Unraveling Your Ancestry: U-M Researchers Develop Groundbreaking Statistical Method
University of Michigan researchers have developed a groundbreaking statistical method that has the potential to revolutionize the way we understand human ancestry, track the spread of diseases, and study the movement of animals across geographic regions. This method, known as Gaia (geographic ancestry inference algorithm), offers a more comprehensive and dynamic view of genetic ancestry than traditional methods.
Gideon Bradburd, a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at U-M, explains that current personalized ancestry reports only provide a snapshot of an individual’s genetic heritage at a specific point in time and space. These reports are based on the percentage of a person’s genome inherited from individuals living in a particular region in the past. However, the reality is much more complex, with our family trees resembling a movie rather than a static image.
The Gaia method developed by Bradburd and his colleagues, Michael Grundler and Jonathan Terhorst, utilizes modern genetic sequence samples to estimate the locations of an individual’s genetic ancestors and track their movements over centuries. This approach not only sheds light on human ancestry but can also be applied to studying the emergence of viruses, the divergence of animal populations, and other genealogical tracking.
Bradburd emphasizes the importance of understanding ancestry in a temporal context, as genetic flavors of locations change significantly over time. He challenges the notion of static racial categories, highlighting the fluidity and interconnectedness of human genetic lineages. The Gaia method offers a more nuanced and accurate representation of ancestry, moving away from race-based labels and emphasizing the dynamic nature of genetic heritage.
Beyond human genetics, the Gaia method has broad applications in studying the genetic distribution of organisms and tracking their migration patterns. Researchers can use this tool to pinpoint when and how organisms moved between specific locations, providing valuable insights into population dynamics and dispersal patterns.
The U-M research team is collaborating with scientists worldwide to apply the Gaia method to diverse fields, from understanding the colonization of mosquitoes in the South Pacific to unraveling the history of the Massasauga rattlesnake in Michigan and Ohio. By viewing ancestry as a dynamic and evolving narrative, researchers can gain a deeper understanding of genetic connections and movements across time and space.
Overall, the Gaia method represents a significant advancement in genetic research, offering a more nuanced and comprehensive approach to studying ancestry, disease spread, and animal migration. By embracing the complexity and dynamism of genetic heritage, researchers can uncover new insights into the interconnectedness of all living beings on Earth.