Finding families with science

The database includes samples and their accompanying genealogies representing some 3.4 million ancestors from 450 different nationalities, Woodward said, with about 100,000 names added to the database per week. Mouth-rinse participants represent only a fraction of those names, but researchers hope to keep growing the database exponentially as they are able to locate larger groups of willing participants throughout the world. Just in the past two months, he said, arrangements for samples and family histories have been made with groups in Mexico, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Italy and France, working with government and university officials to secure the proper permits and facilities.

While the worldwide concept that humans are literally related doesn't seem to have much individual impact in terms of racial, ethnic or religious tension, Woodward believes there is a change in people who can make direct, genetic connections to others they didn't relate to before.

"If you and I share a common great-great-grandfather — and not only that, but here are the genes we have in common — there is a real, tangible realization that we're connected, and I'm now going to think differently about what my actions do to influence your life," he said.

Woodward talked recently with 12 women from Iraq who were visiting Salt Lake City, trying to learn how to build some unity within their nation through emphasizing family ties. When he explained the idea of connecting through genetics, they were so excited about it that next month, some 600 Iraqis are scheduled to provide their DNA and written family history records for the Sorenson database.

He's excited about what could happen if people from rival factions find out they are literally family several generations back — and wonders whether it may make a difference in how they view each other.

To avoid potential problems with finding unexpected ancestral ties, Woodward said the database blocks the identity of any living person for 100 years. Database users will be able to determine common ancestry beginning either two or three generations back, depending on the longevity of their descendants.

The project also seeks to help determine "deep ancestral origins" that go back tens of thousands of years, he said. Science has traced the origin of the human family to Africa, and from there, various groups dispersed across the planet at different points in time. As the database grows larger, researchers hope to tie into those migration patterns, Woodward said.

Though it has its roots in Utah, and to some degree, the LDS Church's family history emphasis, "this is an ecumenical effort that crosses all religions and cultures. We want it to be worldwide."

While some cite religious motivations for finding their family tree, "Many biologists think there is a biological drive within humans to seek out our kin that has to do with preservation" of the species.

"If you and I share a common ancestor, the genes in me seek out the genes in you that are in common, and my genes are going to take care of your genes. That would be the biological explanation."

For information on the database or to order a test kit (cost runs $95 to $195), see the Web site at www.smgf.org.

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E-mail: carrie@desnews.com