The picture above plots genetic variations of 3,000 Europeans in a two-dimensional grid.
The picture below is the map of Europe.
Eerily close, right?
That genetics vary across geography always made intuitive sense. Now we have empirical evidence that genomic analysis can be used to pinpoint a person's geographic origins to within a few hundred kilometres.
Scientists hope to extend this research to understanding the role of genetics in the genesis of diseases.
Researchers are particularly excited about how their latest algorithms can actually distinguish between French, German and Italian speaking groups within the confines of little Switzerland simply by comparing subtle variations in genetics.