In 5 years time we could possess the most detailed genetic map so far of the history of human migrations. This is the ambitious plan of a privately financed US$4OM project, recently launched by the National Geographic Society and computer giant IBM. The project aims to collect blood samples from 100,000 indigenous people throughout the world, analyse them and try to determine their geographical origins (The Indian Express, 18 April 2005). To get the kind of sampling they need they have invited people from across the world to participate — as well as doing field research among hundreds of indigenous groups, the project is selling $99 cheek-swabbing kits (USA Today, 17 April 2005) for which the donors are given information on the migratory histories of their ancestors (kits are available at http://www3.nationalgeographic.com/genographic). Data are anonymous and will not be used for medical or political ends, assures the project director, Spencer Wells.
Not everyone is queuing up for the kit, however, as mistrust is brewing in various corners. Ethnic minorities are already boycotting the project — and even IBM computers — as they fear the project will be used to diminish their rights. Indigenous populations, burnt by previous encounters with scientists, including the Human Genome Diversity Project, are wary (ABC Science Online, Australia, 25 April 2005). And scientists themselves have been wondering whether they will have access to the samples, and under what terms.
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