DNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid, is the hereditary material in humans and almost all other organisms. It is the carrier of our genetic information – the blueprint of what we become - and is passed down from generation to generation. Since the year 2000, DNA testing for genealogy purposes, has become the benchmark of the serious family historian. A well-researched and documented paper trail is essential to the genealogist, and most aspire to achieve that, but paper trails can also become flawed, misleading or simply peter out to non-existence. Inevitably, one is faced with the dreaded ‘brick wall’.
DNA testing – or more specifically, Y-DNA testing - offers new hope for overcoming these difficulties. The Y chromosome is passed from father to son relatively unchanged from generation to generation, so testing the Y chromosome provides information about the direct male line. Occasionally a mutation occurs at one of the markers in the Y chromosome, which are simply small changes in the DNA sequence. They are natural occurrences and take place at random intervals. Overall, they are estimated to occur once every 500 generations per marker. ‘Markers’ are the locations that are tested on the Y chromosome. Mutations can sometimes be valuable in identifying branches of a family tree. Because males do not usually change their surname, it makes the Y-DNA test ideal for genealogical purposes. This method of genetic testing, easily available to all of us, is able to validate existing paper records, help resolve issues with conflicting information in particular lines, and to also accurately prove relatedness where kinship is suspected but records have not been located.
To date participants in the FRAME DNA PROJECT are from the United States, Australia and New Zealand - and already DNA matches have been found. Frames from Australia and New Zealand who had ancestors in Larkhall, Dalserf and Hamilton in Lanarkshire, are matching with Frames whose ancestors settled in West Virginia and Minnesota in the United States. Currently three separate Frame lines have formed within the project. Provided those testing sign a release form, they are notified of their matches and are then able to contact their ‘new cousins’ to compare their research.
To participate in the FRAME DNA PROJECT, the tester must be male and have the Frame surname from natural descent. Should a female wish to have a DNA test carried out on her Frame family line, the simple, painless cheek swab would need to be provided by her Frame father, grandfather, brother, uncle or cousin, or a known male Frame who descends from that particular family. Tests are available for Y-DNA 12-markers, Y-DNA 25-markers, Y-DNA 37-markers and Y-DNA 67-markers. However, the Y-DNA 37-marker test is the recommended entry level for the FRAME DNA PROJECT. There is a considerable saving by testing within the project rather than as an individual. Currently the 37-marker test is $189 U.S. + postage (about $2 within the U.S. or $4 overseas) The test ordered as an individual is currently $259 U.S.
The testing company chosen by the FRAME DNA PROJECT is Family Tree DNA based in Huston, Texas, one of the most prominent and highly respected research firms in the world. Family Tree DNA was established strictly for performing genealogical DNA testing and analysis. Since its inception in April of 2000, Family Tree DNA has been associated with the Arizona Research Labs, led by Dr. Michael Hammer, one of the world's leading authorities in the field of Genetics. It is also the firm carrying out testing for the Genographic Project – a five year study to map how humankind populated the earth, and sponsored in partnership by the National Geographic Society, IBM and the Waitt Family Foundation.
All enquires regarding the FRAME DNA PROJECT should be directed to the project coordinator:
