Dear Sir/Madam
As part of a new research project at The Centre for Genetic Anthropology , University College London, we are studying genetic variation on the male inherited Y chromosome in selected families from the counties of Cornwall, Devon, and Suffolk. When the data is collected and analyzed will be used in conjunction with historical and archaeological evidence in order to infer past migration patterns and explain modern regional groupings.
To determine such patterns, we are collecting DNA samples from males whose paternal lines originate in the three counties listed above. The samples will play a prominent part in a wider programme of research, the genetic evidence gathered hopefully indicating cross channel migrations from the medieval period. The study will be looking at the Y chromosome, which only males carry, the genetic markers being used are neutral and do not correspond with any phenotypic or physical characteristics. They are chosen simply because they are known to highly variable among populations.
Samples will be taken from those who agree to take part, collected using a quick and non-invasive procedure. We supply a sample tube with a sterile cotton mouth swab integral to the lid of the tube. The swab is rubbed along the inside of the cheek for about twenty seconds and then returned to the sample tube. A small amount of preservative solution is then added to the sample tube. The samples collected will be used for academic research only, we ask that each volunteer provides a few details his own place of birth and the places of birth of his parents and grandparents to help with our research. Of course, the volunteers are free to give their name and address if they wish to follow up the results of the study.
So far we have enlisted the help of families with the following surnames: Argall, Alabaster, Luxton, Luckcraft, Clopton, Emsden, Finbow, Tregilgas, Berryman, Holton, Trehewey, Kelland, Kernick, Curnow, Yelland, Pomeroy, Treloar, Pethers, Andrewartha and others, along with sampling one male representative of every distinctive Cornish surname . I would very interested to hear from you if you would like to take part in our project, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have concerning the research an d its aims.
Matt Sears
Email: m.sears at ucl.ac.uk
web: http://www.ucl.ac.uk/tcga/
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