When a woman named Shanawdithit succumbed to tuberculosis in Newfoundland nearly 200 years ago, it was widely believed that her death marked a tragic end to her peoples existence.
For centuries, the Beothuk had thrived along the rocky shores of the island, taking on a near-mythical status as descendants of the first people encountered by Norse explorers in what is now Canada. But their population was devastated by decades of starvation and diseases, and when she died in 1829, Shanawdithit was believed to be the last of her line.
New research from Memorial University, however, has found Beothuk DNA probably still exists in people alive today a discovery that would rewrite the history of the Newfoundlands early inhabitants, even as it confirms the accuracy of local First Nations oral tradition.
Weve got good evidence that we have genetic continuity from the Beothic into modern persons, said biologist Dr Steve Carr.
But while the finding would trigger a rethink for historians, the notion is not surprising to local Indigenous groups.
Mikmaq oral history has long asserted a shared ancestry with the original inhabitants of Newfoundland, and local First Nations have worked closely with Carr to help lend genetic evidence to their own traditions.
There were always connections or friendly relations going back more than 200 years ago and when you mingle that way, periodically, things would happen, said Chief Misel Joe of the Miawpukek Mikamawey Mawiomi, a Mikmaq First Nation in Newfoundland.
Historians believe the Beothuk are descended from a group that braved the ocean to cross from Labrador to Newfoundland thousands of years ago and whose distinct culture emerged around 1500 CE. At one point, as many as 2,000 Beothuk lived in communities scattered around Newfoundland.
For generations, they largely resisted and avoided relations with European settlers; the few interactions between the two were defined by violent encounters.
Early European settlements on the coast cut off Beothuk access to critical salmon and seals forcing them to move further inland where they sustained themselves on caribou before finally succumbing to starvation and disease.
But Carrs research suggests it was only a cultural extinction; their genetic legacy lives on.
In his study, Carr used DNA samples from Shanawdithits aunt and uncle Demasduit and Nonosbawsut whose skulls were taken to the Royal Museum in Scotland in 1828. After a long campaign by Chief Joes community, the remains were repatriated to Newfoundland in March.
After running samples through a genetics database, Carr was able to find his smoking gun a man in Tennessee who was genetically similar to Nonosbawsut, but had no known Indigenous ancestry.
With is only a small amount of data to work with, Carr hopes more samples will further demonstrate a connection.
Its easy to obtain the DNA sequence from somebody and you can count the number of similarities. Thats a very easy thing to do. But to reconstruct the patterns of a relationship is a very challenging problem, said Carr, adding that further research into the known movement and connections between the Beothuk and Mimaq was still required.
The findings also illustrate the way in which genetic uniqueness in this case the distinct sequence of Beothuk mitochondrial genomes can persist intact for generations. While humans share an immense amount of DNA that traces back millennia, said Carr, the intent of his research lay in teasing out the subtle and distinguishing differences between known groups.
For years, academia has ignored the oral histories of Indigenous peoples, said Chief Joe.
Academics are hard people to convince. They often have this mindset that this the way it was no matter what information we give them to the contrary, he said.
He described a frustrating experience in a land claims court, where the adjudicator suggested the Mikmaq first arrived in Newfoundland in the 1700s.
But we have an oral history of British sailors meeting our people and asking for directions. We drew them a map on birch bark. If this is the first time we had ever been on the land, how could we draw a map? said Joe.
Its convenient for government, for everyone, to ignore people who had no written history
The community is excited to keep working with Carr on further testing, said Joe, to further strengthen the evidence of shared ancestry.
This is a big thing for us, he said. But it all comes from something we already knew.
