Post #2: Deep Ancestry

What is DNA? A molecule that allows us to travel very far back into the past - this history book we carry around like a gift from a long line of ancestors.  A continuous sequence of code with four building blocks, contained in nearly every cell in your body.  So much information is contained in our DNA inside one cell that if stretched end to end, if would be nearly six feet long.  DNA stands for Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid.  It is composed of what looks like two ribbons that are connected by pairs of 4 different nucleotides.  Their names are not terribly important, but the order which they sequence help to determine your skin color, your height, your likelihood of getting diabetes or becoming an alcoholic.  Together in various sequences, the nucleotides create our genes and fully together, our genome.
When you have children, you copy your DNA and pass it onto them.  This is why your offspring resemble you more closely than they do other people.  However the mix of 2 peoples DNA can sometimes create mistakes, called mutations.  These mutations provide generations of people, variation.  Early scientists even went as far as classifying humans into separate categories.  It is thought that the human races had once been united, but over time, with migration and mutations they had evolved separately to produce the diversity we see today.
The ability to distinguish our DNA did not exist until recently.  Now genetic scientists can determine if you are part of a family tree dating back centuries.  Genetic scientists have began mapping the world and charting the migration of various peoples and DNA.

Deep Ancestry Post #1

Well, I've started a new book!  (Actually I read a very good novel last week by a local author. B.K. Nault.  The book is titled Kelidescope.  WARNING, once you start this book, you won't want to put it down!)

The new book I will be posting about is titled, "Deep Ancestry: Inside the Genograpic Project" Written by, Spencer Wells. Published by, National Geographic 2007.
As described on the back cover,
....an accessible introduction into genetic anthropology, the study of human history using genetic evidence.
....deciphering the text we each carry in our genes, we can now trace in extraordinary detail when and how our ancestors moved to inhabit all corners of the globe.

Chapter 1 sets the stage by exposing our diversity as humans.  There are 192 nations of the world and many more languages.  Now start combining those nationalities and you get a very complex mix.  For many centuries, most people stayed in a relatively small part of the world, often not even leaving the small town or village they resided in, marrying and having a family in that same small town.  Then the largest mass migration in human history tool place between 1840 and 1920 when nearly 40 million people (more than double the U.S. population in 1840) moved from Europe to the United States.  Today nearly half of all Americans have ancestors that passed through the main immigration facility on Ellis Island in New York Harbor.  Most Americans are deeply curious about their roots dating back to before their ancestors arrived in America.  Genealogy, the list of our ancestors and descendants, is the second most popular hobby after gardening, and the second most visited category of web sites.

Next we will look at our DNA which carries the story of our ancestors.  Until next week, Stay Active, Physically and Mentally!!