Focusing on an unknown individual ("Burial 56"), we searched the family trees of consenting 23andMe research participants who shared the strongest genetic ties to him. By finding the overlaps in their genealogies, we built a list of historical candidates for his identity. 🌳 [6/9]
Next, we designed a brand-new IRB-approved protocol that would allow us to study individual-level IBD connections to 23andMe research participants for the very first time. 🔬🔓 [5/9]
Éadaoin Harney
Once we had our list of possible candidates, we integrated our genealogical findings with rich archaeological data and isotope evidence from the site to narrow it down and try to figure out exactly which historical individuals fit the biological profile of Burial 56. 🦴🏺 [7/9]
First, we looked at their biogeographic origins. By comparing the DNA of these 17th-century colonists to the 23andMe database, we were able to pinpoint their ancestral connections to specific regions across Britain and Ireland. 🌍 [3/9]
