Created by Spencer Wells in 2005 whom served as the original director until 2015, the project is a non-profit partnership between the society and the Waitt Foundation. As part of an associated study, researchers are obtaining DNA tests from different cultures and populations around the world. During the beginning stages, researchers focused primarily on indigenous populations. Now, the organization houses researchers in different centers in different parts of the world.
In Autumn of 2012, the project received a new array with which to use in genotyping. The array is dedicated to the study of genetic anthropology and has been provided the name of GenoChip. Designed specifically as a tool for genotyping, the array has the capability of testing a multitude of DNA types.
A second new chip was introduced in 2015 in which Genographic Lead Scientists, Vilar and Family Tree joined forces. In addition, a test known as Admixture was developed by Wells and Elhaik which works to classify individuals based on an assessment of genomic ancestral factors related to different regions of the world. Between the new chips and this new test, the society has made a great deal more progress when it comes to testing and sorting different types of DNA.
The society began using Helix DNA sequencing for the first time in Geno 2.0 Next Generation. Unlike earlier phases, the current phase is focused on analyzing populations based on modern day demographics using between eighteen and twenty-two populations. By collecting DNA samples from these groups, Helix acquires samples of saliva from participants which is then analyzed for genetic and genomic markers.
Since the beginning, volunteers have been participating by providing DNA samples along with participating in citizen scientific projects. The Genographic Society now sells non-profit self-testing kits to members of the public whom wish to participate as citizen scientists. As a method of outreach to the general public, participation has often been encouraged by a number of genealogical organizations which are seeking to promote benefits from different research programs and scientific research.
The latest and most advanced technology associated with DNA and genome testing is now being used as of this latest phase of the study. Through the use of various technological equipment and data collection, the organization is hopeful in expanding knowledge of the historical aspects of the human story as well as the connection between different cultures and populations. As such, researchers hope to harness the power of the greater population in order to discover new data and history beginning with the earliest days of the world.
While the project has been successful to date, the Indigenous People's Council on Biocolonialism or IPCB provided a statement which criticized the project. The reason provided in the statement for such criticism was because some tribes felt the DNA testing had the potential to show that some Native Americans were not indigenous to North America. As such, the council recommended that the tribal members not participate in the research study and also boycott IBM and Gateway for their role in the project.
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