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Haplo Group

Overview

The "Haplo Group" focuses on estimating parameters of a population's demography from ancient DNA data (aDNA). We are particularly interested in

  1. Population Genetic analysis of aDNA sequenced at the institute and elsewhere. A special focus is on data from the ancient Mediterranean generated via MHAAM (Max Planck – Harvard Research Center for the Archaeoscience of the Ancient Mediterranean).
  2. Developing new computational methods for analyzing aDNA. Specifically, we work on pushing powerful haplotype-based methods towards the low coverage regime typical for aDNA.

Identity by Descent segments in ancient DNA

One broad project focuses on utilizing the power of IBD segments for demographic inference. These blocks are the genomic signposts of recent genealogical connections between two individuals, they are co-inherited identically from a recent common ancestor. We have a vision based on population genetic arguments that IBD segments hold ample power to infer recent demography, such as rates of mobility and population size trajectories.

However, while such analyses are commonly applied to modern DNA, the low-coverage regime typical of aDNA data is not accessible with standard approaches. Currently, we are working on

  1. Detecting IBD in aDNA with specifically developed methods.
  2. Turning IBD segments inferred in aDNA into demographic estimates.

This progress will allow us to address key questions about the human past in a completely new way.

Group Leader

The "Haplo Group" is led by Harald Ringbauer.

Group Members

  • Eirini Skourtanioti (Postdoctoral Researcher)
  • Yilei Huang (PhD Researcher)

Associated Group Members

  • Xiaowen Jia (PhD Researcher, LMU Munich, main supervisor: Philipp Stockhammer)
  • Percy Ho (PhD Researcher, Harvard University, main supervisor: Christina Warinner)