Skin Deep: Exploring human ancestry
The Genographic Project & the Environment Institute at the University of Adelaide along with the RiAus and SBS will come together at the Science Exchange to present a special event on the migratory history of the human species.
The Genographic Project is a not-for-profit, five-year, global research partnership between National Geographic and IBM that uses genetics as a tool to provide insight about the migratory history of the human species on a global scale. Hosted by Professor Alan Cooper, Genographic Project Principal Investigator, this ‘reveal’ event examined the results of the Adelaide public swabbing and included the ancient ancestry of national identities who have also participated in the project.
Listen to podcasts from the event:
Professor Carles Lalueza-Fox about ancient roots and Neandertals
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Professor Alan Cooper about mitochondrial results of the Genographic project
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Dr. Wolfgang Haak about paternal lineage migration
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Following the ‘reveal’ there was a special preview of the documentary Skin Deep (Electric pictures & Doc Lab). Focusing on ground-breaking research and personal accounts from scientists around the world, this documentary powerfully demonstrated that the evolution of skin colour is solely an adaptation to the environment. It showed that judging people on the basis of colour is not only morally unacceptable, but scientifically wrong. Ultimately, the film buried theories about race and racism and celebrated humanity’s extraordinary diversity.
Skin Deep will screen on SBS 1 on Sunday January 2, 2011 at 8:30pm, as part of the SBS Science Season.
Skin Deep Cast:
Directed by: Franco Di Chiera; Written and Researched by: Barbara Bernardini, Greg Colgan, Franco Di Chiera; Producers: Marco Visalberghi, Andrew Ogilvie and Andrea Quesnelle; Executive Producers: Andrew Ogilvie and Marco Visalberghi
Interview with Franco Di Chiera
Recording from press confrence – Reveal of DNA results of Adelaidean public
Related Content
The Genographic project – public DNA cheek-swabbing at Adelaide’s Central Market
Alan Cooper
Genographic Project powered by National Geographic and IBM Australia
Skin Deep documentary – Synopsis
For hundreds of years, human skin colour has been used as a marker of race. Now, science is uncovering the intricate relationship between skin colour and environment. When our ancient ancestors in Equatorial Africa lost their body hair and ventured out into the open savannah, their skin had to become dark to resist strong UV radiation. Perfectly adapted to the environment, the black skin of Africans is one of Nature’s greatest achievements for the survival of the human species. This may not sound new, but in 2000, Penn State University anthropologist Nina Jablonski proposed a startling new explanation as to why human skin has so many colours. Her study suggested that pigmentation did not evolve to prevent skin cancer, but primarily to help the human body maintain the right balance of two crucial vitamins essential for reproduction and body development. As a result, skin colour developed as a perfect compromise: allowing enough sunlight to stimulate the production of Vitamin D, but screening the body from harmful rays that destroy folic acid – a vitamin necessary for reproductive success. Focusing on ground-breaking research and personal accounts of scientists around the world, this documentary reveals that the evolution of skin colour is solely an adaptation to the environment. It drives home a powerful message: judging people on the basis of colour is not only morally unacceptable, it is scientifically wrong.
4/11/10
I would like to book to attend the Genographic evening on 7 December 2010
Thank you.
Joanne McEntee
Due to the scale of the response to the DNA swabbing exercise in Adelaide, attendance at this event is being restricted to participants. (It’s still possible to participate – swabbing kits are available for purchase from the Science Exchange.)
Short video ‘reveals’ of the results will be shown on RiAus’ YouTube channel (http://www.youtube.com/user/riausvid) throughout the day, and footage of the evening event will be posted on this website a day or two after. Stay tuned for updates.
I’d love to attend Skin Deep – exploring human ancestry.
Hello Robyn, we’ll inform you next week if there are any free seats available for the event. We’ve noted your interest and will be in touch with you with any news.
I’d also appreciate being on the wait list for a seat at this significant event. Thank you.
Please put me on a waiting list for this event. Thank you Rita
Please put me on a waiting list for this event. Thank you, James
If this is the only place to book, then book me in. I am one of the participants but this is the only forum to which I can add comments and book. Thanks.
Hello Andrea,
yes we booked you in for the event.
If you have any further questions please write us to email address newsletter@riaus.org.au. This email address is the one where you can book and change your booking in case you could not attend the event.
Thank you.
Petra from RiAus
If this is the only place to book, then book me in. I am one of the participants, and this appears to be the only place I can book? Thanks.
Hello John,
this is one of the channels where you can confirm your booking.
We would prefer to be contacted by email: newsletter@riaus.org.au by participants who want to confirm their bookings.
If you want to cancel your booking or you have any additional questions please contact us on the same email address.
Thank you.
petra from RiAus
I went to the Central Market for the swab, but they had enough people before I arrived.
Can I still attend this session and will I be able to do a swab then?
Thank you June Scott
Hello June,
first we invite people who participated in public swabbing and purchased kits. We will put you on our list and contact you when we open registration for public.
petra from RiAus
Hi Petra
I attended the Central Market swabbing day, selected a paternal check. Bought another kit for a maternal check – If there any vacant seats on 7/12, I would like to attand if possible please.
Regards
Malcolm
Hi Malcolm,
I added your name to the list. We are looking forward to see you in RiAus on December 7.
Hello Petra
I bought my Genographic Project kit three weeks ago and ordered the maternal lineage investigation.
I would very much like to attend the Genographic evening on 7 December 2010.
Yours truly
Dorothy Heinrich.
Hi, I had the free mouth swab at the market. I would love to attend the reveal if there are any seats available. Thankyou.
I received an Email concerning booking for attending teh seminar on 7th December and would like to attend. please
Regards
Keith
Hello Dorothy,
I added you to our list.
We are looking forward to see you next week in RiAus.
Petra
Hello Tanya,
I added you to our list.
Looking forward to see you on Tuesday next week.
Petra
Hello Keith,
I added you to our list.
We are looking forward to see you on Tuesday next week.
Petra
Hello
I recieved an email regarding the 50 seats available for the Skin deep event, and would really like to attend! Would it be possible to book two seats if I am not too late?
Thank you
Alexandra
Hi Alexandra,
I will put you on waiting list, we are opening booking tomorrow at noon, so you’ll be among first ones to get 2 tickets.
Petra from RiAus