Finding out about your ancestors by looking at family Bibles and old photos is interesting and informative. Where did your family live? What did they do? What was their life like? But, if you want to go way back in your family tree, you might find The Genographic Project a good place to start. The project is sponsored by National Geographic and IBM.

The project is a five-year genetic anthropology study that aims to map historical human migration patterns. The Genographic Project uses sophisticated computer analysis of DNA contributed by hundreds of thousands of people - including and traditional populations and the general public - to reveal man's migratory history and to better understand the connections and differences that make up the human race. And, YOU CAN BE ONE.

Your task is to request and pay a small fee for a DNA testing kit. With your kit, you receive a DVD telling you about the project, a map of known movement for human genetic material, and two swabs to collect your DNA from a cheek scrape. You return the coded sample for analysis. And, in a few weeks, you receive a map of the movement of your DNA out of Africa. For males, the Y chromosome tracks genetic changes through the male line of the family.

For females the mitochondrial DNA tracks chances through the female lineage. You can track the progress of your sample on line using your unique coded number. When the analysis is complete, you will see a map of the movement of your genes over several thousand years up to about 10,000 years ago. Strict security of your information is maintained.

According to the project manager, "by participating in the Genographic Project, you will be part of a real-time research effort. In addition, you will have an opportunity to learn something about your deep ancestry and the migratory journey that your ancestors followed.

Also, you will be contributing financially to the project. The net proceeds from the sales of the Genographic Project Public Participation Kits will help support the field research, as well as education programs and cultural preservation efforts in indigenous and traditional communities."

Genographic Project

Posted by Barbara.

Barbara edits Quality Cat Resources and Quality Dog Resources.