1-1-2006
The Genographic Project is a cooperative undertaking between National Geographic and IBM in
which they hope to collect at least 100,000 genetic (DNA) samples from various indigenous 
populations so as to better understand the genetic and migratory history of the human race.

The scientists expect to gather 'genetic markers' from each participant as they attempt
to identify ancient lineages.  These genetic markers can be traced deeper and deeper, down
pathways to the earliest layers of our ancestry.  By comparing DNA samples from different
populations, a shape begins emerging, the shape of the human family tree, from twigs back
to root, as encoded in our genes.

I urge you to participate by donating your DNA to the project.  There is a cost involved
(approximately $100) for processing of the DNA.  You can find out more about the project at
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic.

This five-year study (which began in 2005) is not a genealogy project and will not provide
you with the names of your ancestors.  It is more of a science study and will, instead, provide
you with the migratory pattern of your ancestor.  If the participant is a female, the 
mitochondrial DNA (DNA passed from mother to offspring in long maternal chains of descent) will
be studied and charted.  If the participant is male, the Y chromosome will be studied (passed 
from father to son).

It has already been determined that all females are descended from a single female who lived
in Africa roughly 150,000 years ago.  It has also been determined that all males descend from
a single male who lived in Africa about 60,000 years ago.  However, as the generations passed,
the genes of either "Adam" or "Eve" mutated as cousins populated various parts of the world.
This study attempts to isolate further the various mutations (mutations are common to specific 
parts of the world) or "haplogroups".

I am Haplogroup "H".  Half of all Europeans are group "H".  However, as the study progresses,
it is hoped that this group can be broken down even further into many subgroups and might 
provide valuable insight into which countries our ancestors came from. 

I sincerely hope that a good number of people from Louisiana paricpate in the study.  It should
be very interesting to watch to project until it's completion to see patterns emerge about our 
ancestors 1000, 2000, 10000 years ago.  The greater the participation, the greater the results!

I urge you to learn about the study and participate!

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/genograpic


  

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