Mapping the DNA of American Natives

University of Illinois anthropology professor Ripan Malhi has analyzed DNA samples to try and determine how humans made their way to the Americas 15,000 years ago. They looked closely at mitochondrial genome that comes from mothers and found a stronger connection to the ancient past. The natives of Prince Rupert Island have the same genetic background as their ancestors. The natives of Northern California were complex hunter-gatherers while those of Mexico transitioned to agriculture. 

Two general theories appear to dominate the American migration theories. One is that people moved across an ice shelf from Europe and another is that Asianic people used boats to move down the California coast. No one really knows what happened. Both theories have been challenged at one time or another based upon artifact finding, carbon dating, and anthropology studies. 

The genetic studies are interesting in that they can help connect peoples from the Americas to those in other areas. Most researchers have little evidence that American human life generated from the southern jungles in South America. However, the genetic studies will further clear the hazy theories about where natives really came from or whether they were homegrown. 

Mitochondrial DNA is where energy from food is converted for use in other cells. The Mitochondrial DNA is standalone in the sense that each cell comes with their own DNA unconnected to other DNA in the body. This is one of the reasons why such DNA can be traced back through the mother’s line to ancient people. Scientists are using this DNA to understand the origin of people’s from around the world and previous studies in Europe indicate common migration.

Scienceworld

Guardian

Nature

DNA

Celebrating National Independence Day

Independence Day is a celebration of charting a new course in America’s history. Freeing ourselves from the British afforded the opportunities to develop one of the greatest nations the world has ever seen. Few believed that the nation would be able to make its way through the turmoil of a war with a much more powerful mother country.  They didn’t know how it would turn out in the end but they risked much to grasp the impossible. 

The Declaration of Independence was a thought that spread throughout the colonies quickly.  It was as much as a mental declaration as it was a military and economic proclamation. It was founded in basic human rights and the right to self-determination. This was not something that could happen under the European collective mindset. 

Without the independence of government needed in the new world as well the lessons of individualism learned from Native Americans  our country would not exist today. Throughout this time, we have overcome conflicts that may have destroyed our very nature. Yet through the difficulties, we eventually succeeded and flourished.

The Fourth of July helps us remember our past but it should also help us envision our future. We are not done with our trials and tribulations. True economic and social equality has not yet been fully realized due to the mental prison people live in. We have made great strides but have failed to free our minds one more time to chase the dream. America’s success relies on the vision of creating an economic system where every individual has an opportunity to succeed based upon their own skills and abilities. Such systems develop full productivity. Only through full economic engagement can the nation rebuild its powerhouse.

Such ideals create beliefs and motivations in people to challenge what is not right and cling to what is beneficial for the nation. We are not alone in this world and if we put in order our house, we can still show the world that we have capitalized on new challenges and overcome them.  The hope of a great nation, beacon of light, and the dream of true human development has not waned....but does face challenges. It requires foresight of mind, fortitude of collective focus, and a pathway to success.

Concord Hyme

By Ralph Waldo Emerson

By the rude bridge that arched the flood,
Their flag to April’s breeze unfurled,
Here once the embattled farmers stood,
And fired the shot heard round the world,

The foe long since in silence slept,
Alike the Conqueror silent sleeps,
And Time the ruined bridge has swept
Down the dark stream which seaward creeps.

On this green bank, by this soft stream,
We set to-day a votive stone,
That memory may their deed redeem,
When like our sires our sons are gone.

Spirit! who made those freemen dare
To die, or leave their children free,
Bid time and nature gently spare
The shaft we raise to them and Thee.