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University of Leicester study will profile make-up of a modern British city
Scientists at the world-famous Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester, home of DNA fingerprinting, are recruiting men who live in Leicester to provide a genetic snapshot of the diversity of the city.
The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, will focus on the Y chromosome, part of our DNA that is passed down from fathers to sons. Genetic patterns among Y chromosomes often correlate with surnames, since these are inherited in the same way. Previous work from the group, led by Professor Mark Jobling, has examined this relationship, and shown that it could be useful in learning about the histories of populations, understanding common diseases, and helping forensic investigations.
“Genetic studies have usually focused on isolated or rural populations, and ignored cities. However, Leicester is representative of much of modern Britain in being home to people whose ancestors come from many different parts of the world,” said researcher Dr Turi King. Building on their previous work, the group aims to discover if the link between Y chromosome type and surname remains strong in a diverse urban setting. Following recruitment of 150 volunteers for DNA donation in Leicester, which will provide a snapshot of the diversity of the city, a second group of 150 matching the surnames of the first will be recruited from other urban centres in England, and the two groups compared.
Sampling is simple and non-invasive, involving brushing the inside of the cheek, and volunteers will receive a description of their own Y-chromosome type when the work is completed. Men interested in taking part are asked to email Turi King at surnames@le.ac.uk <mailto:surnames@le.ac.uk> , or telephone 07512 586 493.
The project forms part of a recently awarded grant from the Wellcome Trust, ‘What’s in a name? Applying patrilineal surnames to forensics, population history, and genetic epidemiology’.
* Leicester is reputed to achieve a diversity milestone by 2020, becoming Britain’s first plural city where no ethnic group will form a majority, according to research published recently.
The Wellcome Trust is the largest charity in the UK. It funds innovative biomedical research, in the UK and internationally, spending around £650 million each year to support the brightest scientists with the best ideas. The Wellcome Trust supports public debate about biomedical research and its impact on health and wellbeing. http://www.wellcome.ac.uk <http://www.wellcome.ac.uk>
Latest News
If you don't use it... freeuse it! | |
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 | 11 February 2010If you don't use it. .... 11 Feb 2010 If you don't use it... freeuse it! |
Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby | |
 | Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in GrobyPolice are appealing for witnesses following the assault of two teenage boys in Groby. The incident happened at around 6.... 11 Feb 2010 Appeal following assault of two teenage boys in Groby |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |
Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell | |
| Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres MonsellHomes of elderly residents in Eyres Monsell are being given a security boost to help prevent distraction burglaries. Officers from Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Constabulary will be visiting up to 300 properties to carry out security checks and install crime prevention devices such as door chains and bolts, window locks, kick boards to strengthen front and back doors, personal alarms and digital spy cameras, where appropriate.... 11 Feb 2010 Free home security devices for elderly residents in Eyres Monsell |
Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers | |
| Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers Elderly residents in Leicester are being warned following a series of distraction burglaries by two men claiming to be police officers. Four distraction burglaries were reported to police in the city during the evening of Wednesday February 10.... 11 Feb 2010 Warning after distraction burglars claim to be police officers |
Related News
Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm Research | |
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 | Researchers into abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at the University of Leicester have received over 900,000 funding from the Wellcome Trust... 28 Apr 2008 Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm Research |
Novel evolutionary tools for studying human populations using the X chromosome | |
 | Research in the Department of Genetics at University of Leicester is well-known for its human population studies with the Y chromosome, including the relationship between the male surname and the Y chromosome, as well as a better understanding of the Viking settlement in the Northwest England. ... 16 Jun 2008 Novel evolutionary tools for studying human populations using the X chromosome |
SCREENING FOR DIABETES POTENTIALLY COST-EFFECTIVE FOR UK | |
 | A new University of Leicester study reveals that screening people who are at risk of developing diabetes could be a cost-effective health policy and improve the lives of patients.... 14 May 2008 SCREENING FOR DIABETES POTENTIALLY COST-EFFECTIVE FOR UK |
Forensic Psychology | |
 | Volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study at the University of Leicester which will have important implications for forensic research. Participants are required to spend just 30 minutes undertaking memory tasks and questionnaires which will help to shed new light on the relationship between personality, the experience of life adversity, and eye-witness memory.... 23 May 2008 Forensic Psychology |
Dancing Eyes | |
 | As part of the University of Leicester's 50th Anniversary celebrations, a world leader in eye disorders is to give a talk ... 23 May 2008 Dancing Eyes |
Relevant News
DMU students help to make homes safer in Leicester | |
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 | De Montfort University (DMU) students are helping to make homes safer with a new scheme being run in conjunction with police in Leicester.... 04 Apr 2008 DMU students help to make homes safer in Leicester |
NEW TOOL AIMS TO REVOLUTIONISE SCHEDULING MEETINGS | |
