Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation is First to Adopt Genetic Genealogy`s New Industry Standard for Reporting Y-DNA Profiles

* Fast-Growing Sector of DNA Testing Industry to Adopt National Standard, Gain
Greater Accuracy in Results Reporting
* Uniform Nomenclature Will Reduce Confusion for Growing Number of Consumers
Using Online DNA-Ancestry Databases

SALT LAKE CITY--(Business Wire)--
The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) today announced it has
implemented a recently developed industry-standard format for expressing
Y-chromosome DNA profiles in genetic genealogy. The new system, or nomenclature,
for Y-STR genetic markers will reduce confusion for genetic genealogy consumers,
eliminate conversion errors, make personal DNA profiles easily portable and lead
to more genetic matches when searching among different ancestry databases once
the industry-wide standard is adopted. Y-DNA is an unrivaled tool for tracing
paternal ancestry. Only males have the Y-chromosome, which is passed down
virtually unchanged from father to son.

SMGF, a non-profit scientific organization with the world's largest collection
of correlated genetic and genealogical information, is the first to adopt the
new system proposed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce and promoted by the International Society of
Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG). Genetic genealogy is the application of genetics to
traditional genealogy and is a component of ancestry research experiencing
strong growth through personal DNA testing and online ancestry databases.

"We strongly believe this industry-wide standard benefits everyone," said
Natalie Myres, director of research and development for SMGF. "DNA profiles will
become more useful to consumers because they will not have to use a conversion
process to search different genetic genealogy databases. For DNA laboratories
and providers, this common nomenclature leads to greater reporting accuracy and
saves time explaining to customers why their results appear different from those
of another provider."

Until now, genetic genealogy companies and laboratories reported Y-STR genetic
markers in DNA profiles to customers in various formats developed for forensic
DNA reporting. "As DNA testing for genetic genealogy purposes has become common
and more people put their DNA profiles into online ancestry databases, the need
for a universal format became apparent," said Katherine Borges, ISOGG director.

"This is a big benefit to consumers," said Borges. "They will definitely find
more matches because of this new standard. Currently, consumers are often
unaware they have to convert their results for use on different databases or are
intimidated enough by the process that they don`t check a variety of databases.
Also, some errors find their way into conversion tools. All these problems
reduce chances of finding matches." Borges estimates close to one million DNA
tests for genetic genealogy purposes have been purchased to date.

The three largest U.S. providers of genetic genealogy DNA testing have committed
to adopting the new Y-STR reporting standard and Borges expects the others to
follow suit. NIST has not recommended a uniform reporting standard for mtDNA,
the genetic material passed down from mother to child.

About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation

The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF; www.smgf.org) is a non-profit
research organization that has created the world's largest repository of
correlated genetic and genealogical information. The SMGF database currently
contains information about more than seven million ancestors through linked DNA
samples and pedigree charts from more than 170 countries, or approximately 90
percent of the nations of the world. The foundation's purpose is to foster a
greater sense of identity, connection and belonging among all people by showing
how closely we are connected as members of a single human family. For more
information about the foundation's free, publicly available database, visit
www.smgf.org.

Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation Public Relations
Jacob Moon, 801-490-1017
jacob@sorensoncompanies.com
David Parkinson, 801-490-1015
david@sorensoncompanies.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009