Humanity's Genetic Diversity on the Decline 285
jd writes "In a study covering five different periods of history, from 300 AD to the present day, and geographically spread across much of Europe, scientists have extracted the mitochondrial DNA from a sizable number of individuals in an effort to examine changes in diversity. The results, published in the Royal Society journal is intriguing to say the least. 1700 years ago, three out of every four individuals belonged to a different haplotype. In modern Europe, the number is only one in three. The researchers blame a combination of plague, selection of dominant lineages and culturally-inflicted distortions. The researchers say more work needs to be done, but are unclear if this involves archaeology or experiments involving skewing the data in the local female population."
I Can Vouch For That! (Score:4, Funny)
skewing data (Score:5, Funny)
In the name of science, I volunteer for any experiments involving "skewing" "data" into the local female population.
Outliers (Score:4, Funny)
British science geeks have it all figured out (Score:5, Funny)
"Hi. We analysed the historical genetic diversity of human populations in Europe at the mtDNA control region for 48 ancient Britons who lived between ca AD 300 and 1000, and compared these with 6320 modern mtDNA genotypes from England and across Europe and the Middle East. We found that the historical sample shows greater genetic diversity than for modern England and other modern populations, indicating the loss of diversity over the last millennium. The pattern of haplotypic diversity was clearly European in the ancient sample, representing each of the modern haplogroups. There was also increased representation of one of the ancient haplotypes in modern populations. We consider these results in the context of possible selection or stochastic processes. So, you understand... you... must have... sex.... with me."
"Are you trying to tell me that the genetic diversity of Britain is at stake if I don't hop into the sack with you?"
"Umm... yes."
"Yes, then. For Britannia and the queen!"
All the scientific research aside... (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Is this news? (Score:5, Funny)
Diversity of genes (Score:1, Funny)
Re:Is this news? (Score:1, Funny)
As if those Canadians and Mexicans were even human! Sheesh!
Re:Is this news? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Hmm (Score:3, Funny)
I remember this game from Sesame Street. They showed 4 things - 3 were different and one was the same. Same as... uh..
I have young kids, so I watch that show like 3 times a day. I am a Jedi freaking *master* at 'One of these things is not like the other'. You cannot defeat me.
Re:British science geeks have it all figured out (Score:3, Funny)
Re:In other words... (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Is this news? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Anno Domini (Score:4, Funny)
(lameness filter encountered. I suppose the mods will decide if it's accurate or not. Personally, I think this parenthetical bit ruins the joke. Lame.)
Huh (Score:3, Funny)
skewing the data in the local female population
So that's what they call it now.
Two World Wars will do that for you. (Score:5, Funny)
Re: Is this news? (Score:5, Funny)
Re:Is this news? (Score:1, Funny)
If you're right, you get to rub it in our faces the next existence. If we're right, it won't matter.
Re: Is this news? (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Is this news? (Score:3, Funny)
Okay...
IF they don't breed and the others outbreed them and then the others kill them, their decision to not breed will have been stupid (even tho everyone ultimately dies when the out-breeders ultimately starve due to overbreeding).