The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is an accredited organization that works to gather information about the human genome to learn about the evolution of humans over time and across the world. These findings are then applied to a range of current health issues. The NHGRI represents the molecular anthropology subfield. As we learned in class this week, molecular anthropology allows us to observe the relationships between people from looking at differences in D.N.A. By distinguishing between the variations in D.N.A, anthropologists can interpret how groups of people interacted and how their environments may have pushed for genetic differences. To collect as many samples of D.N.A. as possible, the National Institute of Health and the U.S. Department of Energy created the Human Genome Project and collected blood or semen but only used some of the samples to protect the identities of donors. This research project lasted for thirteen years and had goals of identifying 20,500 genes and determining three billion base pairs (Human Genome Project Information Archive). Due to the vast amount of information stored in a genome, the National Institute of Health and Department of Energy are still analyzing the data. The data will be available for future generations to continue learning about the history of human evolution.
Studies like the Human Genome Project and the organizations tasked with this research contribute to the broader themes of anthropology by providing us with information about what makes us human. By mapping the human genome, similarities can be found that allow us to trace different lineages, see how people have moved around the world to where they are today, and distinguish between haplogroups. Based on where people are, they must change overtime to better withstand their environment. These differences can also be found when mapping the human genome. Many unique variations can also be traced by sex; not all genes are inherited by both sexes, some are X-linked and others are Y-linked. As we continue to evolve, future generations will be able to learn about our current lifestyle and culture based on their own findings through our D.N.A.
Not only can this type of data provide a basis for comparison between humans but also between other primates such as chimpanzees. Anthropologists can determine the differences and similarities between humans and other primates to learn about why and how humans evolved from nonhuman primates. Some of the NHGRI’s research examines other animal’s disease mechanisms and compares it to humans.
The Human Genome Project can also be used to improve the treatment and prevention of many diseases. The findings from this research have created more research projects aimed at improving health care approaches. The National Human Genome Research Institute has applied the Human Genome Project to cancer research about susceptibility by learning about the genes that might influence cancer. This research could potentially change the conversation about cancer and lead scientists to a “cure”. A multitude of questions can be answered by searching within ourselves and thoroughly examining our genome.
“Human Genome Project Information Archive 1990–2003.” Human Genome Project Information, 23 Apr. 2019, web.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/index.shtml.
To make a brief comparison, the Human Genome Project seems like a vastly more complex version of “23 & Me” without the entangled capitalism. We can use an individual’s DNA to uncover their genetic lineage, which is a part of what “23 & Me” does. DNA research can also look at diseases one may be susceptible to based on their genes. For example, we discussed Sickle Cell Anemia at length. Looking at one’s genetic code, doctors can see if an individual has the AS heterozygous alleles and is resistant to the malaria virus. I also liked how you drew a comparison between Primatology and Molecular Anthropology. Since primatology is the study of our place in nature in comparison with non-human primates, it can be said that studying the similarities and differences in the DNA of humans and primates could also fall under primatology. Your description of the National Human Genome Research Institute is very well put.
It was informative to learn about the Human Genome Project and how their finding could help in the prevention of diseases. It is essential that more researches are advanced on how humans can be protected and more importantly, on the improvement of healthcare approaches. However, there is a limitation to their project. Based on the many findings by scientist, practitioners, physicians, healthcare provider, there have been conflicting conclusions. That is one finding may conclude this while others may have a different outcome altogether. Thus it is essential that these various researchers can build a consensus on how to prevent diseases. Luckily the cancer research has advanced, and shortly, it will be possible to learn about the genes that might influence cancer, and this could possibly lead to the discovery of cancer cure.
When researching for my blog, I also read up on the NHGRI and their Human Genome project. I find genetics to be incredibly interesting and hope to work with it in the future. The HG project works on a huge scale to help map out us humans and our ancestors as a race. They are now able to show connections between cultures all across the world. On a smaller scale, my family has personally been able to use it as well. My great grandparents moved to the US from the Netherlands and up until around ten years ago, my family thought we were the only Duisterhof’s in the country. We found another family in another state and then reached out to them only to do a DNA test to find that we were actually related. Their ancestors were cousins with my great grandparents. It was especially interesting for me once I got to college, since I am now able to understand the background of their methods.