DNA Musings: No. 21 Into the future: Recreating your Ancestor’s DNA

By Betty Hagberg. I am fascinated by a story that appeared a few years ago about the genome of man who died in 1827 being reverse engineered without any remains. The process, used by Icelandic scientists, demonstrated that with enough genealogical and genotype data, reconstructing a historical genome is possible.

In that case, a man of African descent ended up in Iceland. Because of his unique heritage and because of the excellent genealogical records and common heritage of most Icelanders, it was possible to reconstruct his genome.

I was able to do something on a smaller scale by creating a DNA kit for my mother on GEDmatch, even though she died prior to DNA testing. The “Lazarus Tool” which is part of the Tier 1 offerings on GEDmatch can be used to create a DNA profile by combining matching segments on a deceased person’s descendants and other relatives.  For my mother, I combined DNA information from 3 of her siblings and 4 of her children as well as several additional relatives.  The tool steps you through the types of information needed.

At this point, my mother’s DNA Lazarus Kit can only be used at GEDmatch.  The idea is fascinating. Imagine a future where technology can recreate the DNA of your ancestors!

Learn more at:  “Geneticists reverse engineer DNA of the first black Icelander, who left no remains.” Big Think, January 20, 2018.