While the Pacific region has a relatively long history in the short
lifetime of aDNA studies, the potential for its contribution to studies
of human evolution and population history is perhaps just being
realized. The development of new and improved methods of aDNA
extraction and constant improvements in sequencing technologies
mean that many of the technical limitations researchers faced in
the past are no longer impediments for aDNA studies in the Pacific.
The significantly reduced costs of whole genome analyses will
allow us to move beyond the single locus focus that has dominated
both ancient and modern studies of Pacific populations. Genome
wide data may identify a huge new array of markers to not only
tease apart ancestry and population history, but also to better understand
and possibly treat the health issues that disproportionately
affect Pacific populations today. The potential of applying
these new genomic methods to ancient remains is most exciting.
Perhaps more important, however, is the fact that indigenous
communities are becoming increasingly aware of the potential issues
that can be addressed with aDNA and are actively engaging
with researchers in DNA studies to address questions of mutual
interest. In addition to working with local communities, biologists
and others focusing on aDNA analyses need to work closely with
researchers from other disciplines, particularly archaeology, anthropology
and linguistics to take full advantage of all information
available for the interpretation of results. These collaborative approaches
integrating both ancient and modern genetic variation
will only benefit our understanding of the history and prehistory of
this vast region known as the Pacific and of the evolution and
dispersal of our species