Original post:
Canada: DNA discovery lends weight to First Nations ancestral story - The Guardian
- Introgression and disruption of migration routes have shaped the genetic integrity of wildebeest populations - Nature.com - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Is Left-Handedness Tied to Your Genetics? Possibly, New Study Suggests - Technology Networks - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- A pan-genome of 69 Arabidopsis thaliana accessions reveals a conserved genome structure throughout the global ... - Nature.com - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Clemson researchers pave the way for precision medicine with AI - Clemson News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- ACMG Foundation for Genetic and Genomic Medicine Elects Four Highly Accomplished Medical Genetics ... - PR Newswire - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Katie Gallagher MS '15, CGC Named Director of the Joan H. Marks Graduate Program in Human Genetics at Sarah ... - Sarah Lawrence College - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- The genomic architecture of inherited DNA variants - Baylor College of Medicine | BCM - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Clemson genetics major named Truman Scholar for her work in combatting rare diseases - ABC NEWS 4 - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Otago University Discovers Cause of Rare Genetic Condition - Mirage News - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Genetic Analysis Guides Conservation of Endangered Bumble Bee - Entomology Today - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- First insights into the genetic bottleneck characterizing early sheep husbandry in the Neolithic period - EurekAlert - April 15th, 2024 [April 15th, 2024]
- Protein-truncating variants in BSN are associated with severe adult-onset obesity, type 2 diabetes and fatty liver disease - Nature.com - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- A deep dive into the genetics of alcohol consumption - Medical Xpress - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- Right-wing authoritarianism appears to have a genetic foundation - PsyPost - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- UC Irvine-led research team builds first tandem repeat expansions genetic reference maps - UCI News - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- A Deep Dive Into the Genetics of Alcohol Consumption - University of California San Diego - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- Untold story of bird evolution revealed through genetics - Earth.com - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- Genetic Test for Opioid Addiction Risk Should Be Withdrawn, Experts Tell FDA - Medpage Today - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- Scientists Discover 17 New Genetic Variants Linked to Alzheimer's Disease - SciTechDaily - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- An hereditary liver disease cured with the help of gene scissors - EurekAlert - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- World Anthropology Day showcases multifaceted programs | Binghamton News - Binghamton University - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- Resilience to periodic disturbances and the long-term genetic stability in Acropora coral | Communications Biology - Nature.com - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- Rare genetic variants found to have a large impact on obesity risk - Drug Target Review - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- INTERACT COALITION FORMED TO ADVANCE PATIENT ACCESS TO GENETIC TESTING FOR HEREDITARY ... - PR Newswire - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- Christensen Genetics - AG INFORMATION NETWORK OF THE WEST - AGInfo Ag Information Network - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- New form of EDS identified by mutation in THBS2 gene - Ehlers-Danlos News - April 7th, 2024 [April 7th, 2024]
- Genetics of estrogen production linked to endometrial cancer risk in postmenopausal women - News-Medical.Net - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Cord Blood Registry (CBR) by CooperSurgical and Fulgent Genetics Launch Innovative Genetic Testing - PR Newswire - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Gene Variant Linked to Lower Levels of Hormonal Birth Control - The Scientist - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- CooperSurgical, Fulgent partner on genetic screening panels - Medical Device Network - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- UM Today | Faculty of Science | The intersection of genetics and advocacy - UM Today - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Genome-wide association study identifies human genetic variants associated with fatal outcome from Lassa fever - Nature.com - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Secrets of human genetics could optimize medical care - Earth.com - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Significance of genetic mutations in toxic tort cases - Rhode Island Lawyers Weekly - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Why Should Farmers Invest in New Genetics? A Recent Panel Discussion Offered Some Good Reasons - Seed World - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- The Role of Genetics and Maternal Factors in Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Comparative Study - Medriva - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- 'The Idea That Who You Are Is Only Genetics Is the Essence of Evil' - Books - Haaretz - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- IPK researchers provide genetic explanations for shade-induced biomass allocation in wheat - EurekAlert - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- River Valley Beef Cattle Conference to explore state of hay availability, cattle genetics and more - Stuttgart Daily Leader - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Harnessing human evolution to advance precision medicine - EurekAlert - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Twins are a mirror to each other and a window into the mysteries of genetics - WAMU 88.5 - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Unveiling the Disparity in Cardiovascular Health: Biological Factors, Dyslipidemia, and Genetics - Medriva - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Parental traits offer new clues to predicting neurodevelopmental disorders in children - News-Medical.Net - February 13th, 2024 [February 13th, 2024]
