What is Genebase?

Genebase.com is the world’s first online personal genomics DNA database built on a Web 2.0 platform.  Since 2005, Genebase has been connecting Users from around the world through DNA and now has a membership of over 675,000 Users from around the world.  Using personal genomics, Users can find out more about their past and learn more about their present and future. 

Genebase offers a wide panel of personal genomics assays which allows people to use DNA to find out more about themselves.  One of Genebase’s best known products, “The DNA Ancestry Project” is a branch of personal genomics which allows Users to look into their past using their own DNA ancestral markers.  The DNA Ancestry Project is a Online CD ROM software kit which is available in leading software retailers worldwide.  Using the The DNA Ancestry Project, Users can conduct genetic genealogy research through User-to-User connections and User-to-Laboratory data source connections provided in Genebase.

Once participants obtain their DNA markers through Genebase, participation in many of the search and analysis features of the project is free.  Genebase aims to connect Users with new developments in personal genomics and represents the first database in the world to provide a direct link from Users to the data from up-to-date scientific studies. 

Until now, the information and data from major scientific breakthroughs from universities and research institutions are well kept secrets and usually only appear in top scientific journals and are not readily accessible to the general public.  Genebase publishes news headlines from top scientific discoveries as they happen, and immediately places the DNA data from such studies into the Genebase archaeology database, allowing the data to become available for searching and comparison by project members. Finding a match in the scientific databases can help users to make new discoveries and family connections across many generations. 

Genebase also contains a “deep ancestry” database (for tracing lineage back tens of thousands of years) as well as an “indigenous DNA” database (for Users to discover which indigenous populations in the world most closely matches their own DNA. 

The Genebase User database also allows Users to network with people around the world using their DNA and continues to grow as membership grows.

The Genebase network is based on unique genetic linkages between family members, made possible by the Genebase web 2.0 family tree, the world’s first family tree social network.  The Genebase family tree feature automatically links various family lineages together to facilitate collaborative studies between different family members to uncover the roots of different lines of the family tree and discover the inheritance of genetic traits. 

Genebase contains the following database types:

• Y-DNA STR Database - For tracing surnames and ancestry on the paternal line.
• Y-DNA SNP Database - For tracing deep ancestry on the paternal line.
• mtDNA mutation/SNP Database - For tracing ancestry on the maternal line.
• mtDNA sequence Database - For full mtDNA analysis and comparisons.
• Autosomal STR Database - For tracing lost family, family reunifications
• Indigenous DNA database - For tracing ancestry to native population groups around the world.
• Archaeology Database - For comparisons with scientific studies from around the world.

User-to-User Comparisons

The Genebase database facilitates the comparison of data between active users in the system to allow users to link up to other users and the system to look for matches, discover connections and looks for geographical or ethnic correlations.

User-to-Scientific Studies Analysis

This novel Genebase feature allows users to connect their data to findings from the latest scientific studies and research data. As new findings emerge from various fields of study, the database will facilitate the interaction of users with the findings of the study so that users can see how the studies can shed light on their own data.

Who can join?

Genebase is absolutely free, and anyone can join.  To participate in DNA features, Users must first have their DNA markers tested at Genebase.  Once the results are available, Users will automatically have free access to wide variety of DNA search and analysis tools at Genebase. 

History of the DNA Ancestry Project

2005 - Genebase Database Launched
Clients required a method to compare their DNA results with other clients.  Genebase launches the world’s first personal genomics DNA social networking site:  a Web 2.0 platform that allows DNA testing recipients to interact with each other and to compare and network using DNA data.  Genebase launches the world’s first web 2.0 family tree.

August 2006 - Genebase 2.0 version developed
The second version of Genebase was developed to accommodate a larger panel of Y-DNA SNPs, and mtDNA data. The official launch of version 2.0 was held back pending completion of the GEDCOM feature.  Genebase membership reaches over 200,000. 

May 2007 - Genebase 2.0 version launched
The newest version of Genebase is GEDCOM compatible and the database accommodates Y-DNA and mtDNA data, SNPs and full sequences.

March 2008 - Genebase has over 675,000 active Users from around the world and is the world’s largest personal genomics DNA social networking site.

Y-DNA STR Database

The Y-STR database stores the allele values of over 125 genetic loci. This database is ideal for surname research and tracing ancestry on the paternal line. It is also useful for individuals searching for exact or close matches to other males who are descendents of the same paternal line.

Y-DNA SNP Database

The Y-DNA SNP database stores SNP markers and is intended for users who are interested in researching their deep ancestry and determining their haplogroup. The haplogroup can be predicted with the STR test, but the only way to confirm a haplogroup prediction is with SNP analysis.

mtDNA Mutation / SNP Database

The mtDNA mutation/SNP database records the markers in the mtDNA (a mutation/marker represents a region of the mtDNA which is different from the Cambridge Reference Sequence, CRS).

mtDNA Sequence Database

The entire length of the DNA tested is stored and can be downloaded and compared to other sequences.

Autosomal STR Database

The Autosomal STR database is a personal identity database which allows people to calculate close family relationships such as parents, grandparents, cousins, etc.  This database can also be used for adopted children looking for their biological families.  Autosomal STR can also provide broad ancestral data for an individual’s mixed ancestry.

