Ever wonder about your most ancient ancestors?  The Genographic Project will introduce you to them, and explain the genetic journeys that bond your personal lineage over tens of thousands of years.  Sound fascinating?  I sure thought so!

I happened to catch a segment last week on the Today Show about this project.  National Geographic and IBM are embarking on a landmark five-year study that will assemble the world's largest collection of DNA samples to map how humankind populated the planet.

The Project will use sophisticated computer analysis of DNA contributed by hundreds of thousands of people--including indigenous populations and the general public--to reveal man's migratory history and to better understand the connections and differences that make up the human race.

Scientific evidence suggests that the human species ultimately traces back to Africa.  But how did we migrate and populate the world?  The Project aims to uncover some of these mysteries and discover the details of how we journeyed around the world.  If we share a common ancestry, why do we look different from each other?  At the moment, little is known about these topics.

I know my ancestors on my dad's side came from Poland and on my mom's side, from France.  But I have often wondered, how exactly did they get there.  Yup, I'm going to take part in this research.  After reading all about it at their website, I want to be part of this real-time research effort.  No, it's not free to participate....but I think it's worth the $99.99.  And the net proceeds from the sales of Participation Kits will help support field research, as well as education programs and indigenous cultural preservation efforts.

So I've just ordered my kit and should receive it in a few weeks.  The first step is a painless cheek swab to acquire the DNA sample.  Then I secure the swabs inside the transport tubes and mail the tubes off to the lab, using the supplied envelope.  Oh, and it's guaranteed anonymous. 

Then on their website I can track my test kit, step by step, through the various stages of DNA sequencing and processing.  Along the way, multimedia presentations will explain how scientists actually decode the information found in my molecules of DNA.

If I have you hooked on all of this, you can visit the website of The Genographic Project to learn more or even order your own Participation Kit.

Needless to say, I'm pretty excited about finding out exactly how I got "here."  Back in the early 90's I participated in a health study conducted by Harvard and Women and Brigham's in Boston.  The study, Women's Health Study, (and frequently mentioned on the National News) consisted of 39,876 female health professionals aged 45 and older.  We were followed for 10 years and monitored via questionnaires for the occurrence of major cardiovascular events--heart attack, stroke or death from cardiovascular causes--as well as overall cancer rates and cancer deaths.

I made the commitment to take the study pills--low-dose aspirin (100 mg. every other day) and Vitamin E supplementation (600 IU every other day) My study finished last year and I received an in-depth report.....my aspirin was a placebo and my Vit. E was the real thing.  I was then asked if I would be willing to continue participating with twice a year questionnaires.....and I said yes.  As an RN, I feel I made a major contribution to women's health.  I was even presented a lovely certificate (which I have framed here in my studio) for my cooperation and participation.

So when I heard about this genetic journey study.....how could I not get involved? It might have something to do with me wanting to leave my "mark"....a legacy of sorts, I guess.  Like that poem says, "When I leave this earth, I want to be thoroughly used up."  I want to contribute in some small way and I think partaking in studies like these is a step in that direction.

 I've made a new category here in my blog and I will keep all of you posted as the study progresses.  I think it'll be pretty fascinating.  And if you're interested, pay them a visit at the hyperlink I put above.

Have a great Monday and I'll see you tomorrow.........