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April 24, 2005
Genographic survey
What?
Genographic survey? What the heck is that?
OK, I will confess that I have been fascinated by the whole research project of exploring the whole genetic thing. As the world population has exploded, the gene pool has also been mixed as it has never been before. Archeology has now traced our ancestral lineage back to an area in Africa, where, some 3 million years ago, the first homonids appeared. From the first, our genes have changed, adapted and, in so doing, adapted us as we have passed through the evolutionary stages between the early homonids and modern man - modern in the same sense that we are still Homo Sapiens (Cro Magnon Mark 1), as opposed to any of the earlier versions.
Since the discovery of the helical structure of DNA and the gene proteins, we have learned a great deal about ourselves and about our ancestors. As the techniques for studying and mapping DNA have improved, so we have learned more and more about the wonder of our development from the early hominids in the Ethiopian hills. The discovery that certain genes pass from the maternal line consistently has meant that it is possible to trace the maternal lineage of an individual and thus recreate an entire family tree for that person and his or her antecedents. It has also been possible to trace the migration of the human species from the area of its first origins to every part of the world.
Naturally there is the potential to abuse this knowledge as there is always the potential to abuse any knowledge. Unfortunately the fear of this is likely to hold back the really important research that we should support which could well bring an end to many of the genetic defects which cause such heartache and misery to those whose offspring are afflicted by genetically-transmitted allergies or predispositions to cancer or other ailments. Two world wars culled a huge amount of genetic material from the genepools of Europe and the US and of Asia, in the process, not to mention the British Colonies and Dominions such as Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. In some countries this is compounded by religious practices and strictures which result in the limitation of choice in selecting husbands/brides and lead to cousin marrying cousin.
Understanding how this all fits together is vital if we are to avoid rendering ourselves extinct becasue we managed to breed increasingly defective genes to the point of collapse. It is a difficult area, one fraught with questions of morality and with a dark past in the eugenics research conducted by the Nazis, but we cannot afford to ignore it.
For this reason, I have decided to take part in the National Geographic Society survey which is attempting to map the genetic pool of the human race worldwide. I will be sending in my swabs for analysis and will receive in return, in due course, a full genetic map of my (and naturally my families) antecedents as far back as the records currently permit. I find this a fascinating study, not least because, as a family, we have served the Crown for generations and have travelled far and wide in that service. To have the chance to discover who we really are, what genes we carry and where our relatives may be scattered is exciting and interesting. If, along the way, we are making a contribution to the science that may, one day, give us cures for some diseases, or prevent defective genetic transmission, then it is one of the most worthwhile things I can do.
If you are interested, check the National Geographic website and take part yourself.
Posted by The Gray Monk at April 24, 2005 10:37 AM