Indigenous DNA Database

This is a proprietary database which contains the DNA type of tens of thousands of indigenous populations from around the world.  Users can compare their own DNA to this database to find out where in the world their DNA type is most frequent.

Archaeology Database

This database contains the data from the most recent scientific studies, including mummies, and other archaeological findings.  This database allows users to compare their own DNA to the latest studies to see how they fit into the picture and allows Users to experience the excitement of the growing field of DNA Archaeology.

Client Inquiries

Email: support@genebase.com

Media / Marketing

Email: press@genebase.com

Human Resources / Careers

Email: careers@genebase.com

In Canada (Headquarter)

Genebase Systems, Inc.
200 - 2806 Kingsway
Vancouver BC V5R 5T5
Canada

In US

Genebase Systems, Inc.
#180 - 4616 25th Avenue NE
Seattle, WA 98105
United States

Contact

Tel: 1-604-714-6357
Fax: 1-604-325-2208
Toll-free Fax (within North America): 1-888-655-8877

The use of the Genebase database is free.  However, Users must have DNA data in order to use DNA search, comparison and analysis features.

What are the steps involved in participation?

Participants must have DNA markers obtained through DNA testing. Begin by obtaining a participation kit. Existing Genebase users should log into their control panel, then follow the instructions in the control panel to obtain a kit. Kits can also be ordered for friends and family members through the control panel.  The participation kit contains supplies for collecting a DNA sample from inside the mouth. The DNA sample is collected by rubbing two brushes inside the mouth against the cheek for 15 seconds. The procedure is painless. After the sample is collected, the brushes are placed into specimen envelopes and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

Depending on the type of analysis, the turnaround time can range from 3 to 12 weeks. Once results are available, they are uploaded directly to the database and can be accessed through the user’s control panel. The user has control over the privacy settings of the markers. When the markers are set to “public”, the user can use them to search the database to look for matches and take part in DNA projects.

We are looking for a qualified statistical geneticist and bioinformatics programmer who will contribute to our efforts to revolutionize complex trait genetics through the integration of genotypic, and gene expression data. If you are passionate about genes and stats and want to pursue a career of analyzing human genetic data and developing innovative products and services, then apply now to join our dynamic team.

Job Description:

Develop and implement novel procedures, as well as applying these and existing methods to analyze many different types of genetic data

Qualifications: 

• Ph.D in Statistical Genetics, Bioinformatics or Computer Science
• Solid background in bioinformatics
• Involved in AI, statistics and genetics research
• Fluent in scripting languages
• Good working knowledge in algorithm development and C++
• Knowledge of web technologies such as JavaScript, CSS/HTML

Job Description: 

• Operation and programming of the ABI Prism 3130 Genetic Analyzer
• Operation and programming of the ABI Prism 3100-Avant Genetic Analyzer
• Operation and programming of the ABI Prism GeneScan Software
• Operation and programming of the ABI Prism Genotyper Software
• Operation and programming of liquid handling robots
• Knowledge of the statistics and mathematics of the human relatedness calculations
• Knowledge of the AABB standards and ISO17025 for DNA testing laboratories
• Laboratory batch release methodology
• Quality systems (ISO17025)
• Chemical safety requirements for laboratories including proper disposal of waste materials

Qualifications: 

Master Degrees or Ph.D in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology with four years experience (see below), or Masters in one of these fields and three years experience.

Three or four years experience (depending on education) as a DNA Analyst at an accredited DNA parentage or forensic laboratory using PCR methodology with STR systems is required.

All career inquiries should be directed to careers@genebase.com.

This is an excellent opportunity to join our exciting firm that specializes in genetic testing. We are in need of a web application software engineer who can help create interactive web applications that are only informational but inspiring and captivating.

Job Description:

• Developing application layer abstractions and implementing coding application logic and database APIs
• Designing for performance and scalability for our expanding client base
• Profiling and optimizing code in different languages (PHP, ASP, JSP, etc.)

Qualifications: 

• Applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering and 2 years of related work experience
• Experience with DHTML/XHTML/CSS2/Javascript website implementation and with AJAX
• Experience with LAMP and high-volume database management
• User Interface Developer / Designer

We are looking for a talented User Interface developer to help develop and design appealing and interactive web applications for Genebase. You will be required to use your skills to ensure that we create a captivating website interface that presents difficult scientific concepts in an understandable and interesting format.

Job Description:

• Implement user interfaces in DHTML/XHTML/CSS/Javascript/AJAX
• Develop conceptual models, navigational maps, strategies and process flows
• Coordinate with engineers, scientists and writers to develop necessary functionality

Qualification:

• Provide past projects or examples
• Bachelor’s in Computer Science or higher and relevant work experience
• Master of DHTML/XHTML/CSS/Javascript/AJAX website implementation
• Good working knowledge of Javascript/AJAX frameworks and libraries such as Prototype and DOJO
• Framework/ library design, implementations and maintenance experience
• Passion for designing and tackling challenges

Our team is driven by our passion for our projects.  Our facilities are located in Vancouver British Columbia, one of the most beautiful cities in the world.  If you enjoy a fast paced, energetic work environment and would like to join a team of dedicated scientists and engineers who are truly passionate about their work, then you might be the perfect match!  To apply, send your resume and cover letter to careers@genebase.com .