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Global DNA Project to Study Human Ancestry

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the search-for-eden dept.

Steve writes "The National Geographic Society and IBM are teaming up to map the history of human migration using DNA. The Genographic Project aims to collect 100,000 genetic samples which will be used trace the movements of humans out of Africa and around the globe. While the most useful samples will come from indiginous populations, members of the general public will be able to mail in their own DNA on special cheek swabs."

3 of 325 comments (clear)

  1. Is it worth $100.00? by unk1911 · · Score: 5, Informative

    While the most useful samples will come from indiginous populations, members of the general public will be able to mail in their own DNA on special cheek swabs. for only $100.00 plus ship/handling"

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  2. Other research by kbahey · · Score: 4, Informative

    Some research on this was done before.

    There was also this fellow, British I think, who did a documentary about early human migration using genetics, he was on TV (PBS?) a few years back. Nice work. He showed that there were two waves out of Africa. One hugged the coastline reaching India then all the way to Australia, and another going to central Asia, then staying there for a while, and then a branch going west to Europe, and another going east to Siberia, Beringia, and eventually to the Americans. Can't remember his name. Rats!

    Some other resources:

    Scientists trace human migration using DNA.

    Wikipedia article on Human migration.

    Stephen Oppenheimer did a genetic map.

    Kurgan Genetics.

    Neanderthaals and mtDNA

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  3. Re:Is this really science??? by kebes · · Score: 4, Informative

    For the recrod, this isn't the first study of human migratory patterns. Many migration routes are now well established, whereas others are in debate and should be studied further. This study will help establish better timelines, settle controversies, and maybe even provide fresh theories to be tested. They are not "fitting data to preconceived notions" just because they are using the current body of knowledge as a starting point for their study.

    AFAIK the African origins of humankind are fairly well established. The fact that genetic anthropologists decided to call the oldest known common male ancestor "adam" and the oldest female one "eve" just shows that they have a sense of humour and history, not that what they do is quackery.

    So, yes, it is science.