[Graybeard]

A Landmark Study of the Human Journey Where do you really come from? And how did you get to where you live today? DNA studies suggest that all humans today descend from a group of African ancestors who—about 60,000 years ago—began a remarkable journey. The Genographic Project is seeking to chart new knowledge about the migratory history of the human species by using sophisticated laboratory and computer analysis of DNA contributed by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. In this unprecedented and real-time research effort, the Genographic Project is closing the gaps of what science knows today about humankind's ancient migration stories. The Genographic Project is a five-year research partnership led by National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence Dr. Spencer Wells. Dr. Wells and a team of renowned international scientists and IBM researchers, are using cutting-edge genetic and computational technologies to analyze historical patterns in DNA from participants around the world to better understand our human genetic roots. The three components of the project are: to gather field research data in collaboration with indigenous and traditional peoples around the world; to invite the general public to join the project by purchasing a Genographic Project Public Participation Kit; and to use proceeds from Genographic Public Participation Kit sales to further field research and the Genographic Legacy Fund which in turn supports indigenous conservation and revitalization projects. The Project is anonymous, non-medical, non-political, non-profit and non-commercial and all results will be placed in the public domain following scientific peer publication.

The above is the intro from the National Geographic Human Genographic Project

We are all related, descended from a common individual who lived only 60,000 years ago. Perhaps we should call him Adam. LOL. This project is amazing, and I believe it will rewrite the history books,

The project is run by Dr Spencer Wells, and yesterday I purchased my participation kit.


The kit includes the following elements:

• Buccal swab kit
• Multimedia DVD
• Exclusive National Geographic Genographic Map
• "Quick Start" card
• Genographic Project Brochure
• Self-addressed envelope
• Confidential Genographic Project ID Number (GPID)

The purchase price (around 100 bucks) also includes the cost of the testing and analysis.


What will it tell you ?

Your results will reveal your deep ancestry along a single line of direct descent (paternal or maternal .. you choose) and show the migration paths they followed thousands of years ago. Your results will also place you on a particular branch of the human family tree. Some anthropological stories are more detailed than others, depending upon the lineage you belong to. For example, if you are of African descent, your results will show the initial movements of your ancestors on the African continent, but will not reflect most of the migrations that have occurred within the past 10,000 years. Your individual results may confirm your expectations of what you believe your deep ancestry to be, or you may be surprised to learn a new story about your genetic background.

You will not receive a percentage breakdown of your genetic background by ethnicity, race, or geographic origin. Nor will you receive confirmation of an association with a particular tribe or ethnic group.

Furthermore, this is not a genealogy study. You will not learn about your great-grandparents or other recent relatives, and your DNA trail will not necessarily lead to your present-day location. Rather, your results will reveal the anthropological story of your direct maternal or paternal ancestors—where they lived and how they migrated around the world many thousands of years ago.

Remember, your initial results are just the beginning. They are based on current science and may become more detailed and refined as the ongoing field research yields new information. Be sure to visit the Web site often to follow along as they post new findings and automatically update your results.

Just for the record my oral history holds that my Fathers ancestors came from Syria/Lebanon and my Mothers from Ireland. I will post my results here.

cool bananas ... greg

[analog]

hey Greg,

Sounds cool. Let us know what you find out.


Your brother from another mother,

Tim

P.S. What about the gardens and apples?

[Graybeard]

Tim ... Sure will ... the results will probably take a month or two. Its going to be hard waiting that long.

I knew about the project, and have been following it on the national Geo channel, but never realised till yesterday that the public could participate. I bought my kit within 10 seconds of learning it was possible.

I found out from another forum ... where I post occasionally as Danggali ... HERE Its not a science forum. More Anthropology and Archeology. A bit biased in content towards the Americas and Clovis, but otherwise very nice people.

As for the apples, if we go back even further, we will find that we are all from the one tree, apples included. LOL.

cool bananas ... greg

[analog]

Originally Posted by Graybeard As for the apples, if we go back even further, we will find that we are all from the one tree, apples included. LOL.

I agree. I never did like the thought that the fate of the world once hinged on some poor girls appetite.

[analog]

What ever become of this? Have you gotten back your results yet?

My ancestors probably just migrated around in a circle, which would explain my predisposition to doing this in my life (and intellectually). I blame everything on genetics; it lets me feel better about myself.

[Graybeard]

I should get them this week or next. Thanks for asking.

cool bananas ... greg

[dolly]

As usual your thread is wonderful. I hope our summer employers have successfully installed satellite connection to the net so I can follow your progress. Thought I would share a few pic's from Gold Bridge - hope you and all at the T.O.E. enjoy them. SherryAttachment 412

Attachment 413

Attachment 414

[Graybeard]

Far out Dolly (Sherry ?)

Those are wonderful pictures. Did you take them? I can see why there is no work in the winter. Looks like it would all be snowbound, is that correct ?

Also, I think I would rather deal with a kangaroo than a momma bear ... LOL

Is this the place just below the Lojolie Dam?

cool bananas ... greg

[dolly]

Hi Greg, glad you liked the pic's. Bears are quit indifferent towards humans, it's stupidity or rather lack of knowledge that gets someone into trouble with them. My favorite passtime is tracking them. The mule deer are quit comical as well, they actually play peek-a-boo with me. The one in the pic I've added I call baby girl. Her mama and older bro are a little more leery, but let us play anyway. Your right about the local. I often get some guff for spending half the day taking pic's instead of working. We've got a lot to do this year (building a boat house, installing electrical to workshop, stuff like that) so I'll have to buckle down this year. And ya if we're not out of there by late Oct./earlyNov. travel can be tricky without a ski-doo. Chow for now Sherry.