[Ichneumon]

It's always helpful to refer to the original paper instead of a "popular" article on it, so here's the actual paper: Mutations arising in the wave front of an expanding population .

Abstract:

The ability to infer the time and place of origin of a mutation can be very useful when reconstructing the evolutionary histories of populations and species. We use forward computer simulations of population growth, migration, and mutation in an analysis of an expanding population with a wave front that advances at a constant slow rate. A pronounced founder effect can be observed among mutations arising in this wave front where extreme population bottlenecks arise and are followed by major population growth. A fraction of mutations travel with the wave front and generate mutant populations that are on average much larger than those that remain stationary. Analysis of the diffusion of these mutants makes it possible to reconstruct migratory trajectories during population expansions, thus helping us better understand observed patterns in the evolution of species such as modern humans. Examination of some historical data supports our model.

The full text of the paper can be read accessed from that link, but will require a PNAS subscription or a one-time $10 fee.

[PatrickHenry]

Thanks, but although I'm obviously winging it, I think I'm at least reasonably close to what the model was all about. The model which was created had very serious constraints in terms of what is known about mutations, human migrations, and present-day variation. It couldn't have been any old model that was whomped up to generate the desired output.