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Ethical ancient DNA research must involve descendant communities, say researchers

Date:
January 11, 2023
Source:
Cell Press
Summary:
The analysis of ancient DNA allows scientists to trace human evolution and make important discoveries about modern populations. The data revealed by ancient DNA sampling can be valuable, but the human remains that carry this ancient DNA are often those of the ancestors of modern Indigenous groups, and some communities have expressed concerns about the ethics of sampling by outside parties. A group of scientists make the case for involvement of descendant communities in all aspects of the research process.
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The analysis of ancient DNA allows scientists to trace human evolution and make important discoveries about modern populations. The data revealed by ancient DNA sampling can be valuable, but the human remains that carry this ancient DNA are often those of the ancestors of modern Indigenous groups, and some communities have expressed concerns about the ethics of sampling by outside parties. A group of scientists publishing in the journal Human Genetics and Genomics Advances on January 11 make the case for involvement of descendant communities in all aspects of the research process.

“Allowing descendant communities to guide ancient DNA research is critical because most risks and benefits resulting from research on their Ancestors are realized by descendant communities—not researchers,” say the authors, led by Emma Kowal, an anthropologist at Deakin University. “Without this guidance from descendant communities, ancient DNA research can be an extractive and exploitative science that propagates the consequences of colonial practices.”

The authors advocate for rigorous involvement with existing groups, despite logistical difficulties. “Communities should be equal partners with scientists in the research process. It is true that identifying which communities should be recognized as research partners can be challenging, even in countries such as the United States where there is longstanding recognition of hundreds of tribes,” say the authors. “However, these challenges are not a reason to exclude groups that may have rights and interests in ancient DNA research.”

In their peer-reviewed commentary, the authors conclude that the ability to adhere to stringent guidelines for community involvement should be part of the decision to move forward with research or not.  “If a research team does not have the capacity to meaningfully engage descendent communities, questions must be asked about the value and benefit of their research,” they write.



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Materials provided by Cell Press. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Emma Kowal, Laura S. Weyrich, Juan Manuel Argüelles, Alyssa C. Bader, Chip Colwell, Amanda Daniela Cortez, Jenny L. Davis, Gonzalo Figueiro, Keolu Fox, Ripan S. Malhi, Elizabeth Matisoo-Smith, Ayushi Nayak, Elizabeth A. Nelson, George Nicholas, Maria A. Nieves-Colón, Lynette Russell, Sean Ulm, Francisco Vergara-Silva, Fernando A. Villanea, Jennifer K. Wagner, Joseph M. Yracheta, Krystal S. Tsosie. Community partnerships are fundamental to ethical ancient DNA research. Human Genetics and Genomics Advances, 2023; 100161 DOI: 10.1016/j.xhgg.2022.100161

Cite This Page:

Cell Press. "Ethical ancient DNA research must involve descendant communities, say researchers." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 11 January 2023. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230111131453.htm>.
Cell Press. (2023, January 11). Ethical ancient DNA research must involve descendant communities, say researchers. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230111131453.htm
Cell Press. "Ethical ancient DNA research must involve descendant communities, say researchers." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2023/01/230111131453.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

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