Ditchburn DNA Studies

DNA studies provide the genealogist with a whole new tool for determining relationships between people and their ancestors and may also help in identiifying where their surname originated.

DNA is present in all the cells in the body. It is the material which carries the gene and is different for each person (except for identical twins). However it is most similar between close relatives; even distant relatives have more similarities than non-relatives; and comparisons of the DNA of people with the same surname may be able to give a clue as to the ancestor whom they share. The value of DNA results increases with each person tested.

Procedure:-For Surname Studies only males with the surname to be studied are used.

The study involves the co-operation of a genetics lab. who supply the necessary sterile cotton buds. Any lab will do but for the Ditchburn study I am using DNA Heritage which has labs in both England and the USA. There is a fee for this service which is payable in the currency of the country of the lab used.

Once received the bud is rubbed against the inside of the cheek as directed and then returned to its container; two cotton buds are used. The procedure is totally painless (I have undergone it myself). The samples are then sent to the laboritary.

After a few weeks the results of the test are available and can then be compared with those of other Ditchburns.

Naturally I am keen to have as many Ditchburn DNA studies as possible. However, I would like to emphasise that absolutely no pressure will be applied to any Ditchburns this purpose.

Anyone interested may contact me at robin.ditchburn@zetnet.co.uk