Forensic investigative genetic genealogy (FIGG) is in the news again, most recently because of its relevance in the case of the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie. Sources report that after a failure of finding a match in the CODIS database, FIGG is being used to attempt to identify a mixed DNA profile found inside the home and not connected to Guthrie family members.

What are CODIS and FIGG? In today’s short post, I’ll provide a quick overview of these two acronyms and their application in DNA testing and analysis for criminal investigations. For further learning, you can read about FIGG or listen to DNA Clarity and Support podcast guest J.C. Kenney, an author who researched and incorporated FIGG into the story of fictional investigator Allie Cobb.

MyHeritage’s new low-pass whole genome sequencing (WGS) test goes beyond standard genotyping to cover more of your DNA for genealogical insights. Learn how this first-of-its-kind ancestry test differs from medical-grade WGS, its pros and limits, and why personal choice matters when deciding whether to retest or explore new DNA technology. Book a session with Watershed DNA to decide on testing.

On today's episode, Glaser talks with DNA Clarity and Support host Brianne Kirkpatrick about the history of coerced adoption in the United States and the influence of culture and stigma on women who in other circumstances might have chosen to parent rather than surrender their to the adoption system.

In this episode, Brianne interviews author Diahan Southard, creator of Your DNA Guide, who brings a much-needed dose of enthusiasm to the talk about genealogy, a biological parent search, and DNA testing!

J.C. Kenney is the author a series of cozy mystery novels, one of which involves using DNA and genealogy to solve a murder cold case. You need not be a true crime fan or a DNA expert to learn from today's episode! The conversation with J.C. hones in on the highlights of DNA and crime investigation and is a great intro for those unfamiliar with investigative genetic genealogy, often shortened to IGG. 

Should I help someone who wants to search for her egg donor? Is it any different from a search for a biological parent in an adoption search?

You will find many articles online and shows on TV telling you all you can learn from DNA testing. You won’t find much about what DNA can’t tell you, so I’ll review a few of the common test types and talk about the details not often mentioned.

Mental health awareness is important every day of the year, but there are certain times when these conversations come up more often in media coverage. During Mental Health Awareness month in May, or World Mental Health day in October.

A voluntary site created for genealogists called GEDmatch is the site law enforcement and others are using to solve crimes. Solving crimes has included finding suspected perpetrators and identifying victims.

The use of the genealogical DNA website called GEDmatch to solve a long history of crimes perpetrated by the Golden State Killer has a lot of people wondering, “Should I be concerned about the privacy and security of my DNA?”