the same song with their newlyweds? As is well known, nature knows no coincidences.
The best origin analysis
Who am I?
Neanderthals, Vikings, Romans or the Visigoths: They could all theoretically be our ancestors. Probably we Central Europeans of the 21st century are a successful mixture of all ethnic groups who have ever been on a raid, wandering or pilgrimage across the lands. When the analysis of origin by means of DNA was still expensive and in its infancy, a maximum of historians and genealogists dared to apply this scientific method for private persons. In most cases, this was done as part of large-scale studies, such as in England in 2015. The gene pool of 2000 British men and women was examined. To get to the punch line right away: There is no such thing as the typical English person. Depending on the area, only 10 to a maximum of 40 percent of the population originated with the Anglo-Saxons, who are considered indigenous. Also the much quoted Celts did not really exist as a self-contained folk and cultural group at any time. However, not all immigrants settled in the same place in Great Britain. Someone living in Cornwall today, for example, is more likely to be descended from Vikings from Norway or Sweden than someone in the county of Pembrokeshire in southwest Wales, where the Germanic tribes once preferred to pitch their tents forever.
How does a provenance analysis work?
Numerous providers on the Internet, but also laboratories in analog life, now offer such DNA tests. Step 1 is to order a test kit or make an appointment at your local lab. A saliva sample is taken from the buccal mucosa using a cotton swab. The sample is now either sent by mail for analysis or examined on site. The results are usually available within a few days.
How accurate are DNA tests for origin analysis?
The accuracy increases with the number of people who have such an analysis performed. Because: The more data material is available, the denser the network of information becomes. While relationships between people can be determined with an accuracy of 99.9%, data on ethnic and geographic origin are based more on estimates. Especially in Europe, it is difficult to obtain clear information due to recurring migrations.
How to use DNA testing for genealogy?
Various providers on the Internet have identified clear market potential here. Man’s desire to find out his roots and to have the question of his origin answered seems to be elementary. What in the case of paternity suits and inheritance disputes has quite pragmatic backgrounds, in the case of genealogical research additionally makes use of the emotional aspect that the question of one’s own origin brings with it. In most cases, however, the result will be sobering, as it is quite superficial. These tests do not determine direct ancestry. This would require concrete comparison subjects, similar to a control group in scientific studies. The composition of our gene pool is determined by the cheek swab. The test result merely shows the probability with which genetic regions of our DNA still occur worldwide today.
Related to Jack the Ripper
A successful example of historical genealogy was provided by the search for Jack the Ripper. Successful, as it shows very well the problems that can accompany such investigations. The project generated enormous media interest internationally. It all started with a scarf found on the 4th victim of the Ripper in 1888. At that time, the police could not see more than traces of blood on it. A forensics team from Liverpool took up the bloody cause in 2019 and in turn went on a search for ancestors. This was possible because there was already a prime suspect at the time of the crime. Aaron Kosminski, originally from Poland, is still considered the most promising candidate among Ripper researchers. His descendants, who are still alive today, agreed to the genetic test and immediately had one of the most famous serial killers of all time in their illustrious family. So far so good. However, renowned professional colleagues of the ambitious forensic scientists raised doubts soon after the publication of the results. First, the scarf could not be considered with certainty to be the property of the victim, even though the bloodstains on it were 99.9% consistent with a descendant of Catherine Eddowe. Furthermore, the descendants could have contaminated the scarf unintentionally. The sperm traces on it showed a 99.2% match with the sample of a descendant of Aaron Kosminski’s sister.
Data protection – How is my data handled?
Unfortunately, the promise sounds extremely tempting: for little money and a cotton swab, you can find out whether you are related to the British royal family or once belonged to a robber baron clan. Fast, cheap and uncomplicated: There must be a catch somewhere. True, unfortunately. By requesting and returning the DNA sample, we are literally revealing our innermost. DNA is unique, enduring and lifelong. EU law, for example, considers them to be particularly worthy of protection. Your uniqueness combined with our personal data takes commercial profiling on the Internet to a new level. It’s not just the search engines’ algorithms that are fighting a battle here; hackers and cybercriminals also like to help themselves to this all-you-can-eat digital buffet. Even if reputable providers give the highest priority to data protection, a little caution in dealing with one’s own identity and its marketing does not hurt. Because: Even if the company offering the DNA test may have its headquarters in Germany, Switzerland or Austria: Your data may be temporarily stored somewhere else entirely. This information is rarely communicated transparently.
What should you pay attention to?
As with any personal service, extensive research is recommended prior to an origin analysis. The Internet now offers numerous options for this. The principle of customer rating and review can provide a very good, because anonymous, clue. Anyone who cannot resist the temptation to freely place their DNA in the hands of strangers should in any case be cautious about inquiries and/or surveys coming from the genetic laboratory after the test. The fact that collecting personal data is a bombshell business has now been recognized not only by Internet giants such as Google, Facebook and Co. Depending on the seriousness of the provider, lucrative side deals are also made in these areas with the collection of demographic data in combination with the DNA sample provided. You should be particularly alert when questions are asked about household income, health status and known diseases or their risk factors. As with any business, supply and demand govern the market. And the latter is immense. As we all know, money doesn’t stink. This principle was already followed by our ancestors, the ancient Romans. Optimizing a business model to maximize profits is therefore evidently also in our DNA.