During a long
genealogy dry spell where every place we looked was void of relevant
information, we learned about National
Geographic sponsoring the Genographic
Project. The Genographic Project is a real time effort to map
how humankind populated the earth. This project has three main
pillars it is using to meets is genetic mapping goals:
-
The core of the project is the collection of DNA samples
from indigenous populations, which contains key genetic markers
that have remained relatively unaltered over hundreds of
generations making them reliable indicators of ancient migratory
patterns.
-
Allow the general public to take part in the project by
purchasing a
Genographic Project Public Participation Kit and submitting
their own cheek swab sample, thus allowing them to track the overall
progress of the project as well as learn their own migratory
history.
-
Use the proceeds from the sale of the Genographic Public
Participation Kits to help fund future field research and a legacy
project, which will build on National Geographic's 118-year-long
focus of world cultures.
Questions? Here are some
answers to those most frequently asked: FAQ.
This science project is
being lead by geneticist and
anthropologist
Dr. Spencer Wells. There are
two books by
Dr. Wells, the “Journey
of Man: A Genetic Odyssey”, and “Deep
Ancestry: Inside the Genographic Project”. In his first book he
does a great job of explaining the overall project’s history and
approaches in the field. There is also a PBS (Public
Broadcasting Service) documentary created by
National Geographic that brings his work and its goals and
challenges alive in a way that makes them easy to understand (Keep
watch for the "Journey of Man" when it comes to a PBS station near
you). I’ve
enjoyed reading Dr. Wells first book a few times and have learned
something new each time. His second book is only due here next
week, but if it is anything like the second, I’ll learn a lot more
about the project and how I might view the search for genes to make
family connections.
When my public participation kit
arrived it included a large map showing the various paths the
various groups took in populating the world. There was also a
CD copy of "The Journey of Man" PBS documentary, plus instructions on how
to use the two swab sticks and return them for
analysis. Testing results took about
8-weeks, but there is a place on the Genographic Project web site
where you can log in using your kit number to see how the testing is
progressing.
When the testing is complete, the
results are displayed and available for printing. You are also
offered the opportunity to anonymously participate in the
Genographic Project where you are asked some simple and non-invasive
questions about what country were your parents born in and when.
There is also a link where you
can participate in Family
Tree DNA by transferring your test results to their matching
database. There is no cost to participate in Family Tree
DNA, but there are a lot of advantages to getting involved if you
have an interest in genealogy.
When the opportunity to expand my access to information
appeared, I was
more than ready. To learn what I've found out, follow my
current learning with FTDNA.
(more...)
