Family Networks update May 2020

Extended matching is here! Living DNA’s relative finding tool, Family Networks, has received a major major update. We can now detect matches at greater distances, finding 4th cousins and more.

99% of our users who have opted into Family Networks now have matches! This means that most Living DNA customers will see an increased number of more distant matches when next logging into the Family Networks portal.

Top tip - You must have opted into Family Matching. If you have not opted into matching click HERE for a guide on how to do this. It can take up to 2 weeks for matches to appear once you have opted in.

What range of relationships can we now find?

Previous to this release, we only matched people to a maximum relative distance of 7th degree (3rd Cousin), this is someone whom you may share a common ancestor 4 generations ago (approximately 100 years).

In this release we have extended this matching range to 9th degree (4th Cousin and greater). You can now match to more distant genetic relatives whom you share a common ancestor from 5 generations ago, or more (approximately 120 years +).

If you would like more information on relationship predictions and what they mean, click here to read our help center article, alternatively, read our blog post on DNA relationships.

How accurate are my matches?

The accuracy of each match, in terms of degree classification, diminishes as the number of generations to the common ancestor increases, or the distance across a family tree. Therefore, a 6th-degree match may in fact represent a 5th to 7th degree, while a 9th-degree match may represent a 7th to a 12th-degree relative. This ambiguity is due to the biological process of how DNA is inherited via recombination during meiosis (a type of cell division).

This is where work on your paper trail is important. Your family tree research can support your match list and give you a truly detailed picture of your past.

How can I see if I have more matches?

Log into my.livingdna.com and click Family Matching on your dashboard. If you haven’t already, you must opt in to this service to receive your matches. Users who are already opted in should see these updates immediately upon logging in.