Tracing recent human ancestry and finding genetic changes that affect health
Population-genetic methods for inferring recent histories and targets of selection in the biobank era
This project will create new tools that use large biobanks to uncover recent ancestry, mixing between groups, and genetic changes that can influence people's health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11378380 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will analyze whole-genome data from large biobanks to map recent population histories and to detect genetic variants under recent natural selection. They will build and apply new statistical and Bayesian methods that account for ancestry mixing and for relatives who are sampled in the same datasets. The work will also control for different environmental exposures so genetic links to health are clearer across diverse groups. These methods aim to help researchers find genetic contributors to disease more accurately in people from many backgrounds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People already enrolled in large biobanks—or willing to donate a genetic sample and health information—especially those with mixed ancestry, are the most relevant candidates for this kind of research.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate medical treatment or those not represented in biobanks (for example, without genetic data or consent to share it) are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve identification of genetic risk factors across diverse and admixed populations, leading to fairer and more accurate genetic understanding of disease.
How similar studies have performed: Population-genetics methods have successfully revealed human history and some disease links, but applying them to admixed populations and related individuals is a newer and still-developing effort.
Where this research is happening
Providence, United States
- Brown University — Providence, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramachandran, Sohini — Brown University
- Study coordinator: Ramachandran, Sohini
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 below.