 | Advanced-thinking scientists are looking beyond the internet at platforms in cyberspace in order to discover new ways of connecting people for work-based projects.... 11 Apr 2008 NEW TOOL AIMS TO REVOLUTIONISE SCHEDULING MEETINGS |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS | |
 | The University of Leicester has appointed Dr Raffael Schaffrath as a Reader in the Department of Genetics. A graduate of the University of Leicester, he has previously worked at Harvard Medical School.... 11 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS |
Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm Research | |
| Researchers into abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at the University of Leicester have received over 900,000 funding from the Wellcome Trust... 28 Apr 2008 Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm Research |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER TO LEAD AUDIT OF ADULTS WITH AUTISM | |
 | World's first ever study looking at the number of adults in the community who have an autism spectrum disorder ... 09 May 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER TO LEAD AUDIT OF ADULTS WITH AUTISM |
Most Read News (today)
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
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 | A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
 | A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
 | A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
 | Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (this month)
NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN | |
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| A prestigious new scholarship has been announced by the University of Leicester?s Department of Mathematics in memory of an outstanding former member of staff.... 02 May 2008 NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED IN MEMORY OF OUTSTANDING MATHEMATICIAN |
Cannabis Farm Closed | |
| A cannabis factory has been discovered by officers from Hinckley Road local policing unit. The factory was discovered at a house on Beaconsfield Road, off Narborough Road, at around 11.... 19 Apr 2008 Cannabis Farm Closed |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME | |
| A collaboration between the University of Leicester Forensic Research Centre and the Northamptonshire Police Scientific Support Unit, which has already produced some ground-breaking results, is to be formally launched on 14th May.... 16 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER FORENSIC RESEARCH CENTRE JOINS WITH POLICE IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME |
Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity | |
| Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity Sgt Julie Strong, Jo Adams, PCSO Sarah Eastwood, PCSO Maggie Hill, Jonathan Rogers & Chris Barratt with some of the donated bikes Police in Leicester are helping a local charity to get back on track after it was targeted by thieves. Neighbourhood officers from Hinckley Road police station have organised the donation of 20 mini motos and motorbikes to Nacro, the crime reduction charity, to help it continue its work tackling anti-social behaviour and engaging with young people.... 12 Jun 2009 Motorbikes donated to Leicester charity |
Two men charged with murder | |
| Two men charged with murder A 36-year-old man and a 53-year-old man have been charged with murder following the death of 51-year-old Mrs Vina Patel on Thursday January 15, 2009. Both men are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on Friday July 3, 2009.... 02 Jul 2009 Two men charged with murder |
Most Read News (alltime)
Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial | |
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| Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trialClockwise from top left: Gaffar, Mirza, Desai and KhanA PCSO has been praised today after his actions helped to secure the prosecution of four men for GBH, kidnap, false imprisonment, robbery and blackmail. At around 8.... 13 Nov 2009 Lengthy sentences for four accused in Kidnap trial |
Don't be dead in the water this summer | |
 | Parents preparing for summer are being urged to think before buying blow-up arm-bands and rings County Council Trading Standards officers are encouraging people to check that buoyancy aids will really do the job before grabbing the nearest inflatable off the shelf. Not all products are meant to be used to help a child stay above water and even if they will float, if the item is a toy, such as an inflatable animal or giant ring, it will not necessarily be manufactured to the same safety standards as something specifically designed to help a child learn to swim.... 09 Apr 2008 Don't be dead in the water this summer |
Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University | |
 | Professor Stephen Hawking to deliver 50th Anniversary lecture at University of Leicester The University of Leicester will be making history on Wednesday 28th May when one of the best-known and most remarkable scientists of our time will talk on the beginning of time and the cosmos. As part of the University s 50th Anniversary celebrations, Professor Stephen Hawking, CBE, Lucasian Professor of Mathematics at Cambridge, will discuss theories on the origin of the Universe in a public lecture.... 01 May 2008 Stephen Hawking Lecture at Leicester University |
Creative graduates start up in business | |
| Community Services 7 July 2009 Creative graduates start up in business Four graduates from De Montfort and Loughborough Universities have won 1000 each plus business support to start up new creative businesses in Leicestershire:Emma Amies is setting up a new lingerie brand using fresh fabrics and styles from the 1950s. Emma previously worked as a Town Planner as well as designing wind farms for a green electricity company.... 09 Jul 2009 Creative graduates start up in business |
Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall | |
| Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall Two men have been charged in connection with drug dealing in the Netherhall and Thurnby Lodge areas of Leicester. A 28-year-old man has been charged with one count of supplying Class A drugs and two counts of possessing a Class A drug.... 11 Feb 2010 Two men charged in connection with drug dealing in Thurnby Lodge and Netherhall |