Surname Projects
Any individual can have their DNA analyzed, but the DNA is useless except as a comparison to other DNA. In a forensic DNA study, a lab might be comparing the DNA of blood a a crime scene against the DNA of a suspect. In a genealogical DNA study, one person will be comparing his DNA against one or more other people to determine if they match.
To facilitate the comparison of the DNA for different people, surname projects were set up on the Internet in which individuals posted their DNA results to a common forum and compared them. Each surname project has a group administrator who assists other members. The group administrator usually interprets results, helps members understand the results, and publishes the results for the benefit of the members.
Using the Y-chromosome test, men can help answer long-standing genealogical questions or disprove long-standing genealogical myths. A common purpose for DNA research is to determine if there is a common link between two closely-related ancestors, even when a paper trail cannot be located. In the same way, if there is a large volume of records about multiple families sharing the same surname in the same area, a DNA test of the various male descendants can help sort out the families.
Although not common yet because of a relatively low level of interest on the European continent, people in the United States are connecting to those living in Europe and establishing their common ancestry. In some cases, this can help prove an historical immigration story.