[ElkGroveDan]

I find this science totally fascinating. I really hope that with time it will become easier and more widespread (meaning cheaper) to obtain, exchange and compare DNA data, the way we now exchange genealogy files.

[MattinNJ]

btt

[Reeses]

One of the things special about the Y chromosome is that it is passed from father to son unmodified. The mother does not have any Y chromosome information to contribute. Because of that you can trace father linage very far into the past, assuming of course you can get DNA samples.

[AntiGuv]

Yep! "It would be nice to see the whole world surveyed in this kind of detail, but it's expensive and there are other priorities." Probably sooner than later, it should become cheap and reach completion as a matter of course. I'm excited! ;^)

[blam]

"I really hope that with time it will become easier and more widespread (meaning cheaper) to obtain, exchange and compare DNA data, the way we now exchange genealogy files. "

I agree. In fact, I think there is a tremendous business opportunity here. The person/business who has the largest DNA 'library' and a cheap/fast comparsion method will be worth millions, IMO.
The volume part of the business will be comparing individuals and selling geneology lineages. As you obtain more and more samples, previously unknown human migratory patterns will emerge and that information can be sold.

You could in effect rewrite human prehistory. Researchers would come to you for specific information contained in your 'library.'

[JoeSchem]

I think that someday, after all the history books have been rewritten, geneticists will discover that Y chromosomal DNA randomly flips itself every hundred generations.