Discovering The National Genographic Project

By Ronald Watson


The National Genographic Society often hosts a number of projects and studies. Currently, the National Genographic Project is in phase 2.0 Next Generation. The project is aimed at studying and mapping migration patterns of humans by analyzing and collecting DNA samples. With over 140 countries having joined as of 2018, there are now approximately one-million participants which have joined the study.

Created by Spencer Wells in 2005 whom served as the original director until 2015, the project is a non-profit partnership between the society and the Waitt Foundation. As part of an associated study, researchers are obtaining DNA tests from different cultures and populations around the world. During the beginning stages, researchers focused primarily on indigenous populations. Now, the organization houses researchers in different centers in different parts of the world.

In Autumn of 2012, the project received a new array with which to use in genotyping. The array is dedicated to the study of genetic anthropology and has been provided the name of GenoChip. Designed specifically as a tool for genotyping, the array has the capability of testing a multitude of DNA types.

In 2015, another new chip was introduced through a joint effort of Vilar, the current project director, Family Tree DNA and Genographic Lead Scientists. An Admixture was also developed by Wells and Elhaik which works to classify individuals based on genomic ancestry from nine regions of the world. The nine regions being Northeast Asian, Mediterranean, Northern European, Sub-Saharan African and Native American.

The society started using a sequencing program for Geno 2.0 Next Generation, the current phase of DNA sampling. Geno 2.0 analyzes populations based on modern day demographics using between eighteen and twenty two regional populations. By using collection kits for DNA samples, the program uses participant's saliva which is analyzed for genomic and genetic markers which offers insight into an individual's genetic make-up.

Since the beginning, volunteers have been participating by providing DNA samples along with participating in citizen scientific projects. The Genographic Society now sells non-profit self-testing kits to members of the public whom wish to participate as citizen scientists. As a method of outreach to the general public, participation has often been encouraged by a number of genealogical organizations which are seeking to promote benefits from different research programs and scientific research.

The society has been using the latest technology available since the inception of the project in 2015. In doing so, researchers are hopeful that the knowledge base related to the connection of different cultures and populations and the human story can be expanded over time. As a result, the researchers are also hopeful that the process will help in discovering new information about different human populations.

While the project has seen a lot of success, there has also been a great deal of criticism. For example, the Indigenous People's Council on Biocolonialism or IPCB provided a press release which criticized the project due to the connection to a number of controversial issues. In one case, tribes suggested that DNA testing might show that some tribes were not indigenous to North America and recommended tribal members avoid participating. Whereas, indigenous populations also began boycotting the project as well as corporations involved such as Gateway and IBM.




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