Ethnicity Estimate Comparison Pie Charts…or DNA Doughnuts

Yesterday, in a guest post on the DNA Geek blog, Erik Schaefer used Excel pie charts as a fun way to visually compare different ethnicity estimates, with examples comparing paper records to DNA testing. I gave it a try with my own data. I was able to use Erik’s instructions pretty well, though on my...

Chromosome Mapping – A First Pass

I’ve seen some of the wonderful chromosome mapping images that others have generated, but I hadn’t yet gotten around to mapping any of my own DNA. Letting the perfect being the enemy of the good, I figured I hadn’t done enough analysis to be ready to map my own data yet. This week, I gave it a try.

Try to Prove Yourself Wrong

If we honestly try to find flaws in our assumptions and in our theories with every piece of evidence we examine, and if our hypothesis stands, then we can feel much more confident that we have come to a reasonable conclusion.

Preserving memories using old photo albums…as conversation starters

Lately, I've used old photo albums as conversation starters with the family members who know more than I do about what’s in the photos. Recording conversations about photo albums has given me more detail, context, and fun anecdotes than I had before.