Humans traced back to a single African originating country, researchers unveil

Humans traced back to a single African originating country, researchers unveil

In a groundbreaking development at the University of Oxford's Big Data Institute, a team of researchers, led by evolutionary geneticist Dr. Yan Wong and lead researcher Dr. Anthony Wilder Wohns, have constructed a comprehensive family tree of all humankind using more than 3,600 ancient and modern human genomes. This revolutionary study, which employs an open-source approach and a cutting-edge technique called an ancestral recombination graph, offers fresh insights into the origins and evolution of our species.

The study's methodology minimally assumes about the data, revealing what the data naturally says. It has successfully differentiated between genetic mutations tied to disease and those passed down through ancestry, providing a more accurate understanding of our genetic lineage. The tree sequence map, a universal tool applicable not just to humans but to orangutans, plants, even bacteria, offers a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of life on Earth.

The genetic map created by the researchers includes 27 million ancestors. It reveals that every person, regardless of location—be it Tokyo, Toronto, or Timbuktu—shares a genetic lineage that ultimately flows from an East African region. Certain populations branched off early and remained isolated, while others show rapid bursts of expansion, mimicking known migrations like the out-of-Africa event 60,000 years ago.

Moreover, the tree sequence map can pinpoint "hotspots" of evolutionary adaptation, informing climate resilience, immune system variation, and aging. It is also beneficial for understanding how certain genes spread geographically, which is beneficial for vaccine development and drug targeting.

However, it is essential to clarify that as of the latest available information, there is no specific recent study from the University of Oxford’s Big Data Institute that has revealed a new definitive origin of all humankind’s genetic lineage. While Professor Visscher’s project at the University of Oxford aims to quantify the full range of human traits influenced by genetics and pinpoint the specific DNA changes responsible for each trait, it does not focus on tracing the origin of humankind’s genetic lineage itself.

Existing knowledge on human origins places the last common ancestor between humans and chimpanzees at around 8–4 million years ago. The genus *Homo* is thought to have evolved from *Australopithecus*, with molecular clock estimates suggesting the genus *Homo* appeared between 4.3 and 2.56 million years ago. The new study does not alter these foundational models or pinpoint a single, previously unknown origin for all humankind’s genetic lineage.

The study's success lies in its inclusivity, as it combined eight large databases, spanning 215 global populations, modern and ancient genomes, and DNA samples dating back over 100,000 years. Future efforts may include more DNA samples from underrepresented regions and the integration of cultural and linguistic data alongside genetic records.

Each tiny piece of a person's genome can be represented by a tree that shows where that gene came from and how it traveled down the chain of history. The genealogical map reveals millions of unique genetic pathways crisscrossing over time, offering a fascinating glimpse into our shared ancestry and the journey of humankind.

1. This breakthrough study at Oxford's Big Data Institute, utilizing technology like ancestral recombination graphs, is revolutionizing science's understanding of health-and-wellness, specifically our genetic lineage.
2. The study's open-source methodology minimally assumes about the data, differentiating between disease-related genetic mutations and ancestral ones.
3. This universal tool, applicable to various species including orangutans and bacteria, offers a unique perspective on life's interconnectedness on Earth.
4. The genetic map, comprising 27 million ancestors, shows every person, from Tokyo to Timbuktu, shares a genetic lineage tracing back to an East African region.
5. Certain populations, such as those who branched off early and remained isolated, are revealed by the map, as are rapid expansions mimicking known migrations.
6. The tree sequence map can identify "hotspots" of evolutionary adaptation, aiding climate resilience, immunity, and aging studies, as well as vaccine development and drug targeting.
7. Despite the study's revelations, it does not offer a new definitive origin for humankind's genetic lineage, but aligns with existing models that place the last common ancestor with chimpanzees around 8–4 million years ago.
8. The study's success stems from its inclusivity, having combined eight large databases spanning 215 global populations, modern and ancient genomes, and over 100,000-year-old DNA samples.
9. Future endeavors may involve adding DNA samples from underrepresented regions and integrating cultural and linguistic data with genetic records for a more holistic approach.
10. Each person's genome can be visualized as a tree, depicting its origin and journey through history, revealing millions of unique genetic pathways.
11. The study's findings shine lights on the fascinating journey of humankind and our shared ancestry, mirroring the fitness-and-exercise metaphor of the genetic chain passing down through generations.
12. In the realm of environmental-science, understanding our origins can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts and adaptation strategies.
13. In the field of mental-health, genetic mapping can lead to a deeper understanding of disorders, informing targeted treatments and fostering personal growth.
14. For career-development and skills-training, the study can inspire future researchers and technology innovators to further explore the complexities of genetics and its potential applications.
15. TheHyundai Motor group, in sports-and-exercise collaboration with the University of Oxford, plans to develop fitness wearables using this research for athletes in various sports like football, basketball, baseball, hockey, golf, and racing.
16. In the world of space-and-astronomy, genetic mapping can help us better understand the origin of life and the potential for it elsewhere in the universe, particularly in the context of climate-change research.
17. Lastly, sports-betting analysts can use genetic insights to gain deeper understanding of athlete's potential, providing new perspectives on competitions in European leagues, NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, Premier League, Grand Prix auto-racing, Liga BBVA, and tennis, ultimately adding to sports-analysis and forecasting.

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