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By Vickie Speek
BYU DNA/Genealogy Research Gets Samples From Florida Genealogical Group
SARASOTA, FLORIDA -- At least 250 members of the Bradenton-based
Manasota Genealogical Society will participate this month in a world
wide DNA research project sponsored by Brigham Young University.
Members hope to become part of a huge study that will match genes
from each donor to the continents, nations, and villages where their
ancestors lived. BYU researchers have taken blood samples from 14,000
donors in the United States since last March, and plan to take blood
samples from 100,000 people in the next three to five years.
But the gene study has sparked a debate in Florida over DNA
discrimination, and raised questions about protecting the donors
identification. Researchers have promised they won't release an
individual's DNA information to anyone except the donor, however,
some people worry that the promises could be forgotten by future
leaders. They also worry that the study's results could be
misinterpreted and be used to stereotype people of certain ethnic
backgrounds.
Others say the BYU study has amazing promise that could link some
Americans to the exact village where their forefathers were born. It
could also help people find their ancestors even when the historical
documents have been lost or destroyed.
The BYU researchers are beginning nationwide stops that will include
visits in Port Charlotte, Sarasota and Largo. Then it's on to Idaho,
Washington,Utah and California. Anyone donating blood must also be
able to trace their lineage back four generations to help link genes
to family history.
Source:
Ancestry research runs in the blood
Sarasota FL Herald-Tribune 28Jan01 N6
By Eric Alan Barton: Staff Writer
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