In a first step toward the creation of a worldwide genetic family tree, a free interactive genetic genealogy database was launched today by the Utah-based Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation. Established by Utah billionaire James Sorenson, the foundation's new Web site -- http://www.smgf.org -- allows members to input their own DNA information into the database, built from collected genealogies and DNA samples from people all over the world, and search for possible matches. [br][br]Participation requires entering the values from your DNA profile -- a somewhat pricey genetic test now offered to the public by many laboratories using a cheek swab or mouth rinse -- into the database's drop-down menus. A graph then appears which displays information such as surnames, dates and places of birth for likely related individuals. Only names of people who lived prior to 1900 are available in order to protect the identity of living people and the privacy of participants who donated their DNA and pedigree charts. A potential match means people are related "with a high degree of probability (high 90 percentile), according to Scott Woodward, chief scientific officer for the foundation.

The molecular genealogy database is just the beginning of a project that will be expanded in scope over time, according to Mr. Woodward. To date, DNA data from more than 5,500 participants has been catalogued, including over 40,000 surnames, and the foundation plans to update the database every three months with new information. That data will eventually create extensive family trees that will allow curious genealogists to find links with others whose genetic information matches their own.

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