Article: Unlocking Maldives' DNA mystery; It's fitting that this week, as SA celebrated Women's Day, one great South African woman delivered her findings in a world-first genetics study. Alex Eliseev explains why this is such an achievement.(News)

Inside Professor Himla Soodyall's briefcase lay the biggest gift anyone could give the islanders of the Maldives - their history.

Soodyall, one of South Africa's top scientists and leading women, returned home this week after delivering the findings of a world-first DNA ancestry study.

In November last year, the local geneticist drew 220 blood samples during a visit to the Maldives and brought them to Joburg for eight months of decoding.

Last week, Soodyall set out to deliver her findings and finally confirm an oral history that dates back to 2000 BC - a history that has kept over 350 000 Maldivians uncertain of their roots and their place in ...

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