Contrary to what many assume, many know little about our family history. Recent research revealed that 72% of Brits had undergone research into their family tree. Although most admitted to knowing something about their grandparents and just a little about great-grandparents, a percentage still knew nothing about either.
Exploring family history and learning more about your family’s origins can be interesting. You can uncover pieces of information that you and your family had no idea about and learn more about where your ancestors may have travelled to. To learn more, many will use different ancestry sites to help them create a family tree of their ancestors. Others choose DNA testing to learn more about themselves.
Throughout the years, advancements have improved the accuracy of DNA testing. These are just some of how DNA testing has helped change families’ lives for years.
Uncovered New Family Members
Starting with one of the biggest changes is how DNA tests have helped individuals to uncover new family members. Some might have been raised by adoptive parents and did not know their biological parents. With DNA tests and additional research, they can find who their biological parents are, if they want and build connections with them. Others might take DNA tests to determine who their father is after being raised solely by their mother. For instance, taking one of the DNA tests from AlphaBiolabs can help uncover new family members. These could be long-lost relatives or half-siblings you were unaware of or identifying who your father is.
Helped Reunite Families
Alongside uncovering new family members, DNA tests have also helped to reunite families that may have drifted apart or were separated for various reasons. For instance, some might have lost touch with family members after moving to another country. As time passes, connections with these relatives can weaken, especially if you do not know who you are searching for. DNA tests can help identify who you are related to, allowing you to reach out and reunite with loved ones.
Revealed Family History
After discovering new family members and reuniting long-lost loved ones, DNA testing can also help create a picture of a person’s family history. Some results can show the countries and regions their DNA traces back to, which can open the door to more questions and discoveries. Many might take DNA tests to help them create a family tree or a timeline of when and where family members moved over the years.
Thanks to technological advancements, taking a DNA test is a very simple and non-invasive. Participants have to take a mouth swab and send it back to their DNA tester of choice, such as the ones from AlphaBiolabs Ireland, and wait for the results. The turnaround time is quicker than some might have expected, with results coming back within two-four working days. Once results are back, you can begin the next chapter of your life, one with your long-lost or newly found family members.