Blog

Conceptual illustration connecting a digital research journal, genetic marker strips under magnifying glasses, and two people in conversation.

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Updates

Building participant messaging and integrating X, Y, and mitochondrial DNA processing

TAKiR is moving closer to participant messaging, with core features and rollout safeguards progressing in local development. Analysis development reached a milestone in processing X, Y, and mitochondrial DNA alongside chromosomes 1–22. The expanded blog also records the project's continuing work.

TAKiR team · Oct 11, 2026

Illustration labeled 2026 showing chromosomes and a family diagram under a magnifying glass, annotated research pages, and a website connected to data storage.

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Updates

TAKiR in 2026: Making research methods, results, and workflows easier to examine

Through October 9, TAKiR’s 2026 software work expanded genetic relationship displays and improved analysis and deployment workflows. Qualitative coding tools provide groundwork for future participant survey analysis, while the rebuilt blog offers a clearer way to document the work.

TAKiR team · Oct 9, 2026

Illustration labeled 2025 connecting a DNA collection kit, consent and progress screens, laboratory array tiles, chromosomes, and a family network.

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Updates

TAKiR in 2025: Connecting participation, research operations, and genetic analysis

In 2025, TAKiR connected program enrollment, consent, kit tracking, uploads, and participant support with a growing genetic analysis system. The work included laboratory-file processing, shared-segment and pedigree research, and the database structures and displays that brought results into the website.

TAKiR team · Oct 9, 2026

Illustration labeled 2024 showing website panels, data infrastructure, chromosomes, and a family diagram connected across a shared foundation.

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Updates

TAKiR in 2024: Building research infrastructure for a new phase at UIUC

Following LaKisha David’s 2023 faculty appointment at UIUC, TAKiR’s infrastructure expanded in 2024. We rebuilt the website’s deployment and data infrastructure, separated genetic analysis into its own service, and developed workflows and experimental tools for estimating relationships and inferring family trees from genetic data.

TAKiR team · Oct 9, 2026

Illustrated chromosome segments flow into a website layout with content cards and connected profile symbols.

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Updates

Improving DNA analysis and rebuilding the TAKiR blog

During the week ending October 4, we strengthened how our research software checks DNA data, preserves completed work, and investigates shared DNA segments. We also rebuilt the blog, corrected account-registration problems, and added safeguards for website updates.

TAKiR team · Oct 9, 2026

Stories

Mapping Our Roots: My Experience with the Connections Map

Can a map show where we belong? The interactive Connections Map brought overlooked names to light and revealed my global roots stretching directly to Ghana. It bridges data and real life, showing how close we truly are to our extended family and community.

Shaneka Rodgers · Jun 8, 2026

Stories

Behind the Results: My Journey with the Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program

There is something deeply profound about helping people uncover where they come from. Lately, I’ve had the privilege of working on the backend of the Illinois Family Roots Pilot Program, and it has been an incredible ride. Here are a few highlights from my journey so far:

Cortez Epinger · Jun 8, 2026