Population genetics is the study of the allele frequency distribution and change under the influence of the four evolutionary forces: natural selection, genetic drift, mutation and gene flow. It also takes account of population subdivision and population structure in space. This book presents the latest research in the field from around the globe.

This book is devoted to the collection, interpretation and analysis of population genetic data. Among the topics included here are studies on human evolutionary history, molecular techniques for generating data, statistical and computational techniques for the interpretation of such data, and stochastic models for genealogy and population structure. The chapters reflect the close interaction between experimental molecular biologists and theoreticians. The book will be useful for specialists in the area, as well as mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists and biologists wanting a brief overview of current problems in the field.

This textbook provides a concise introduction and useful overview of the field of human population genomics, making the highly technical and contemporary aspects more accessible to students and researchers from various fields. Over the past decade, there has been a deluge of genetic variation data from the entire genome of individuals from many populations. These data have allowed an unprecedented look at human history and how natural selection has impacted humans during this journey. Simultaneously, there have been increased efforts to determine how genetic variation affects complex traits in humans. Due to technological and methodological advances, progress has been made at determining the architecture of complex traits. Split in three parts, the book starts with the basics, followed by more advanced and current research. The first part provides an introduction to essential concepts in population genetics, which are relevant for any organism. The second part covers the genetics of complex traits in humans. The third part focuses on applying these techniques and concepts to genetic variation data to learn about demographic history and natural selection in humans. This new textbook aims to serve as a gateway to modern human population genetics research for those new to the field. It provides an indispensable resource for students, researchers and practitioners from disparate areas of expertise.

Devoted to the collection, interpretation and analysis of population genetic data, topics included here include studies on human evolutionary history, molecular techniques for generating data, statistical and computational techniques for the interpretation of such data, and stochastic models for genealogy and population structure. The book reflects the close interaction between experimental molecular biologists and theoreticians, and as such will be useful for specialists in the area, as well as mathematicians, statisticians, computer scientists and biologists wanting a brief overview of current problems in the field.

What can social science, and demography in particular, reasonably expect to learn from biological information? There is increasing pressure for multipurpose household surveys to collect biological data along with the more familiar interviewer-respondent information. Given that recent technical developments have made it more feasible to collect biological information in non-clinical settings, those who fund, design, and analyze survey data need to think through the rationale and potential consequences. This is a concern that transcends national boundaries. Cells and Surveys addresses issues such as which biologic/genetic data should be collected in order to be most useful to a range of social scientists and whether amassing biological data has unintended side effects. The book also takes a look at the various ethical and legal concerns that such data collection entails.

This book assesses the scientific value and merit of research on human genetic differencesâ€"including a collection of DNA samples that represents the whole of human genetic diversityâ€"and the ethical, organizational, and policy issues surrounding such research. Evaluating Human Genetic Diversity discusses the potential uses of such collection, such as providing insight into human evolution and origins and serving as a springboard for important medical research. It also addresses issues of confidentiality and individual privacy for participants in genetic diversity research studies.

The study of inheritance in human beings is referred to as human genetics. It is a multidisciplinary field that encompasses various fields such as molecular genetics, classical genetics, genomics, cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, population genetics, developmental genetics and clinical genetics. Genes are the common factors of the qualities of most human-inherited characteristics. A few major inheritance patterns are autosomal dominant inheritance, X-linked and Y-linked inheritance and autosomal recessive inheritance. Human genetics is an important field that helps to find the answers regarding human nature. It can also help in understanding various diseases and their effective treatment. This book outlines the processes and applications of human genetics in detail. From theories to research to practical applications, case studies related to all contemporary topics of relevance to this field have been included herein. Those in search of information to further their knowledge will be greatly assisted by this book.