Africans have world's greatest genetic variation

By RANDOLPH E. SCHMID

WASHINGTON (AP) — Africans have more genetic variation than anyone else on Earth, according to a new study that helps narrow the location where humans first evolved, probably near the South Africa-Namibia border.

The largest study of African genetics ever undertaken also found that nearly three-fourths of African-Americans can trace their ancestry to West Africa. The new analysis published Thursday in the online edition of the journal Science.

"Given the fact that modern humans arose in Africa, they have had time to accumulate dramatic changes" in their genes, explained lead researcher Sarah Tishkoff, a geneticist at the University of Pennsylvania.

People have been adapting to very diverse environmental niches in Africa, she explained in a briefing.

Over 10 years, Tishkoff and an international team of researchers trekked across Africa collecting samples to compare the genes of various peoples. Often working in primitive conditions, the researchers sometimes had to resort to using a car battery to power their equipment, Tishkoff explained.

Africans have world's greatest genetic variation....

Commentary: After the Ways It Has Plundered Africa Over the Years, America and Europe Owe the Continent

By: Judge Greg Mathis

At their most recent meetings, the Group of Eight agreed to spend $60 billion to fight disease in Africa over five years and reaffirmed commitments to double aid to the continent. The G8 is an informal forum for the governments of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The leaders of these nations meet regularly to discuss global issues.

In the past, the group promised large sums to fight poverty and improve health conditions in Africa, but only a small portion of those pledged dollars have actually been paid out. There needs to be more than lip service given if real change is to happen in Africa. The U.S. and the United Kingdom should lead the way, making sure they and the others do as they say. Considering the havoc these two nations have wreaked on the continent, it is the least they can do.

COMMENTARY....

UPI VIDEO NEWS 01.02.08

Pakistan elections delayed.

Officials say parliamentary elections in Pakistan will be delayed. Members of The Election Commission of Pakistan says they'll be pushed back until February 18. Voting was supposed to take place on January 8. This comes following the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. Since her death, the country has been filled with violence and rioting. Several election offices have been destroyed as a result of the riots.

With the Iowa caucuses right around the corner, one poll shows Democrat Barack Obama and Republican Mike Huckabee are leading the way. The most recent poll out by the Des Moines Register shows Obama has the support of 32% surveyed while Senator Hillary Clinton is at 25%. Former Senator John Edwards is following close behind. The poll also shows Huckabee has a six point lead over Mitt Romney. But Iowa is still anyone's game, a large percent of voters are apparently undecided.

Violent riots and civil unrest is continuing in Nairobi, Kenya following the recent elections. At least 50 people, many of them children were found burned in a church fire there. Victims were apparently seeking refuge from the violence at the church. Riots erupted following the recent presidential election results. President Mwai Kibaki was re-elected, beating out Raila Odinga but a slim lead. At least 148 people have died since results were read.

Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee is apparently trying to appeal to Christian conservative voters. He's released a commercial in Iowa where he is standing in front of a Christian fish symbol. In the ad Huckabee is addressing the Iowa Christian Alliance, discussing his pro-life position on abortion. With the Iowa caucus tomorrow, he's looking to grab undecided voters.