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Archiver > GALLAGHER > 2000-12 > 0975668409


From: MMGollaher <>
Subject: [GALLAGHER] News: DNA and Genealogy, Genealogy Book Readied
Date: Fri, 01 Dec 2000 03:00:09 -0800


A few interesting articles on DNA and genealogy I came across and posted to
our Clann news pages:


Y MOLECULAR GENEALOGY GROUP WORKS ON WORLDWIDE FAMILY TREE
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Linking the present with the past is becoming easier with new developments in
the nation's No.1 hobby -- genealogy. BYU's Molecular Genealogy Research
Group is conducting a study where collected DNA samples and written pedigrees
are used to trace genealogical lines.

The project is the next step towards completing a worldwide genealogy tree.
Information encoded in an individual's DNA can be used to determine how an
individual is related to families or tribal groups. By looking at DNA
markers, which are passed on from generation to generation, we can detect
relationships that would otherwise be impossible to link through names and
written pedigree charts. By taking samples from all over the world the
researchers hope to be able to tell people from which area of the world they
originate. The worldwide project plans to reach 500 populations in the next
five years.

Molecular Genealogy will be a helpful source for those whose genealogical
research is blocked due to insufficient written records, Perego said.

-- Read more of this article at:
http://OGallchobhair.org/News/Gen-dna01.htm



LDS CHURCH-PRODUCED BOOKLET COULD MAKE GENEALOGY EASIER
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A new pilot project being developed at the LDS Family History Library is
hoped to vastly improve and streamline the way beginners do genealogical
research.

An easy to follow, step-by-step research booklet on Danish genealogical
records is being finalized and tested by staff members and volunteers at the
library. The booklet is titled; "Denmark -- A Beginner's Guide to Library
Research 1814-Early 1900s."

Last Tuesday and Thursday, a draft copy of the booklet was given to 160
volunteers who agreed to use the booklet this week and provide feedback on
its usability and effectiveness. The booklet relies heavily on easy-to-read
graphics, record samples, computer-style dialog boxes, map diagrams, tip side
bars and directional arrows.

"After 15 years of reviewing almost every library publication, this is the
first time I have ever seen a product that actually shows people how to do
the research process," said Kay Merkley, instructional designer for the
Family History Library.

-- Read more of this article at:
http://OGallchobhair.org/News/Gen-dna01.htm



THE HUMAN FAMILY TREE: 10 ADAMS AND 18 EVES
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The book of Genesis mentions three of Adam and Eve's children: Cain, Abel and
Seth. But geneticists, by tracing the DNA patterns found in people throughout
the world, have now identified lineages descended from 10 sons of a genetic
Adam and 18 daughters of Eve. The human genome is turning out to be a rich
new archive for historians and prehistorians, one whose range extends from
recent times to the dawn of human existence.
...
Biologist Edward O. Wilson, in a recent interview with The Wall Street
Journal, mused that a new basis for spiritual values might be found -- not in
the usual religious sources but in what he sees as the inspiring story of
human origins and history.

"We need to create a new epic based on the origins of humanity," he said,
adding: "Homo sapiens have had one hell of a history! And I am speaking both
of deep history -- evolutionary, genetic history -- and then, added on to
that and interacting with it, the cultural history recorded for the past
10,000 years or so."

Many of the biologists who are reconstructing the human past believe their
work has a value that transcends genetics. Although their lineage trees are
based on genetic differences, most of these differences lie in the regions of
DNA that do not code for genes and have no effect on the body.

"We are all Africans at the Y chromosome level and we are really all
brothers," Dr. Underhill said.

Dr. Wallace remarked that since he started working on mitochondrial DNA in
the late 1970's: "What I have found astounding is that it clearly shows we
are all one human family. The phylogeny in Africa goes back to the origins of
our species, but the fingers of L3 are touching Europe and Asia, saying that
we are all closely related."
...
As if fulfilling Dr. Wilson's suggestion, Dr. Sykes said he had "worked out a
mythological framework for these seven women," in respect of the arduous
times in which they must have lived and the triumph of spreading their
mitochondrial DNA to almost all the inhabitants of Europe.

-- Read the entire article at:
http://OGallchobhair.org/News/Gen-dna02.htm

--
<><
Michael Monroe Gollaher
Mícheál Mac an Rothaich ÓGhallchobhar
of the Clanna Gallchobhair

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