Sidney Sachs produced the television show “Tracing Your Family Roots” for 19 years after supporting basic research for the U.S. Army Research Institute for Behavioral and Social Sciences. Sidney is Project Administrator for several Family Tree DNA projects as well providing support for several DNA researchers.

“Statistical Approach to Genetic Genealogy” (Thurs-119), 3:00 – 4:15 P.M.

Genetic Genealogy is based on a series of different types of random events called mutations. In order to get the most from DNA, one needs to study it in a statistical way. It is not as simple as looking at how closely related people’s DNA is, but it is important to understand when the changes came about.

The author, a retired mathematical statistician who has been working with a retired Harvard professor, analyzing DNA differences. Sachs has been researching several different samples including his own very special Y-haplogroup subclade. In the process, Sidney Sachs developed special software and procedures. Sachs’ talk will explain why and how to use SNPs and STRs for all kinds of DNA.

Topics: DNA research and genetics