Interesting article looking at the work of Prof David Reich, whose work on DNA is revealing hitherto forgotten migrations and population changes.

Prof David Reich of Harvard Medical School is one of the leading lights in the field of ancient DNA. His team’s work has cast a new perspective on human history, reconstructing the epic migrations and genetic exchanges that shaped the people of different regions worldwide. Here he explains how this revolution in our understanding unfolded.

If it seems as if there has been an avalanche of recent headlines revealing insights into the travails of our ancient ancestors, you’d be right.

From the fate of the people who built Stonehenge to the surprising physical appearance of Cheddar Man, a 10,000-year-old Briton, the deluge of information has been overwhelming.

But this step change in the understanding of our past has been building for years now. It’s been driven by new techniques and technological advancements in the study of ancient DNA – genetic information retrieved from the skeletal remains of our long-dead kin.

Full article

> they are found.” Some 67 researchers signed an open letter (published by Buzzfeed), objecting to arguments put forward in the op-ed.

Sounds like the start of a huge controversy.

mollwollfumble said:

> they are found.” Some 67 researchers signed an open letter (published by Buzzfeed), objecting to arguments put forward in the op-ed.

Sounds like the start of a huge controversy.

Here’s his controversial op-ed piece (I haven’t read it yet) and the open letter in response (ditto).

Eugenics is widely practiced in cattle breeds.

Peak Warming Man said:

Eugenics is widely practiced in cattle breeds.

Humans tend to be very sensitive about their own linage, which must always be wholesome and of course superior.

PermeateFree said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Eugenics is widely practiced in cattle breeds.

Humans tend to be very sensitive about their own linage, which must always be wholesome and of course superior.

So why are most of us below par-excellence then?

roughbarked said:

PermeateFree said:

Peak Warming Man said:

Eugenics is widely practiced in cattle breeds.

Humans tend to be very sensitive about their own linage, which must always be wholesome and of course superior.

So why are most of us below par-excellence then?

genetics.

Bubblecar said:

mollwollfumble said:

> they are found.” Some 67 researchers signed an open letter (published by Buzzfeed), objecting to arguments put forward in the op-ed.

Sounds like the start of a huge controversy.

Here’s his controversial op-ed piece (I haven’t read it yet) and the open letter in response (ditto).

Having now read them, I’d say Reich’s article is well-meaning but flawed, and the open letter in response is a necessary corrective.