How your DNA can reconstruct history

DNA contains genetic segments inherited from groups that interbred in the past. Scientists have mapped some of the intermixing.

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(CNN) -- Most people are carrying around historical records in their DNA, with clues to how people from genetically distinct groups intermingled over the last 4,000 years. That's the conclusion of a new study in the journal Science.

Researchers set out to pinpoint which groups intermixed, and when, over thousands of years, using modern DNA. They thought this information could complement other historical records.

"The results suggest DNA is indeed a powerful means of reconstructing history, which then might be used to identify the genetic legacies of historically well-attested events ... and highlight surprising events with a less clear historical context," authors Garrett Hellenthal and Simon Myers wrote in an e-mail.

The scientists have created an interactive map showcasing their findings. You can explore the map in detail on the researchers' website, admixturemap.paintmychromosomes.com.

The technical term for people from genetically different groups having babies together is "genetic admixture." This has happened throughout history when people migrated into a new geographic region where others were already living.

Researchers say there have been many such admixture events among people from populations that were separated by thousands of miles. Sometimes populations adjacent to each other have distinct ancestry and history.

Did you know that your DNA contains genetic segments you've inherited from groups that intermingled in the past? Researchers can look at these signatures for clues about major historical mixings of populations.

DNA from a person today can also give scientists an idea of how long ago two groups genetically mixed.

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How your DNA can reconstruct history