Family Tree DNA, the company used by the Clan MacLaren Surname DNA Project is running a special on their Y-DNA tests. The Y-chromosome (the male sex chromosome) is passed by father to son, to son, to son, etc. virtually unchanged except for a very slow mutation rate. As a result, related males will have the same DNA test results, or close to it, if sufficient markers are tested. Based on experience in the Clan MacLaren Surname DNA Project with about 450 members, the 67-marker test is the one I recommend. This DNA project is supported by both the Clan MacLaren Society (based in Scotland) and the Clan MacLaren Society of North America. Additionally the Chief of Clan MacLaren and both Chieftains have tested in the DNA project. In order to get the reduced price, you have to join through a surname project (such as MacLaren) and you have to order and pay by 31 December. If you are interested in your genealogy, this is a great Christmas present. To test in the Clan MacLaren Surname DNA Project, you must be male (because the test is on the Y-chromosome) and bear one of the Clan surnames or spelling variants. Lawson, Losson, and other spelling variants are Clan surnames If you don't bear one of these surnames, but your surname has changed because of an adoption, name change, or other reason, then you can also join the project. In this case, your straight line male ancestry has to have a male ancestor who bears one of the Clan surnames. If you are female, you cannot test in this project since you don't have a Y-chromosome. However, you can still participate by getting a male relative who bears one of the Clan surnames to test. And if your descent from one of the Clan surnames about is from your maternal line, you can still participate by having a male MacLaren surname relative test -- even first, second, third, etc. cousins, uncles, grandparents, etc.. Also for females (as well as males), Family Tree DNA has sharply dropped their prices on the full sequence mtDNA test. This tests the entire mtDNA molecule. mtDNA is not a chromosome, but a DNA molecule that exists in the body of every cell. mtDNA is passed from a mother to her children (male and female), but the father does not pass his mtDNA on. The mutation rate on mtDNA is slower than that of the Y-chromosome, so it is not as useful in genealogy. However, if is of some use. This mtDNA test is not on special. Rather, the reduced price is permanent. So, if you are one of the surnames above, male or female, and are interested in investigating your maternal heritage, you are welcome to join the Clan MacLaren DNA Project and order the full sequence mtDNA test. I will be glad to answer any questions on this. Contact me directly at bobmclaren@earthlink.net (since I cannot cite prices on RootsWeb). Remember, the sale on Y-DNA ends 31 December. Put it on your Christmas list!! Yours aye, Bob McLaren Genealogist, Clan MacLaren Society (based in Scotland) Chairman, Genealogy Committee, Clan MacLaren Society of North America Administrator, Clan MacLaren Surname Project (Worldwide) Member, Association of Professional Genealogists Member, Genealogical Speakers Guild Robert McLaren bobmclaren@earthlink.net Why Wait? Move to EarthLink.