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Research in the Department of Genetics at University of Leicester is well-known for its human population studies with the Y chromosome, including the relationship between the male surname and the Y chromosome, as well as a better understanding of the Viking settlement in the Northwest England.
Now a new research project using the X chromosome (present in one copy in men but two in women) will be the first readily applicable non sex-specific evolutionary tool to provide a more sex-balanced view in human population studies.
Although the Y chromosome is a better established evolutionary tool and has been used in many evolutionary studies, apart from ease of usage, it has a lot of limitations preventing it becoming the most evolutionary informative DNA segments in the Human genome.
Now as part of her doctoral studies, Holly Leung is investigating the potential of the X chromosome as another evolutionary informative segment in the human genome.
Holly said: “This may be the real key to solving many existing mysteries of human population evolution, for example the ‘out of Africa’ theory and the Neolithic expansion in Europe.
“The Y chromosome is the most common evolutionary tool we use in population studies but it doesn’t mean that it is the most evolutionary informative DNA segment in the human genome.
“There are many limitations with the use of the Y chromosome which make it non-applicable to every evolutionary study because of its male specific lineage. It provides sex-biased information to the male and as a single genetic marker restricts the diversity of information source.
“The aim of my research is to produce and assess the usefulness of the evolutionary information provided by the X chromosome. It shares some properties with the Y chromosome, but provides an expanded view of human evolution because of its presence in males and females and the many independent genetic markers it contains.”
Holly Leung is 24 years old, graduate from the BSc Medical
Genetics in the University of Leicester in 2006. In the same year, she continues her study in the Department of Genetics doing PhD Genetics research as she discovered her interest in Evolutionary Genetics specifically in the study of evolutionary history of Human population.
The research is being presented to the public at the University of Leicester on Thursday 26th June. The Festival of Postgraduate Research introduces employers and the public to the next generation of innovators and cutting-edge researchers, and gives postgraduate researchers the opportunity to explain the real world implications of their research to a wide ranging audience.
Latest News
Keep your home secure and enjoy the summer | |
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![]() | Keep your home secure and enjoy the summerSummer burglary campaign adviceAs the weather warms up Leicestershire Police is reminding residents to secure their windows and doors every time they leave their homes. The force is launching a summer campaign to help prevent an increase in burglaries across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.... 25 May 2012 Keep your home secure and enjoy the summer |
Jewellery stolen in robbery on Launde Road | |
![]() | Jewellery stolen in robbery on Launde RoadOfficers are appealing for witnesses following a robbery on Launde Road, Oadby. The incident took place on Tuesday, May 8 at around 3pm.... 25 May 2012 Jewellery stolen in robbery on Launde Road |
'Protect your gold leaflets issued in Leicester | |
![]() | 'Protect your gold leaflets issued in LeicesterAdvice leaflet issuedAdvice leaflets will be distributed in Leicester this weekend urging residents to protect your gold. The leaflets - which contain crime prevention tips and urge residents to report any suspicious activity - are being pushed through letterboxes and handed out in places of worship and community centres to raise awareness of a recent rise in burglaries in which Asian gold jewellery has been targeted.... 25 May 2012 'Protect your gold leaflets issued in Leicester |
New technology boosts independence | |
![]() | Adults & Communities24 May 2012New technology boosts independenceCutting edge technology provided by the county council is helping people to stay in their own homes, giving peace of mind to their relatives. Maisie Walker from Shepshed is enjoying her freedom again, despite epilepsy, thanks to Leicestershire County Council.... 24 May 2012 New technology boosts independence |
Businesses to benefit from successful transport bid | |
![]() | Environment & Transport24 May 2012Businesses to benefit from successful transport bid Leicestershire County Council has today learned it has been successful in a bid for 4m to boost sustainable transport. The Government cash will benefit businesses and residents, primarily in and around Loughborough and Coalville, by funding schemes designed to alleviate congestion, boost the local economy and reduce carbon.... 24 May 2012 Businesses to benefit from successful transport bid |
Related News
Scientists aim to create Genetic snapshot of the diversity of Leicester | |
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![]() | University of Leicester study will profile make-up of a modern British city Scientists at the world-famous Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester, home of DNA fingerprinting, are recruiting men who live in Leicester to provide a genetic snapshot of the diversity of the city. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, will focus on the Y chromosome, part of our DNA that is passed down from fathers to sons.... 28 Apr 2008 Scientists aim to create Genetic snapshot of the diversity of Leicester |
Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm Research | |
![]() | Researchers into abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at the University of Leicester have received over 900,000 funding from the Wellcome Trust... 28 Apr 2008 Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm Research |
Embryo Research | |
![]() | Andy Reed, Loughborough MP, has voted for the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill which will confer the same rights and restrictions on the use of admixed embryos as human embryos.... 14 May 2008 Embryo Research |
PLASTICS THAT CAN REPLICATE NERVES, NOSES AND TONGUES | |
![]() | A type of plastic that exhibits metallic and semi-conductor-like properties will be described in an inaugural doctoral lecture at the University of Leicester.... 14 May 2008 PLASTICS THAT CAN REPLICATE NERVES, NOSES AND TONGUES |
VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER | |
![]() | A University of Leicester student has achieved an extraordinary milestone in her career by being selected for a prestigious national prize.... 08 Apr 2008 VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER |
Relevant News
LEADING ACADEMIC TO HEAD SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER | |
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![]() | A leading academic, who has previously worked with the US multinational ITT as a specialist in human-computer interaction, is to join the University of Leicester as the new Head of the School of Psychology.... 08 Apr 2008 LEADING ACADEMIC TO HEAD SCHOOL OF PSYCHOLOGY AT UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER |
VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER | |
![]() | A University of Leicester student has achieved an extraordinary milestone in her career by being selected for a prestigious national prize.... 08 Apr 2008 VITAL CELL STUDY ACCOLADE FOR UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER RESEARCHER |
UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS | |
![]() | The University of Leicester has appointed Dr Raffael Schaffrath as a Reader in the Department of Genetics. A graduate of the University of Leicester, he has previously worked at Harvard Medical School.... 11 Apr 2008 UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER GRADUATE APPOINTED TO READERSHIP IN DEPARTMENT OF GENETICS |
Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm Research | |
![]() | Researchers into abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) at the University of Leicester have received over 900,000 funding from the Wellcome Trust... 28 Apr 2008 Abdominal Aeortic Aneurysm Research |
Scientists aim to create Genetic snapshot of the diversity of Leicester | |
![]() | University of Leicester study will profile make-up of a modern British city Scientists at the world-famous Department of Genetics at the University of Leicester, home of DNA fingerprinting, are recruiting men who live in Leicester to provide a genetic snapshot of the diversity of the city. The study, funded by the Wellcome Trust, will focus on the Y chromosome, part of our DNA that is passed down from fathers to sons.... 28 Apr 2008 Scientists aim to create Genetic snapshot of the diversity of Leicester |
Most Read News (today)
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
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![]() | Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
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Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough | |
![]() | Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in LoughboroughPaulius TroninasA 19-year-old man has today (Friday January 7, 2011) been found guilty of the assault and rape of a woman in Loughborough. Paulius Troninas, 19, of Paget Street, Loughborough was found guilty of rape and section 18 grievous bodily harm following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.... 07 Jan 2011 Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough |
Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious | |
![]() | Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspiciousOfficers investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Shepshed have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The body was discovered in Butthole Lane at about 1pm on Wednesday January 5.... 06 Jan 2011 Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious |
Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley | |
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Most Read News (this month)
Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis | |
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![]() | Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis Anjam Nazir, Mohinder Singh, Baljinder Singh Three men from Leicester have pleaded guilty to their part in one of the country s biggest Cannabis smuggling operations. Leicestershire Constabulary is now able to provide details about the 36m drugs investigation following the conclusion of the trial at Winchester Crown Court today (Tuesday June 2).... 02 Jun 2009 Leicester men guilty of smuggling 36m of cannabis |
Second collision on M1 northbound | |
![]() | Leicestershire Constabulary are investigating a second fatal collision on the M1 northbound. The first collision happened at around 8.... 12 Nov 2008 Second collision on M1 northbound |
Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough | |
![]() | Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in LoughboroughPaulius TroninasA 19-year-old man has today (Friday January 7, 2011) been found guilty of the assault and rape of a woman in Loughborough. Paulius Troninas, 19, of Paget Street, Loughborough was found guilty of rape and section 18 grievous bodily harm following a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.... 07 Jan 2011 Man found guilty of assault and rape of woman in Loughborough |
Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious | |
![]() | Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspiciousOfficers investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Shepshed have confirmed that the death is not being treated as suspicious. The body was discovered in Butthole Lane at about 1pm on Wednesday January 5.... 06 Jan 2011 Police confirm death of woman in Shepshed is non-suspicious |
Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley | |
![]() | Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a building site in Hinckley. The incident happened at a building site at a premises on Baines Lane between 4.... 10 Mar 2009 Cement mixer stolen from Hinckley |
Most Read News (alltime)
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Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scam | |
![]() | Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scamTop L to R - Sandip Rana, Satish Ravat, Vishal Shah bottom L to R Bhavesh Patel and Jaswinder ChahalFive Leicester men have today (Thursday November 25) been sentenced for their part in an illegal immigration scam. Bhavesh Patel (27) of Columbine Road, Hamilton, Satish Ravat (28) of Arbour Road, Leicester, Sandip Singh Rana (29) of Moores Road, Leicester, Jaswinder Chahal (42) of Swithland Avenue, Leicester and Vishal Jitendra Shah (25) of Braemar Close, Leicester pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court at an earlier hearing to assisting unlawful immigration to a member state contrary to section 25 of the Immigration Act 1971.... 25 Nov 2010 Five Leicester men sentenced after illegal immigration scam |
Forensic Psychology | |
![]() | Volunteers are being sought to take part in a new study at the University of Leicester which will have important implications for forensic research. Participants are required to spend just 30 minutes undertaking memory tasks and questionnaires which will help to shed new light on the relationship between personality, the experience of life adversity, and eye-witness memory.... 23 May 2008 Forensic Psychology |
Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester Racecourse | |
![]() | Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester RacecourseMembers from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Resilience Forum (LRF) have today (Wednesday October 27, 2010) been involved in a pre-planned exercise to test how emergency services would cope with a major incident. At 10.... 27 Oct 2010 Multi agency forum test explosion exercise at Leicester Racecourse |
Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road | |
![]() | Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road Officers from the force s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for witnesses after a fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road. The collision occurred at around 7.... 08 Jun 2009 Fatal road traffic collision on Melton Road |











