IBM donates Thinkpads and software to field scientists

Scientists collecting DNA samples from people in remote regions around the world will soon be able to transmit samples and blog their experiences without leaving the field.

Roughly 10 principal scientists are working with the Genographic Project in remote areas of Australia, China, Russia and other regions to collect the largest sample of human DNA ever assembled to study and chart how humans populated the Earth.

In recent weeks, software giant IBM has donated new computers and custom software to the investigators to make the data-gathering easier and to improve communication.

Dr Spencer Wells, Genographic Project director and an explorer-in-residence at National Geographic Society, which, along with IBM, is backing the study, said: "This is a giant leap forward for field expeditions everywhere."

"IBM is helping to greatly advance and expedite quality sampling while providing our project investigators peace of mind that the information they are gathering is securely stored and protected."

The software and new T42 IBM Thinkpads, with biometrical security fingerprint technology, will allow the scientists to input DNA samples while they're in the field for the first time, rather than having to return to a central office. The software contains customised language fields and contextual scientific data to help minimise the number of errors made while entering data, which could ultimately spoil a sample population.

For the first time, the software will also enable the researchers to chat instantly with their peers or retrieve real-time answers from an automated scientific database. Coming soon in the autumn, scientists will be able to post blogs on their work, which will be reposted on the Genographic Project's website.

The five-year Genographic Project was launched in April and has already raised more than $1m in funding from more than 62,000 people who have bought the DNA sample kits. The funds are being used to rebuild roads, improve water systems and provide healthcare to indigenous communities throughout the world.

Stefanie Olsen writes for CNET News.com