Exploring how ancient DNA reveals human traits and adaptations
Official title: Tracing the evolutionary history of human adaptive traits through ancient DNA
Funded at Yale University · NIH-10909608 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ancient DNA to see how our genes have changed over time to help us adapt to different environments, which could give us important clues about health and diseases today.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,507,500 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2GM159182-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10909608 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals interested in the genetic factors influencing health and disease, particularly those with ancestral ties to East Asia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no interest in genetic research or those not connected to the populations being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how ancient DNA can help us understand the genetic adaptations humans have developed in response to different environments over time. By analyzing DNA retrieved from archaeological sediments, the study aims to uncover the origins of adaptive genetic variants that have shaped human health and diversity. This innovative approach allows researchers to gather extensive genomic data from locations where humans once lived, providing insights into the evolutionary history of traits relevant to health and disease. The findings could enhance our understanding of complex diseases and the genetic factors that influence them.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding the genetic basis of health-related traits and complex diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using ancient DNA has shown promise in uncovering evolutionary adaptations, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Massilani, Diyendo — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Massilani, Diyendo
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.