MyHeritage Adds Automatic Clustering of DNA Matches for Insights on Common Ancestors

TEL AVIV, Israel & LEHI, Utah--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- MyHeritage, the leading global service for genetic genealogy, announced today the release of AutoClusters, a new feature that automatically clusters and visualizes shared DNA Matches.

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MyHeritage Adds Automatic Clustering of DNA Matches for Insights on Common Ancestors (Graphic: Business Wire)

In the past few years, millions of consumers have purchased DNA kits in order to find relatives based on shared DNA. However, the DNA results typically do not describe the exact relationship path between two matching people, and only cite the likely connection (for example, 3^rd cousins). AutoClusters are helpful in shedding light on the relationship paths, by grouping together DNA Matches who likely belong to the same branch and have a common ancestor. Reviewing their family trees can allow users to piece together the entire branch.

This new AutoClusters feature on MyHeritage was developed in collaboration with Evert-Jan Blom of GeneticAffairs.com and is based on technology created by Mr. Blom with enhancements added by MyHeritage. These additions are especially helpful for successful clustering of endogamous populations (people who lived in isolated communities with a high rate of intermarriage, such as Acadians and Ashkenazi Jews). AutoClustering technology organizes a person’s list of DNA Matches into clusters of people who are likely to have the same common ancestor, because they are all mostly related to each other. Clusters are color-coded for convenience and are presented in a powerful visual chart, as well as in list format.

“MyHeritage strives to be at the forefront of genetic genealogy and offer its users the best tools,” said Gilad Japhet, Founder and CEO of MyHeritage. “When automatic clustering was introduced several months ago, we were impressed by the usefulness of this cutting edge technology and its ability to provide insights on DNA Matches. We set it as our goal to be the first major DNA service to offer it, and are happy to fulfill this promise today.”

“I’ve enjoyed working with MyHeritage very much,” said Evert-Jan Blom. “It’s a very dynamic and vibrant company to work with.”

AutoClusters is a premium feature that requires a subscription on MyHeritage. Users who upload their raw DNA data from another testing service to MyHeritage and do not wish to purchase a subscription can pay a one-time fee of $29 per kit to unlock all advanced DNA features offered by MyHeritage, including AutoClusters.

MyHeritage DNA kits are available for purchase online at www.myheritageDNA.com.

About MyHeritage

MyHeritage is the leading global service for family history and DNA testing. As technology thought leaders, MyHeritage has transformed family history into an activity that is accessible and instantly rewarding. Its global user community enjoys access to a massive library of historical records, the most internationally diverse collection of family trees, and groundbreaking search and matching technologies. Launched in November 2016, MyHeritage DNA is a technologically advanced, affordable DNA test that reveals ethnic origins and previously unknown relatives. Trusted by millions of families, MyHeritage provides an easy way to find new family members, discover ethnic origins, and to treasure family stories, past and present, for generations to come. MyHeritage is available in 42 languages. www.myheritage.com

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