Harvard University · GeneticsAncient DNA and Human Evolution Lab
David E Reich · Cambridge, Massachusetts
Research Focus
The lab of David E Reich at Harvard Medical School focuses on utilizing ancient DNA to enhance our understanding of human genetic traits and disease risk over time. By analyzing large datasets from various historical populations, the lab aims to uncover how evolutionary forces have shaped genetic variation and complex traits in humans. This research not only provides insights into our past but also helps make connections to present-day health issues and genetic diversity.
ancient DNAhuman geneticscomplex traitsevolutionary biologygenetic variationselection coefficientsWest EurasiaSouth AmericaCentral Americapopulation genetics
Research Aims
4AIM 01Assemble a comprehensive ancient DNA dataset spanning 34,000 individuals from West Eurasia.
AIM 02Curate and release a public resource of the ancient DNA data collected.
AIM 03Analyze how selection forces affect allele distribution over time.
AIM 04Initiate ancient DNA studies in Central and South America to broaden the understanding of genetic variation.
Skills the Lab Values
ancient DNA extractionwhole genome sequencingGenetic algorithmsstatistical modelinggeneralized linear mixed modelsdata curationbioinformaticspopulation analysisphenotypic assessmentdata visualization
Output against the department
Publications518top 13% of dept.32nd of 259
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations111ktop 4% of dept.10th of 259
this lab
most citedleast cited
Career totals from OpenAlex, compared against labs that share a department. A department spans everything from one paper to tens of thousands, so bar heights are on a log scale — otherwise the largest lab would flatten every other bar to a line.