Researchers successfully determine annual changes in genetic ancestry in different regions of Finland – the data obtained from THL Biobank
A new study conducted at the University of Helsinki succeeded in assessing, with unparalleled precision, the genetic ancestry of more than 18,000 Finns. The results made it possible to follow the traces of 20th century events in our genes and assess the effect of migration on the genetic mixing of the population. For example, it was possible to trace the migration of the evacuees from Finnish Karelia all across Finland on an annual level by exploring the share of the Karelian ancestry among the newborns of a given region.
The findings now made by researchers from the University of Helsinki, Aalto University and the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) make it possible, for the first time, to make similar comparisons within Finland.
The results have been published in the PLoS Genetics journal. In addition, the researchers have launched a website for the project, where anyone can browse the results using an interactive map.
The research data was obtained from THL Biobank and it is based on the THL's National FINRISK Study.
See the release at University of Helsinki website
Publication in the PLoS Genetics Journal
