Small DCG Cladogram Updates

[Webmaster]

With the growing number of WGS test results being added to the DCG Cladogram, there have been some slight updates to the info on the Cladogram. Kit numbers are now of the form:

1. FGC-xxxxx (Full Genomes Corp.)
2. FTD-xxxxx (Family Tree DNA)
3. YFL-xxxxx (YFull)
4. YSQ-xxxxx (YSEQ)
5. YDW-xxxxx (YDNA Warehouse)

Other lab/processing company designations will be added as needed. Hopefully, they will remain self-evident.

Currently not presented in the hover tooltip info for individual kits is the type of test. I am still trying to decide if that is particularly useful info. Suggestions are welcome about this.

However, this info can be misleading. There is already one known instance where the original test was done by Dante Labs, but the hg19 BAM file was essentially unobtainable from Dante Labs who would apparently only transfer it to YFull. After the transfer, YFull kindly made a copy of the BAM file temporarily available through their website, which was then transferred to YSEQ who then "lifted" the older hg19 BAM file to the current hg38 reference. This hg38 BAM file was then automatically uploaded to the YDNA Warehouse from YSEQ under the YSEQ ID. Consequently, when The Big Tree picked up the new kit, it is shown as a YSEQ WGS test, which is also what is reflected on the DCG Cladogram; even though the test was originally a Dante Labs WGS test.

This is an example of the growing pains currently being experienced as we move away from the almost exclusively BigY test paradigm to various WGS testing labs and subsequent BAM file analysis by YFull, the YDNA Warehouse, and The Big Tree. Due to the unstinting, strictly unpaid volunteer efforts of James Kane at the YDNA Warehouse, and Alex Williamson on The Big Tree, we now have 2 free BAM file analyses in addition to YFull's paid analysis. I have to state for the record that IMO Alex Williamson's analyses on The Big Tree are the best out there, and we are VERY fortunate to enjoy his efforts.

I recommend using all 3 still, just as a sanity check, since variant calls are still subjective to a degree; and due to the wider net YFull has cast by partnering with testing labs such as YSEQ and Nebula Genomics. Dante Labs is also a YFull "partner", but I actively discourage using Dante Labs for genetic genealogy WGS testing after recent experiences with them. They have also made it clear they are now focusing primarily on the medical aspects of WGS testing, which is also true of Nebula Genomics; although Nebula Genomics seems to be making an effort to maintain a genetic genealogy friendly atmosphere.

These kind of things are all part of the "fun and joy" of being on the "bleeding edge" of technology.