Hello list, My name is Cheri Mello and I'm one of the DNA Admins of the Azores DNA project over on Family Tree DNA (FTDNA). I also manage 2 other surname projects as well. I do have a Madeiran line, but it's way back there in the 1600s or something like that. I received an email from a man in the Azores DNA project who has both Azorean and Madeiran ancestry. When I went to check on his Madeiran results, I saw that Madeirans don't have has much representation. So I thought I would join this list and share what I know. For those new to DNA and genealogy, there are currently 3 types of tests that are used for genealogy. 1) Y-DNA: This traces a male's father's father's father's line. Strictly, all men, as far back as you can go. My surname is Mello. I am a female. Therefore, I have no Y chromosome to make me a male, so I can't take this test. But luckily, my dad is alive so I got him to take the DNA test for me. (I'm really into this and I've gone as far as finding 3rd cousins on certain surnames to test for me). 2) mtDNA: That's the abbreviation for mitochondrial DNA. This traces anyone's mother's mother's mother's line. Strictly all women, as far back as you can go. Either men or women can take this test. However, most results from mtDNA are anthopological in nature. You get more of the "Out of Africa" theory information. Results tell you that you have a common ancestor 10,000 years ago. Not helpful for genealogy. But some people do have rare mutations and do find genealogy matches. This test is best used when 2 people feel that their mother's mother's mother's are the same but they have no proof. Both take the test and see if their results are the same. 3) atDNA: That's the abbreviation for autosomal DNA. FTDNA calls this their Family Finder test. It's been on the market about 1.5 years now. This traces a testee's pedigree (whole thing) back to all the 2 greats with 90% accuracy. The accuracy falls beginning with the 3 greats. However, some people are finding 6th cousins (although you can only find about 2% - 5% of them with atDNA). Most people taking this test can find genealogy matches. But it does take effort and a decent pedigree (if your pedigree is full of "pai incognitos" then this test will not benefit you to the fullest). FTDNA is running their holiday sale from now through Dec. 31st at 11:59 pm CST. But please order before then because it becomes difficult for me to help you on Dec. 31st at 11:50 pm (besides, maybe I want to go to the Portuguese hall again for New Year's Eve). *New Kits* Current Group Price *SALE PRICE* Y-DNA 37 $149 *$119* Y-DNA 67 $239 *$199 * mtFullSequence $299 *$239* SuperDNA (Y-DNA67 and FMS) $518 *$438* Family Finder $289 *$199* Family Finder + mtPlus $438 *$318* Family Finder + FMS $559 *$439* Family Finder+ Y-DNA37 $438 *$318* Comprehensive (FF + FMS + Y-67) $797 *$627* *Upgrades (existing customers) * 12-25 Marker $49 *$35* 12-37 Marker $99 *$69* 12-67 Marker $189 *$148* 25-37 Marker $49 *$35* 25-67 Marker $148 *$114* 37-67 Marker $99 *$79* Family Finder $289 *$199* mtHVR1toMega $269 *$229* mtHVR2toMega $239 *$209* Order through the Madeira project here: http://www.familytreedna.com/group-join.aspx?Group=MadeiraPortugal And if you want to test your spouse's non-Portuguese line and need a project to join to take advantage of the group and sale prices, I have a place for you to go. Just ask. Feel free to ask questions about DNA. I'm more than happy to help. -- Cheri Mello Family Tree DNA Administrator (we're all volunteers)