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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?
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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 journeyâ€”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 peopleâ€”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 clearâ€”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.

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