The business of genetic ancestry.

A radio documentary investigating the business of ancestry. Adam Rutherford visits the 'Who do you think you are?' live show which is an event for fans of the television programme of the same name. The show is popular with geneologists and the new tool in the geneological kit is looking at genetics. This has become an enormous commercial business - on the one hand this democratises the science but Mark Jobling cautions people on the claims some companies make. Debbie Kennett, member of the International Society of Genetic Geneology and honorary reseach associate talks through the tests which are offered to the public. Mark Thomas, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics, is not convinced that people are getting value for money. The commercial businesses have identified that people want to hear 'stories' - although are these conclusions scientific? S4C (the Welsh television service), launched a project 'DNA Cymru' to identify a specific Welsh gene which came under robust criticism, being accused of 'scientific astrology'. Erin L. Hake, University of Sheffield, is heard speaking about a test which links people to their geographic origins, 'GPS', via a film he made. The results rely upon stationary populations. The marketing claims for this research which was produced in association with a commercial organisation, overstate what they can deliver.