Guns, Germs, and Alleles

In the following lecture, we will explore three key topics related to Oceania, using genomic data and modeling studies to illuminate historical migrations, disease origins, and health trends in the Pacific region.

1. Peopling of Polynesia: Genomic Insights: This segment examines the migration pathways to Polynesia, leveraging genomic networks to delineate the timing and routes of these ancient voyages, enhancing our understanding of Polynesian ancestry.

2. Origins of Leprosy in Oceania: We will investigate the historical introduction and spread of leprosy in the Pacific through genomic data, tracing its adaptation to new environments and revealing evolutionary trends.

3. Gout Epidemic in French Polynesia: Our final discussion utilizes data from the Ma’i u’u epi-survey to model the recent surge in gout cases, identifying trends and potential interventions.

This lecture will highlight the importance of genetic and epidemiological research in addressing the complex health and historical issues facing Oceania.