Hit Counter ----- 1. What is the Genographic Project? 2. Who will be participating? 3. How can I participate? 4. What does this have to do with genealogy? 5. Why is this message on the TONSING-DNA mailing list? ----- 1. What is the Genographic Project? The National Geographic Society, IBM, geneticist Spencer Wells, and the Waitt Family Foundation have launched the Genographic Project, a five-year effort to understand the human journey—where we came from and how we got to where we live today. This unprecedented effort will map humanity's genetic journey through the ages. For more info, visit http://www.nationalgeographic.com/genographic/ 2. Who will be participating? The Genographic Project will analyze DNA contributed by hundreds of thousands of people—including indigenous populations and the general public. The core of the project is the collection of blood samples from indigenous populations, whose DNA contains key genetic markers that have remained relatively unaltered over hundreds of generations making them reliable indicators of ancient migratory patterns. The general public can take part in the project by purchasing a Genographic Project Public Participation Kit and submitting their own cheek swab sample, allowing them to track the overall progress of the project as well as learn their own migratory history. Unlike surname DNA projects, both women and men can participate in the Genographic Project. Men receive a yDNA test that identifies deep ancestral geographic origins on the direct paternal line. Women receive an mtDNA test that identifies ancestral migratory origins of the direct maternal line. 3. How can I participate? You can order a Participation Kit from National Geographic that includes: a) a DVD containing an interactive project overview and the excellent PBS film "The Journey of Man"; b) a nice map illustrating human migratory history; c) a buccal swab kit, instructions, and a self-addressed envelope in which to return your cheek swab sample; d) a detailed brochure about the project; and e) a confidential project ID to anonymously access your results at the Genographic Project website. The cost is roughly the same as the basic 12-marker test offered by the major genealogy-oriented DNA testing companies. 4. What does this have to do with genealogy? To be clear—these tests are not conventional genealogy. Your results will not provide names for your personal family tree or tell you where your great grandparents lived. Rather, they will indicate the maternal or paternal genetic markers your deep ancestors passed on to you and the story that goes with those markers. Participants from the general public will be processed at the Arizona Research Labs at the University of Arizona, via Family Tree DNA. The connection between Family Tree DNA and the Genographic Project is important. Those who participate in the Genographic Project will have the opportunity to join FTDNA surname projects and upgrade to higher resolution tests (if desired). Alternately, those who already have FTDNA tests can participate in the Genographic Project for a nominal fee. You can learn more about the FTDNA connection here: http://www.ftdna.com/ftdna_genographic.html In a nutshell, hundreds of thousands of Genographic Project participants will have the opportunity to get involved in genealogical studies. About 40,000 people (myself included) have already ordered kits. 5. Why is this message on the TONSING-DNA mailing list? For many people, the Genographic Project will be their first encounter with DNA testing. Upon learning about their ancient origins, some will get "hooked" and start exploring genealogical applications. There is a high probability that some GP participants will ultimately join FTDNA surname projects, including the ERA Tonsing Family DNA study. This will have a major, positive impact on our project.