In the ever-evolving field of genetic genealogy, researchers are constantly seeking innovative ways to analyze and interpret DNA data. Airtable.com, a versatile database platform, is a flexible solution for logging DNA evidence in a genealogy research project. Airtable introduced AI tools for paid users earlier this year, and now, as of July 2024, AI tools are also available for free users! Update: the “generate text” Airtable AI feature is not for the free plan, but other AI tools are. To do what this article discusses, a paid plan is required.
Airtable AI can make writing about DNA much more efficient. This post explores how these cutting-edge features can be integrated into your genealogical workflow, with a focus on their application in analyzing and writing about DNA matches.
I used Claude 3.5 Sonnet to generate much of the text for this post after uploading my notes from a recent lecture.
Airtable AI: A Game-Changer for Long Text Fields
Airtable’s AI capabilities, particularly in long text fields, offer exciting possibilities for genealogists. According to Airtable’s support documentation, these tools allow users to:
- Write paragraphs
- Summarize information
- Extract details into lists
To harness these features, researchers can:
- Add or reconfigure a long text field in their Airtable base
- Toggle on the “generate text” button in the field settings
- Create a custom prompt
- Preview the AI-generated output
- Choose between automatic generation or manual activation
To create a prompt that includes data from various fields in the row, type the curly bracket symbol to see a list of the fields in the table. After selecting a field to draw data from, the selected field will have an oval around it.
It’s worth noting that free Airtable plans include 500 monthly credits for AI usage, making this tool accessible to hobbyists and professionals alike. The credits do not roll over each month.
To try out my Airtable template, go here: RLP with DNA 4.0 (2024) Research Log. You’ll need to add your own AI field. Depending on whether you have the free or paid plan, you can make your prompt longer or shorter to save monthly credits.
Practical Application: Analyzing DNA Match Details
To illustrate the potential of Airtable AI in genetic genealogy, let’s consider a practical example using a DNA match details table from an RLP with DNA 4.0 Airtable base. By adding an AI field, we can automate the analysis of shared DNA and hypothesized relationships between DNA matches.
The AI can be programmed to:
- Analyze the range and average from the Shared cM Project
- Calculate standard deviations
- Apply custom evaluation criteria
- Consider possible reasons for outliers
For instance, we might instruct the AI to note: “If the match is below one standard deviation from the mean, it could indicate a half relationship instead of a full one.”
In the Airtable base below, I selected a match between my grandfather and his brother, and clicked “Generate” in the AI field (with the long text symbol and purple diamond). This field is called “AI Analysis of Match.” After clicking generate, the AI tools used some of my allotment of credits. Note: you can only click generate when all the fields used in the prompt are filled out in the row.
After the text generates, you can expand the cell to read the entire analysis.
One of the most compelling advantages of using Airtable AI is its seamless integration with your existing data. By generating text within the same environment where your data resides, you significantly reduce the risk of AI hallucinations – those frustrating instances where AI might produce inaccurate information due to lack of context. This integration not only enhances the accuracy of your analyses but also simplifies your workflow, eliminating the need to transfer data between multiple platforms.
Pasting Analysis into Word with Writage
The AI-generated analysis from Airtable can be seamlessly integrated into a research report using a Word plugin called Writage. This tool converts markdown formatting (commonly used by AI chatbots) into standard Word document formatting.
To use Writage:
- Purchase and install the Writage plugin
- Access it via the Word Ribbon
- Click the “paste markdown” button to import your AI-generated analysis
The result is a professionally formatted document that incorporates your AI-assisted DNA match analysis.
Conclusion
The integration of Airtable AI tools into DNA genealogy research marks a significant advancement in our field. By automating complex analyses and streamlining documentation, these tools allow researchers to focus more on interpreting results and making meaningful connections in their family histories. For both seasoned genealogists and newcomers to genetic research, these advancements offer exciting opportunities to enhance research methodologies and uncover hidden connections in family trees. The user-friendly nature of Airtable AI makes sophisticated analysis accessible to researchers at all levels, democratizing advanced genealogical techniques. AI tools are not just making our research more efficient; they’re expanding the horizons of what’s possible in family history exploration.
Learn More
Learn more about using AI tools in our hands-on workshop, Research Like a Pro with AI.
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