Advancing the ethics of paleogenomics

Abstract

Ancestral remains should be regarded not as “artifacts” but as human relatives who deserve respect

Early human dispersals within the Americas

“…We engaged and sought feedback from Indigenous groups linked to the ancestral individuals analyzed in this study by using the recommendations for genomics research with Indigenous communities (11)(12)(13). We obtained genome sequences from 15 ancient human remains (Fig.…”

How Academic Diversity Is Transforming Scientific Knowledge in Biological Anthropology

“…This example, along with other actions of past AAPA-affiliated practices, has likely resulted in a lasting objectionable reputation for the field among minority community members. Research practices by biological anthropologists on minority populations today continue to be criticized on ethical grounds (Bardill et al 2018;Claw et al 2017;Marks 2002). These practices, along with institutional structures of universities and the AAPA, continue to diminish interest in the field among minority community members, even with the AAPA's recent adoption of an ethics committee and a comprehensive code of ethics.…”

Ancient DNA and its contribution to understanding the human history of the Pacific Islands

“…In addition to my concerns regarding the interpretations presented in these Pacific aDNA papers, I add my voice to the growing pleas for caution coming from several regions regarding the “bone rush” and “industrialisation” of ancient DNA research (Bardill et al . ; Prendergast & Sawchuk ). We are increasingly seeing a situation in which a few large and extremely well‐funded international laboratories are in a race to collect, analyse and publish as much ancient DNA data as they can get their hands on, from every geographical region, as quickly as possible.…”