- Cheetahs Are Extremely Inbred: 50 Interesting Genetics Facts You May Have Missed At School - Bored Panda - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Five Best: Books on Genetics - WSJ - The Wall Street Journal - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- 4 new US sites added to global Parkinson's genetics study - Parkinson's News Today - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Animal Genetics Market revenue to exceed USD 43.4 Billion by 2036, says Research Nester - Yahoo Finance - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Nobel Laureate and World-Renowned Geneticist to Speak at 2024 Commencement - News Center - Feinberg News Center - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Efforts are underway to improve genetics in cattle herds to better sustainability - RFD-TV - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- First report on the molecular phylogenetics and population genetics of Aedes aegypti in Iran - Parasites & Vectors - Parasites & Vectors - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- What can your DNA say about your risk of opioid addiction? - National Geographic - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- The Born in Guangzhou Cohort Study enables generational genetic discoveries - Nature.com - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Invitae Partners with BridgeBio Pharma to Harness Genetic Insights for the Discovery of Rare Disease Therapeutics - PR Newswire - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Rare disorder causing extra fingers and toes identified - EurekAlert - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Retinal OCT and Genetics Identify Links Between Ocular and Systemic Health - Photonics.com - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Researchers discover mechanism that protects tissue after faulty gene expression - News-Medical.Net - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Genetics or lifestyle: What makes the greatest difference in health? - Agweek - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Why Some Folks Get COVID, and Others Never Do - HealthDay - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- From plant genetics to fresh produce to be showcased in Berlin - FreshPlaza.com - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Adolescent Stress Alters Brain Genes, Affecting Adult Behavior - Neuroscience News - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Significance of genetic mutations in toxic tort cases - Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- New genetic test in England aims to make blood transfusions safer - Sickle Cell Disease News - February 4th, 2024 [February 4th, 2024]
- Unlocking tree genetic diversity: advanced hyperspectral phenotyping for enhanced Scots pine selection - EurekAlert - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- The Role of Genetics in Cancer Care Continues to Expand - OncLive - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Family faces multiple diagnoses for genetic condition NF1 - Sanford Health News - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Unique gene variants tied to glaucoma found in Black patients - Livescience.com - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Myriad Genetics to Acquire Precise Tumor, Precise Liquid and Laboratory from Intermountain Precision Genomics - GlobeNewswire - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Reflections on the Idea of Social and Behavioral Genetics - The Hastings Center - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Building trust and saving lives: A community approach to genetic education - Medical University of South Carolina - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- SOPHiA GENETICS and Karkinos Healthcare Forge Strategic Partnership to Advance Cancer Research in India India ... - PR Newswire - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- 2024 Brevant Brand Corn Class Offers New Genetics and Traits - CropLife - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Genetics Reveal Poor Oral Health in Mesolithic Era - Mirage News - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Nova Siri Genetics strengthens its presence in Huelva, growing by 34% - FreshPlaza.com - January 19th, 2024 [January 19th, 2024]
- Controversial New Research Find That Bisexuals Are a Bunch of Rascals - Futurism - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
- Mayo Clinic Q&A: Weight loss and genetics - Chicago Tribune - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
- Nutrigene Launches Personalised Development Program to Intersect Genetics and Learning through DNA - JCN Newswire - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
- The DNA of privacy and the privacy of DNA - Federal Trade Commission News - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
- Development of a human genetics-guided priority score for 19365 genes and 399 drug indications - Nature.com - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
- Myriad Genetics, Inc.'s (NASDAQ:MYGN) Intrinsic Value Is Potentially 221% Above Its Share Price - Yahoo Finance - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]
- Educational attainment of East Asians are linked to genetics - KBR - January 8th, 2024 [January 8th, 2024]