Washington, 1 May-(ANA)-A group of scientists have unveiled what they say is the most comprehensive study ever of African genes.
Following a decade of study, the researchers say their findings give new insight into the origins of humans.
The first humans probably evolved near the South Africa-Namibia border before migrating north, the study says.
Published in the US journal Science, it aims to teach Africans on population history and aid research into why diseases hit particular groups.
The scientists examined genetic material from 121 African populations, as well as four African-American populations and 60 non-African populations.
The results provided "novel insights about levels and patterns of genetic diversity in Africa, a region that has been under-represented in human genetic studies", said Sarah Tishkoff, a geneticist from the University of Pennsylvania. (ANA)
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