AN AMBITIOUS project to use genetics to trace how humans colonised the globe was launched on Wednesday by the National Geographic Society and IBM.
The Genographic Project aims to collect DNA from hundreds of thousands of people around the world over the next five years, including indigenous peoples. Individuals who wish to contribute their DNA will be able to purchase DNA sampling kits for $100. Proceeds from these sales will go to fund further research.
By analysing the DNA, the researchers hope to trace past migrations and create a family tree for humankind. Data from the project will be made available to other researchers, and used to establish a 鈥渧irtual museum鈥� of human history.
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鈥淭he project hopes to trace past migrations and create a family tree for humankind鈥�
In the 1990s, Luca Cavalli-Sforza of Stanford University in California tried to set up the even more ambitious Human Genome Diversity Project, to map genetic diversity worldwide. It foundered in the face of opposition from groups representing indigenous peoples, who saw it as an attempt by western companies to profit from their genes.
The Genographic Project is different, Jonathan Batty of IBM says. No medical studies will be done, or any data commercialised. An independent advisory board including indigenous advocate Tammy Williams of Cape York, Australia, will oversee sampling and research.
