Celtic Genetic Database
Ever wonder if you’re related to Sean Connery, Mary, Queen of Scots, or James Herriot? Well, wonder no more. Crucial Genetics, a spin-off company from Glasgow University, is planning to set-up a Celtic genetic database.
Dr. John Gow, founder and technical director, has been contacting Scottish clan societies asking for DNA samples from clan chieftans as reference samples. Anyone interested in finding out if they belong to a particular clan can then compare their DNA to the clan chieftan’s.
And the DNA wouldn’t just be useful for determining whether people had the right to call themselves Scots. It’s also possible to take DNA from inanimate artefacts and determine if the items are associated with famous Scotsmen.
He points to a framed lock of hair sitting on his desk. It belonged to Lord Nelson, and from it, Crucial is attempting to create a DNA profile of the hero of Trafalgar. The owner of the hair wanted a DNA profile in order to match up the lock with other artefacts associated with Nelson, thus proving their authenticity (not to mention vastly increasing their value).
Crucial Genetics is also planning to provide DNA storage services so that descendents can compare their DNA with ours. This could be useful not just for genealogical surveys but also for medical purposes. With the combination of family history records and DNA, our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and on down the line will be able to take advantage of the wealth of information to improve their health and lives.
The Scotsman, August 19, 2005
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Genealogy and DNA
.gif)
4 opinions for Celtic Genetic Database
Qadira
Aug 21, 2005 at 9:50 am
The nerd in me rises to the bait.
I think such a database is impressively cool. I’m hoping it’s a huge success, and that the Welsh, Cornish, Irish, and other cultural groups follow suit.
Some day far in the future it would be satisfying to my curiosity to know how closely my DNA matches the various ethnic groups in the British Isles. :)
Lei
Aug 21, 2005 at 11:29 am
Q, DNA testing is getting more afforable all the time and the databases should be getting more substantial too. I think in about 5-10 years, it would be worth trying.
Alison
Aug 21, 2005 at 6:21 pm
Interesting- I have some Scottish blood, I’d love to know for certain what clan I at least partially genetically belong to!
Lei
Aug 21, 2005 at 9:32 pm
Alison! I never knew your real name before! :) Thanks for the comment. It seems as if it won’t be too long before you’ll be able to find out. Meanwhile, if you’re really interested, you might be able to trace your genealogy using online sources? I’m not sure since I don’t have much experience in genealogy.
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: