In a message dated 05/06/2001 10:01:30 PM Central Daylight Time, MALONE-D-request@rootsweb.com writes: > today i took part in an extroinary program which maybe all of you should > concider heres the page http://molecular-genealogy.byu.edu/ understand > this > its a great way for people with the same name to absolutly know that they > are > of the same tree or area > i was thrilled to participate. if you do tell them i sent you they will > remember me lol. > jim > > My understanding of the program at BYU is that the information will NOT be available to the individual participants. I am patching in information to that effect from their FAQ section. Q: Will individual information ever be released to anyone such as participants in the study, other professionals for research, or to a personal physician? On what condition? A: Information concerning participants will not be released to ANYONE. Personal privacy is integral to this study and is maintained throughout the process of data collection and analysis and information storage. The information and genetic data that is compiled for this study is intended for genealogical purposes only. Medical testing or genetic screening services are provided by several other facilities, but not by the Molecular Genealogy Research Group. Q: Why should I participate in the study, if I will not get any information back? A: Knowledge about DNA markers from different parts of the world will be available once the database is completed. At this time we are looking for over 100,000 volunteers that are willing to share their genetic and genealogical information so that this knowledge will be available. Once the database is completed, anyone (regardless of their previous participation in the database) will be able to submit inquiries concerning their family lines to our group. The MGRG will use the database to help these individuals with their questions. Participation in the construction of the database should be motivated by: 1. Desire to help others with their genealogical research; 2. Satisfaction of knowing that you are part of a worldwide project; 3. Preservation of your genetic information for posterity. There is nothing wrong with participating in the program but you must not do so if you expect to be informed of a relationship to anyone else or even expect to see the results of your own DNA test. Gordon Reid Hale