What: Basque heritage DNA project

When: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 30

Where: Jaialdi celebration, Western Idaho Fairgrounds

Who: Boise State biology professor Greg Hampikian and students

Boise State students and professor Greg Hampikian will run a booth from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Western Idaho Fairgrounds during the Jaialdi celebration as part of the Basque Heritage DNA project. The booth is located near the fairgrounds gazebo. The Boise State group will be collecting DNA cheek swabs from adults of Basque extraction. They are looking at a small area of mitochondrial DNA that is being used by National Geographic and other research organizations to understand the migration of immigrant groups, and the links in DNA within the Basque population. People who participate will have a chance to contribute to knowledge about the genetic heritage of the Basque people.

According to Hampikian, the sampling is a painless procedure in which you rub the inside of your cheek with a cotton swap, and fill out a quick questionnaire. Each sample is assigned a random number and will be analyzed at the Boise State lab.

The $100,000 sequencer was recently purchased with a matching grant Hampikian obtained from the LI-COR Corporation. The Boise State departments of biology, chemistry, materials science and engineering, and College of Arts and Sciences supported the match. “This sequencer really brings us onto the cutting edge of DNA technology, and will push Boise State students ahead in the job market,” Hampikian said.