Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Ancient DNA reveals web of marriage and migration in Peru

A new study analyzing ancient DNA alongside archaeological data suggests that population movement along Peru's Pacific coast began at least 800 years ago, centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire. Genetic evidence reveals mixed ancestry between people from different coastal regions over subsequent generations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2026

DNA matches identify four more sailors from Franklin expedition

Researchers from the University of Waterloo have identified four more members of Sir John Franklin's 1845 expedition using DNA samples extracted from skeletal remains. The new discoveries bring the total number of identified sailors to six, providing previously unavailable details about the circumstances and locations of their deaths.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2026

The Idaho student homicides and forensic genetics

The article explores the role of forensic genetics in solving crimes using DNA analysis, familial DNA searching, and genealogical research. Forensic genetic genealogy has been successfully used to generate investigative leads for unsolved cases, leading to increased solved case rates and development of new investigative tools.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalForensic Genomics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 13, 2023

The impacts from using genetic testing to track down relatives

Researchers surveyed over 26,000 genetic genealogy participants about their experiences discovering previously unknown relatives. Most reported learning the identity of at least one relative, with some finding close family ties and others experiencing life-changing discoveries.

SourceCell Press·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 24, 2022

Sharing of tacit knowledge is most important aspect of mentorship, study finds

The most successful protégés studied under mentors who demonstrated unique skills in ideating and publishing celebrated research, breaking away from their mentors' lines of research. These mentors were future scientific prizewinners. The study reveals that face-to-face interaction is essential for transferring tacit knowledge.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2020

Anonymous no more: combining genetics with genealogy to identify the dead in unmarked graves

A team of researchers combined genealogical information with genetic data from modern Quebecers to access the genetic profile of Quebec's historical population. The study successfully identified approximately 1.7 million individuals, but limitations in genetic coverage hindered full identification, leaving around 88% of men married bef...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Predicting the transmission of rare, genetically based diseases

A McGill-led research team has developed a computational process to track the transmission histories of rare genetic diseases, tracing CAID back to two European founding families in 17th century Quebec. The researchers hope to extend their search techniques to more common genetically based diseases and identify new genetic variants.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Human Genetics·DateDec 6, 2018

Using crowdsourced data, scientists build massive family tree that tells tales of humanity

Researchers created a massive crowd-sourced family tree analyzing 86 million public profiles from Geni.com, uncovering trends in migration patterns and genetic relatedness. The study found females migrate more than males, and couples born between 1800-1850 showed increased marital distances despite higher genetic relatedness.

Understanding roots opens students to science, diversity

A Penn State research group used genetic and genealogical studies to develop a curriculum that connects students with their heritage, increasing interest in science among minorities. The program showed promising results, empowering middle school students to explore science through personalized genetics and genealogy.

Untangling the tree of life

Researchers analyze over 1,000 genes from 23 yeast species to identify reasons for conflicting phylogenetic trees and propose new methods to improve accuracy. They find that genetic data is less reliable during periods of rapid radiation and that the value of DNA data may have a similar limit.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature·DateMay 14, 2013

Eunuchs outlive other men

A study of noble Korean males found castrated eunuchs lived 14-19 years longer than other men. The incidence of centenarians among Korean eunuchs is 130 times greater than in developed countries, offering clues to life extension.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 24, 2012

Irish potato famine disease came from South America

Researchers at North Carolina State University have found that Phytophthora infestans, the fungus-like pathogen responsible for the 1840s Irish potato famine, originated in the Andes region of South America. The study used gene genealogies to track the migration patterns of different strains of the pathogen, pointing to an Andean origin.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2007