Earlier I mentioned reading the latest Bryan Sykes was on my agenda. Well, I read it, and it was a terrific book, at once a travel adventure by a British man first time across the USA by train, as well as what I've come to expect from Sykes; a DNA adventure.
One of the most interesting things I learned about DNA is that these day's science can tell you that your liver came from your African DNA (and the tribe) while your heart came from European (Celtic maybe). As a result, medicine may some day be more accurate in prescribing medications or treatments based on genetics that may not be obvious looking at you.
Something else I learned was more relevant to GENEALOGY. You see, proving Native American ancestry is something that so many people want to do these days. Used to be that people hid their "Indian" heritage for many reasons, including discrimination. Sykes takes about the willingness of many Americans - White and Black - who want to find out if the family rumors are true. Others, however, are sure they do not want DNA tests because... well because it might prove they do not have enough Native American ancestry to retain their tribal rights, especially to casino money.
In one case a tribe threw out a couple hundred members who were African American, these people took the test and came out between 6% and 30% native American. However, Sykes points out, the remaining members of the tribe don't want to take the same test and find out they are also less than entitled.
Over all, this was a terrific book.
I highly recommend it, and hope to find the time to read all the previous books he's written about the subject!
