Garrett Hellenthal - The Genetic History of the United Kingdom: the POBI project

Garrett presents results from the People of the British Isles (POBI) project, an exploration of the fine-scale genetic architecture of the United Kingdom. Using the DNA of individuals sampled across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, Garrett illustrates the striking correlation between an individual's genetics and their geographic origins. Furthermore, by comparing the DNA of UK individuals to that of individuals sampled from continental Europe, we identify clear differences in ancestry among different geographic regions of the UK, reflecting the genetic imprint of the Anglo-Saxon and Norwegian Viking migrations from several centuries ago. Garrett has a PhD in Statistics and currently works as a statistical geneticist at University College London, primarily on developing methods to infer history using DNA. This includes identifying periods in the past when worldwide populations have intermixed due to invasions or migrations. For example, he has helped quantify the genetic impact across central Asia of the armies of the Mongol Empire of Genghis Khan, identify DNA related to the Arab Slave Trade in populations bordering the Mediterranean and Arabian Seas, and unearth possible DNA mixing among traders along the Silk Road of Asia. This lecture was presented at Who Do You Think You Are? Live 2015 (Thurs 16th to Sat 18th April 2015, Birmingham, UK). Please note that these videos are copyrighted to the presenter and should only be used for personal study. They are not to be used for any other purpose without the presenters express permission. Also, please note that because this is a rapidly advancing field, the content may quickly become outdated. The lectures were sponsored by FamilyTreeDNA (at www.ftdna.com) and organised by Maurice Gleeson & Debbie Kennett on behalf of ISOGG (International Society of Genetic Genealogy at www.isogg.org).