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13/04/2005
Research traces human migratory history
The National Geographic Society and IBM have launched a groundbreaking research project which aims to trace the migratory history of the human species through DNA.
The Genographic Project will collect DNA from thousands of people – including indigenous peoples and the general public – and use laboratory and computer analysis of the samples in order to map how the Earth was populated.
The five-year project, which is also funded by the Waitt Family Foundation, will establish ten centres around the world and study more than 100,000 DNA samples in order to discover details about global human migratory history and understand the connections and differences that make up the human species.
The project aims to establish a public database of the one of the largest collections of human population genetic information ever assembled.
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr Spencer Wells described the research as " the 'moon shot' of anthropology, using genetics to fill in the gaps in our knowledge of human history". He said: "Our DNA carries a story that is shared by everyone. Over the next five years we'll be deciphering that story, which is now in danger of being lost as people migrate and mix to a much greater extent than they have in the past."
Members of the public will be able to participate in the Genographic Project by purchasing a kit and taking a cheek swab sample, which will allow them to have their own results included in the database.
Scientists from IBM's Computational Biology Centre will use advanced analytical technologies and data sorting techniques to interpret the samples and to discover new patterns and connections within the data they contain. IBM will also provide the core computational knowledge and infrastructure for the project.
Commenting on the project, John Fahey, President and CEO of the National Geographic Society, said: "We are deploying state-of-the-art science and technology to map our journey across the planet. We hope this ambitious and important project will increase our understanding and appreciation of our shared history."
Ted Waitt, founder of the Waitt Family Foundation, said: "The more we can improve our understanding of the common origin and journey of humankind, the greater the possibility for all of us to see each other as members of the same family. And with that awareness, we can find ways to live and work together on a global basis."
National Geographic and IBM will regularly provide updates on the findings of the Geographic Project at: www.nationalgeographic/genographic
(KMcA/GB)
The Genographic Project will collect DNA from thousands of people – including indigenous peoples and the general public – and use laboratory and computer analysis of the samples in order to map how the Earth was populated.
The five-year project, which is also funded by the Waitt Family Foundation, will establish ten centres around the world and study more than 100,000 DNA samples in order to discover details about global human migratory history and understand the connections and differences that make up the human species.
The project aims to establish a public database of the one of the largest collections of human population genetic information ever assembled.
National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr Spencer Wells described the research as " the 'moon shot' of anthropology, using genetics to fill in the gaps in our knowledge of human history". He said: "Our DNA carries a story that is shared by everyone. Over the next five years we'll be deciphering that story, which is now in danger of being lost as people migrate and mix to a much greater extent than they have in the past."
Members of the public will be able to participate in the Genographic Project by purchasing a kit and taking a cheek swab sample, which will allow them to have their own results included in the database.
Scientists from IBM's Computational Biology Centre will use advanced analytical technologies and data sorting techniques to interpret the samples and to discover new patterns and connections within the data they contain. IBM will also provide the core computational knowledge and infrastructure for the project.
Commenting on the project, John Fahey, President and CEO of the National Geographic Society, said: "We are deploying state-of-the-art science and technology to map our journey across the planet. We hope this ambitious and important project will increase our understanding and appreciation of our shared history."
Ted Waitt, founder of the Waitt Family Foundation, said: "The more we can improve our understanding of the common origin and journey of humankind, the greater the possibility for all of us to see each other as members of the same family. And with that awareness, we can find ways to live and work together on a global basis."
National Geographic and IBM will regularly provide updates on the findings of the Geographic Project at: www.nationalgeographic/genographic
(KMcA/GB)
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