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Principal component analysis of genetic data

Principal component analysis (PCA) has been a useful tool for analysis of genetic data, particularly in studies of human migration. A new study finds evidence that the observed geographic gradients, traditionally thought to represent major historical migrations, may in fact have other interpretations.

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Figure 1: PCA continues to provide evidence of important migration events.

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Reich, D., Price, A. & Patterson, N. Principal component analysis of genetic data. Nat Genet 40, 491–492 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/ng0508-491

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