National Geographic Genographic Project

404 Views 27 Replies 19 Participants Last post by 5796, Feb 20, 2006

Sarihah

Discussion Starter · Jun 17, 2005

I think this project is fascinating.

https://www5.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/

How do we explain the incredible diversity of people from around the globe? How did your ancestors find their way to the place where you live today?

Questions like these are the focus of a landmark study that will change the way we think about human history: The Genographic Project.

The project is a five-year, global DNA-sampling research partnership of National Geographic and IBM, led by distinguished population geneticist Spencer Wells, the Society's newest explorer-in-residence. With lead support for field research from the Waitt Family Foundation, Wells and a group of the world's leading scientists will attempt to collect and analyze more than 100,000 DNA samples from people all over the world. The project will shed new light on our genetic and migratory history, helping us to better understand the connections and differences that make up the human species.

I just bought one of their project DNA test kits for my brother for his birthday. (He's a geek like me, and he's overjoyed).

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Sarihah

Discussion Starter · #2 · Jun 17, 2005

I'm torn over whether or not I want to fork over another $107.00 for a test for myself, but I'd like to because of the way the DNA is traced. My brother's DNA will track the patrilineal DNA journey. Mine would trace the matrilineal journey.

Get Your Results
Samples will be analyzed for genetic "markers" found in mitochondrial DNA and on the Y chromosome. We will be performing two tests for the public participants:

Males: Y-DNA test. This test allows you to identify your deep ancestral geographic origins on your direct paternal line.

Females: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). This tests the mtDNA of females to identify the ancestral migratory origins of your direct maternal line.

Thursday Girl

· #3 · Jun 17, 2005

That is really awesome If I had that kind of money I would so totally do it. I would swab my DD though b/c then for that one price I can get the whole families

I can't wait to see where this goes.

Courtney

ps. if this one is a boy which i think it might be i guess I'd have to get two then. of course even one is a dream.

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Sarihah

Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 17, 2005

I know. It's so expensive. I wish I could have my daughter's done as well. Her father is French/Italian. It would be so interesting to see how her DNA journey varies from mine.

Marsupialmom

· #5 · Jun 17, 2005

I have a list of people I would love to do this, it would show how intertwine we really are.

Skim

· #6 · Jun 18, 2005

There was an interesting thread about this a while back... maybe you could do a search (or I can if I get the energy) of news for it.

Sarihah

Discussion Starter · #7 · Jun 18, 2005

I'll check out that thread Skim. Thanks for the info.

Totally OT, the National Geographic site has incredible merchandise for sale. It's waaaaaay too expensive for my budget, but still a lot of fun to look at.

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chersolly

· #8 · Jun 18, 2005

Oprah recently had her markers tested and she says she has Zulu ancestors. Neat.

Quote:

I just bought one of their project DNA test kits for my brother for his birthday. (He's a geek like me, and he's overjoyed).

And it's a treat for you too.

:

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lisamarie

· #9 · Jan 23, 2006

I just recently read about this in this mornings newspaper. It is so facisinating!

Has anyone else done it?

Warmly~

Lisa

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JessicaS

· #10 · Jan 23, 2006

I really want to!

Charles Baudelaire

· #11 · Jan 23, 2006

Thanks so much!!! I am so eager to do this for our dd!!! So cool! I never would've found this without your recommendation.

Altair

· #12 · Jan 23, 2006

2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sarihah
I know. It's so expensive. I wish I could have my daughter's done as well. Her father is French/Italian. It would be so interesting to see how her DNA journey varies from mine.

your daughter inherited your mitochondrial DNA, so there would be no point.

they only trace women's matrilineal lines, as far as i understood... which is why i'm not as interested in doing it. i want to know ALL my history.

plus, my DNA in a database creeps me out. They entire purpose of the study is to have a huge database of DNA to use in research. they should be paying ME!

ETA: i'm confused whether you really do have an "opt-out" option or not if you don't want them to keep your info. different parts of their website seem to say different things.

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mamarhu

· #13 · Jan 23, 2006

The Ancestor's Tale, by Richard Dawkins explains the mitochondrial DNA/female inheritance thing. Great book for any fellow nerds out there!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/061...lance&n=283155

oyemicanto

· #14 · Jan 24, 2006

I would love to do this! But $100 is too steep for me right now...

mamachandi

· #15 · Jan 24, 2006

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wynkenblynken&nod

· #16 · Jan 24, 2006

2

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altair
your daughter inherited your mitochondrial DNA, so there would be no point.

they only trace women's matrilineal lines, as far as i understood... which is why i'm not as interested in doing it. i want to know ALL my history.

plus, my DNA in a database creeps me out. They entire purpose of the study is to have a huge database of DNA to use in research. they should be paying ME!

ETA: i'm confused whether you really do have an "opt-out" option or not if you don't want them to keep your info. different parts of their website seem to say different things.

OOhh oohhh! Like Alias! Yeah, that creeps me out too. I already have type O- blood so Carter is always bangin' on my door, but it would suck to be in a DNA list!

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purplegirl

· #17 · Jan 25, 2006

I just sent away for my kit. Can't wait to get the results.

wynkenblynken&nod

· #18 · Jan 25, 2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by purplegirl
I just sent away for my kit. Can't wait to get the results.

OH! Keep us updated on it.

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gentlebirthmothr

· #19 · Jan 25, 2006

//

5796

· #20 · Jan 25, 2006

Quote:

The entire online process is completely anonymous so no one, including project scientists, will ever be able to access your results. But, if you choose, you can share them. A printable, hi-resolution certificate of participation, map, and haplogroup overview serve as compelling documentation of your deep ancestry.

that is nice to know.

yes, I would love to do it.

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