For Release: 03-01-2004

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation Launches First-of-its-Kind Ancestry Database

Foundation Building World's Most Comprehensive Correlated Genetic and Genealogical Database to Map the Human Family Tree with the Hope of Promoting Peace and Human Understanding

SALT LAKE CITY, (March 1, 2004)—Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) today made public the first portion of the unique molecular genealogy database it is developing. Molecular genealogy is a new method of ancestry research that links individuals to family trees using genetic profiles.

Today's release means an individual researching their family history can visit the foundation's free, interactive Web site (www.smgf.org) and search for likely paternal ancestors after they've undergone an inexpensive, readily-available DNA test profiling their Y-chromosome.

The foundation's initial, limited release of data is a step toward its visionary goal of mapping the world's entire human family tree through genetics. Such a wealth of new lineage data will make possible great depth of ancestry research, enable historians to track world-wide migration patterns, help people with blocked genealogies trace family origins, and demonstrate scientifically how closely related each human being is to every other.

The science and technology are complex, but the idea is simple: people who belong to the same family groups or who share common places of origin also share common genetic identifiers in their DNA. This DNA is an unbreakable link between generations and is used in molecular genealogy to verify and expand the record of the lineage, or ancestry of a person, family or group. To build the database, the foundation collects samples of DNA from people all over the world that already have written genealogical records. Then, both the DNA profiles and the genealogy are linked to create the database.

"The purpose of this first release of data is to make tools available to the public that help people look back many generations of paternal ancestry," said Scott Woodward, Chief Scientific Officer at SMGF. This Y-chromosome dataset links surnames, dates and places of birth before the 1900s. It currently contains correlated information from over 5,000 DNA samples of individuals, each of whom submitted ancestry records detailing at least four generations. Associated with the 5,000 DNA samples are over 205,000 individual ancestors. So far, 40,000 DNA samples and associated ancestry records, or pedigrees, have been collected by the foundation. "Our first goal is a database of 100,000 samples and each quarter we will release more," said Woodward.

This initial release of data will have informative results for only a limited number of populations and their paternal ancestry, Woodward said, but ultimately the database will be the world's most comprehensive. Currently, most DNA tests can only assist with direct paternal or maternal ancestry questions through identification of genetic markers in either the Y chromosome or in the mitochondrial DNA. But in a fifth generation ancestry search, for example, that means only two of sixteen great-great-grandparents can be detected. The vast majority of one's DNA-and therefore family history-exists in the rest of the genome, chromosomes called autosomes. SMGF will bypass current research limitations by profiling the genetic markers on autosomes, making this database the only one of its kind to do so.

On the foundation's interactive Web site, a person with an ancestry question enters the values from their DNA profile-a genetic test now offered to the public by many laboratories using a cheek swab or mouthwash rinse-into the database's drop-down menus. A graph appears showing each family generation as a data point. Rolling the cursor over a data point displays information such as surnames, dates and places of birth. Only names associated with dates before 1900, which are public domain, are available in order to preserve the privacy of participants who donated their DNA and pedigree charts.

The project is funded by James LeVoy Sorenson, an entrepreneur who is known foremost for devising the first cardio-vascular medical device to monitor the human heart in real-time. Mr. Sorenson's foresight and innovations have spawned a diverse family of successful businesses during his career, allowing him now to turn his attention to making the world a better place in which to live. "I believe that if people know how closely related we are, we will treat each other better," said Sorenson.

The foundation encourages individuals who have four or more generations and can provide a complete biological pedigree chart to participate in this research. For more information, visit www.smgf.org.

About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation:
Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is a non-profit research organization with the mission: "To collect DNA samples within a genealogical context for creating the world's most comprehensive correlated genetic and genealogical database. To provide the funding necessary to construct genetic tools from the information contained within the database to be used for the purpose of family history research. And, to maintain the integrity of the database content and to ensure it is used for purposes that will promote peace, compassion, and brotherhood among mankind."