Researchers have introduced Twigstats, an advanced ancient DNA analysis tool to uncover waves of human migration across Europe during the first millennium AD.
About Twigstats
- Developed By: Researchers led by the Francis Crick Institute.
- Purpose: Enhances the analysis of ancient DNA (aDNA) to track human migration patterns, especially in populations with closely related genetic traits.
- Core Innovation:
- Uses time-stratified ancestry analysis to significantly boost statistical power and reduce errors in measuring genetic differences.
- Provides individual-level ancestry determination at unprecedented resolution.
Key Findings:
- Application:
- Analyzed 1,556 ancient DNA samples from individuals in northern and central Europe spanning 500 BC to 1000 AD (Iron, Roman, and Viking ages).
- Revisited and refined ancestry data for population groups on the western frontiers of the Roman Empire during the first millennium AD.
- Discoveries:
- Generated high-resolution maps of migrations, including evidence of Germanic language speakers with Scandinavian-like ancestry spreading across Europe in the first century AD.
- Validation:
- Tested Twigstats on simulated genetic conditions and previous research to confirm robustness.
(Source: Science Daily)
