Southern African Genomes Sequenced: Benefits for Human Health Expected (2 of 2) (IMAGE)
Caption
This image shows Stephan Schuster, of Penn State University in the United States, and Vanessa Hayes, of the University of New South Wales in Australia, preparing genetic samples in their field laboratory in Namibia. The two scintists led a research team that sequenced human genomes from Southern African Bushmen and a Bantu individual, Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The goal of the research it to achieve a greater understanding of human genetic variation and its effect on human health. Human genomics is a powerful and rapidly emerging medical resource. The scientists say they need to learn the full range of human genetic variation in order to learn how genes affect health, and that Southern Africa is the place to look. The study revealed that, on average, there are more genetic differences between any two Bushmen in the study than between a European and an Asian. The study used three new DNA-sequencing technologies, which deliver genetic information with unprecedented economy and speed. The project compares the strengths of current sequencing technologies, and it demonstrates that their combination results in data that is more accurate than from projects using only one of these methods.
Credit
Stephan C. Schuster, Penn State University
Usage Restrictions
The credit information must be published along with the image.
License
Licensed content