Tag

African Ancestry

All articles tagged with #african ancestry

science-and-anthropology2 years ago•3 min saved

Unearthing Lost Human Lineages in Africa's Namib Desert

Researchers conducting DNA research in the Angolan Namib desert have discovered groups believed to have vanished 50 years ago, including the Kwepe community and the last speakers of the click-language Kwadi. The study reveals unique pre-Bantu ancestry found only in the Namib desert, shedding light on the complex histories of migrations and contacts in southern Africa. The research highlights the importance of modern DNA studies in understanding Africa's genetic framework and complements ancient DNA research in exploring the continent's deep genetic structure.

via SciTechDaily|

#african-ancestry #dna-research #linguistics

health2 years ago•6 min saved

Uncovering a New Parkinson's Disease Gene Variant in African Ancestry

A gene variant that increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease has been discovered in individuals of African ancestry. The variant, found almost exclusively in genomes of people of African descent, is linked to a gene encoding β-glucocerebrosidase (GBA1), a protein involved in protein recycling within cells. The study, led by scientists at the National Institutes of Health, highlights the importance of researching diverse populations to understand the genetic basis and risk factors for diseases like Parkinson's. The findings may provide new insights into the biology of Parkinson's disease and aid in the development of genetic treatments and therapies.

via National Institutes of Health (.gov)|

#african-ancestry #gene-variant #genetic-risk-factors

anthropology2 years ago•2 min saved

DNA study reveals mixed African and Asian ancestry of Medieval Swahilis.

A DNA study of 80 people who lived in different Swahili areas from 1250 to 1800 CE has revealed that up to half of the DNA of people from Swahili areas was from Persia (90 percent) and India (10 percent). The other half was almost entirely African women, confirming ancient oral histories about the shared ancestry of Swahili people. The study also showed that the hallmarks of Swahili civilisation predated the arrivals from abroad. The intermingling was mostly Persian men having children with African women, and from about 1500 CE, the ancestors increasingly came from Arabia.

via Al Jazeera English|

#african-ancestry #ancient-history #anthropology