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| Scientists are to take DNA samples from 2,500 British men to find out how many of them have Viking blood, it has been disclosed. The research is aimed at finding out how many Britons are descended from Vikings, and to answer questions that still surround the enigmatic invaders. Geneticist Professor David Goldstein, from University College London, will lead the 15-month study. The results will form the basis of a new BBC2 television series next year, Blood of the Vikings. Vikings spread further and conquered more widely than the Romans, yet little is known about their time in Britain and Ireland during the Dark Ages. The scientists will attempt to discover how many of the Vikings stayed after raping and pillaging to make the British Isles their home. They will also investigate female ancestry to find out whether the first Viking invaders brought their families with them or came alone. The researchers are looking for 100 mouth-swab samples of male DNA from each of 25 locations across the British Isles, together with comparative samples from the continent. Men are being used because male Y chromosomes provide detailed information about male ancestry. But men also possess a female X chromosome that holds clues about the female ancestral line. The UCL team, in conjunction with the BBC, is looking for males living within 20 miles of 22 specific small towns and cities, or from Glasgow, London or Liverpool. Those from the first 22 locations should also be able to trace either their father's father or their mother's mother to the same location. Prof Goldstein said: "Modern genetics has opened up a powerful new window on the past. We can now trace past movements of peoples and address questions that have proved difficult to answer through history and archaeology alone." Anyone wanting to take part in the survey should call the BBC History Line on 08700 106060 or visit the web site www.bbc.co.uk/history. from: http://www.ananova.com/news/story/science_heritage-uk_24907.html |
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