Using ancient human DNA to learn about our history and health
Advanced tools for using ancient DNA to study biology and history
['FUNDING_R01'] · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · NIH-11063137
Using new computational methods to read ancient human DNA and show how past population mixes shaped genetic traits that affect people today.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11063137 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is building an unbiased pipeline to process ancient human DNA and reanalyzing the world's published ancient genomes. They will extend models called admixture graphs to better reconstruct past population mixtures and develop new software tools that link population history with biological traits. The work focuses on computational analyses of archived ancient human samples and modern genomes rather than enrolling patients in clinical procedures. Results and software will be shared with researchers worldwide to enable follow-up studies on how ancestry relates to health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not directly enroll patients, but people interested in genetic ancestry or those who contribute DNA to related research efforts may benefit from its findings.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments or clinical trials should not expect direct clinical benefit from this methods-focused ancient DNA research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify how historical migrations and mixtures contributed to genetic risk factors, informing future research into disease causes and personalized medicine.
How similar studies have performed: The investigators have produced many influential papers using related methods, but the proposed unbiased pipelines and expanded tools represent a novel and ambitious extension.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: REICH, DAVID E — HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- Study coordinator: REICH, DAVID E
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.