This was sent through another list that I am on. Thought some of you would be interested. On Sunday, Dec. 10, 2000, the Chicago Sun-Times ran an article stating that Oxford University has conducted research using mitochondrial DNA (inherited through female lines only) and concluded that everyone alive today is descended from one of 33 ancient tribes that existed during the Ice Age. They have designated names and areas for these tribes: 13 from Africa, 11 from Western Eurasia, 8 from Eastern Eurasia, and 1 spans Eurasia and the Americas. Most Europeans are descended from 7 ancestors, which Oxford named "The 7 Daughters of Eve." This provides a direct and undiluted link to our maternal ancestors, giving rise to every race and ethnic group on every continent. As we know in genealogy, simply living in a country doesn't necessarily mean you can actually trace your ancestry to that country. If you're interested in reading about this, go to www.oxford ancestors.com for more information. Incidentally, Oxford charges $180 for this DNA test. They send out a free test kit, you take a simple swab from inside your cheek and mail it to them. It takes about a month. You pay when the test is completed. I always knew that science and technology would interact with genealogy someday, it appears that day is here! Mary McG in Tennessee