From Cincinnati - In their quest to determine their ancestral origins, many family historians are turning to the power of science - in the form of DNA testing - to help them decode the mysteries of their unique genetic makeup.

Though certainly not a substitute for traditional genealogical research methods, the appeal of DNA testing has been further popularized by high-profile figures such as Oprah Winfrey, whose DNA analysis-augmented family history was recently broadcast in a segment entitled “Oprah’s Roots” on the PBS series “African American Lives.”

Though debates about the validity and reliability of genetic testing results - and what they reveal about your ancestry - continue, many curious family historians are intrigued by the clues which may be discovered by submitting a painless sampling of inner cheek cells to one or several of the many DNA testing companies located both here and abroad.

As genetic genealogy expert Megan Smolenyak, author of “Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree,” notes within her introduction, there are two types of DNA that follow a straight line rather than a meandering path, mitochondrial DNA, or mtDNA (which is passed by a mother to her children, male and female) and Y-DNA (which is passed from father to son).

Y-DNA and mtDNA tests typically yield information about a small section of your ancestral pool, while BioGeographical Ancestry tests - which check the genetic markers present in autosomal, or non-sex determining chromosomes - can yield estimates on your family’s geographic origins.

Those interested in learning more about the possibilities of DNA testing as a genealogical tool should consider attending a program being offered at the Erlanger branch of the Kenton County Public Library, entitled “Genetic Genealogy.” The program, which is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 8, will feature a guest speaker from the International Society of Genetic Genealogy. The program is free, but registration is required.

Those interested in attending may register either by calling the Erlanger branch at (859) 962-4000, ext. 4107, or by visiting the library’s Web site, www.kentonlibrary.org.

Genealogy tips are provided by the Kentucky history staff of the Kenton County Public Library. This tip was provided by Jan Mueller. Contact the library’s local history department by calling (859) 962-4085 or via e-mail at history@kentonlibrary.org. The library’s genealogy Web site can be found at http://www.kentonlibrary.org/genealogy.