Notcot points us to some highlights from the new (and first) National Geographic store on London’s Regent Street. The three-story shop features beautiful gallery spaces, science-themed bits and bobs to gawk at and to buy, the expected melange of relics from around the world (Burmese army trekking stick, anyone?) and a swanky cafe. But what really caught our eye was the The Genographic Project Public Participation Kit Notcot got their hands on:
Quick description of The Genographic Project: “The Genographic Project is a global research partnership of National Geographic and IBM. With support for field research from the Waitt Family Foundation, Dr. Spencer Wells and a group of the world’s leading scientists will attempt to collect and analyze more than 100,000 DNA samples from indigenous people all over the world. The goal of The Genographic Project is to learn about the migratory paths our ancestors took and how humankind populated the planet.”
In this very CSI looking kit, you get a DVD about the project, a map of the migratory history of man, buccal swab kit, and a confidential ID# to access your results.
…The general public can actually take an active part in this remarkable effort by purchasing a Genographic Project Public Participation Kit and by submitting an anonymous sample of their DNA using an easy and painless cheek swab. By participating, you will not only contribute to this great endeavor, but you may discover something fascinating about your own genetic past as well.
