IBM database to aid genetics research

The National Geographic Society is working with IBM on a five-year project to create the world's largest public database of anthropological genetic information.

The ultimate aim of the Genographic Project is to map how the Earth was originally populated.

The project, led by National Geographic explorer-in-residence Spencer Wells, involves the collection of genetic samples from more than 100,000 people, analysis of the results, and reporting on the genetic roots of the modern population.

IBM will design and build the technical infrastructure, including the core database that will manage the analysis of thousands of genotype codes.

A team of scientists from IBM's research unit will use advanced analytical technologies and data-sorting techniques to interpret the samples, and establish new patterns and connections in the data they contain.

The result will be a repository of human genetic information that will provide geneticists, historians, anthropologists and the public with a powerful online information resource.

'We see this as the "moon shot" of anthropology, using genetics to fill the gaps in our knowledge of human history,' said Wells.

The project is expected to reveal details about global human migratory history, developing new understanding about the connections and differences that make up the human species.

'Our DNA carries a story that is shared by everyone,' said Wells.

'Over the next five years we'll be deciphering that story, which is now in danger of being lost as people migrate and mix to a much greater extent than they have in the past.'

While the scientific team will be taking thousands of samples from indigenous populations, members of the public will also be able to participate and view their migratory history online by submitting a cheek swab.

'National Geographic has been exploring and mapping the world for 117 years,' said John Fahey, president and chief executive of the Society. 'Now, we're deploying state-of-the-art science and technology to map our journey across the planet.'

IBM is also providing technology to the UK Biobank, which aims to create a database of up to half-a-million biological samples and medical records to help in the fight against cancer, Aids and other fatal diseases (Computing, 25 November).