What can a genome tell us about the human story?
Why did people migrate? How did farming and institutions change societies? Can ancient DNA help us understand the evolution of intelligence, personality, and fertility?
Welcome to PifferPilfer. I’m Davide Piffer, an independent researcher exploring genetics, history, and human behaviour. Here I work through questions like these with original analyses, research papers, and the occasional detour into the curious habits of our species.
Inside the newsletter
You’ll find ancient DNA research on migration and adaptation; analyses of genetic scores associated with education, intelligence, and personality; and essays on fertility, culture, and social change.
I go into the data behind the story: what was measured, how the comparison was made, and how much the conclusion depends on the assumptions. Surprising results are welcome. So are corrections.
You don’t need a genetics degree to follow along. I explain the methods as we go, with figures, sources, and enough detail for readers who want to look more closely.
Start exploring
For a look at how the field has changed, read Education and intelligence polygenic scores, thirteen years later.
For genetics alongside archaeology, try Intelligence and inequality: what ancient graves reveal.
Or browse the archive and follow your curiosity.
Why subscribe?
Free subscribers receive public essays and research highlights, plus previews of paid posts.
Paid subscribers get access to paid articles and the full archive. Your subscription also funds the time spent assembling datasets, testing ideas, and writing up the results.
If you enjoy following a question beyond the headline and into the evidence, you’ll feel at home here.
Get in touch
Questions, corrections, and research collaborations are welcome. Reply to a newsletter email to reach me.
Davide
