Otago research cites faulty science and ethics in DNA analyzes of 'Ata & # 39;

International collaborative research conducted by the University of Otago calls into question the ethics and the skeletal and genomic analysis surrounding research on the "mummy of Atacama". 19659005] University of Otago Bioarchaeologist Associate Professor Sian Halcrow led an international research team focusing on the very small mummified body, the results of which are published today in the International Journal of Paleopathology . The team evaluated work done on the body by researchers at Stanford University, which was published in Genome Research earlier this year.

The mummy in question was discovered more than ten years ago in an abandoned desert town of Atacama in Chile. "AT". By analyzing this tiny mummified body, Stanford researchers concluded that genetic abnormalities could explain the abnormal perceived features of the skeleton, which was only 15 cm long.

However, Associate Professor Halcrow and colleagues at universities in the United States, Sweden, and Chile highlighted a number of concerns about the ethical, skeletal, and genomic analysis of research

. development, the Otago-led research team found no evidence of any of the skeletal abnormalities reported by Stanford researchers. All the abnormal features cited by Stanford researchers are part of the normal skeletal development of a fetus, says the research team led by Otago

"Unfortunately, there was no scientific reason to undertake genomic analyzes of Ata because the skeleton is normal.the identified genetic mutations may be a coincidence, and none of the genetic mutations are known to be strongly associated with skeletal pathology that would affect the skeleton at this young age, "says Associate Professor Halcrow.

The situation highlights the need for interdisciplinarity. research approach for a case study like "Ata", she says.

"This case study allows us to show how bringing together several experts in osteology, medicine, archeology, history and genetics is essential for accurate scientific interpretations and to consider the ethical implications of genomic analysis. skeletal and cultural context are essential for a precise scientific interpretation and to control the ethics and legality of such research. "

The co-author Bernardo Arriaza, bioarchaeologist of the University of Tarapacá in Chile, believes that it is crucial to consider the archaeological content in addition to an interdisciplinary approach. It is important to remember that the situation is a pregnancy loss probably from the very recent past.

"This mummy reflects a sad loss for a mother in the Atacama Desert," Dr. Arriaza said.

The Otago-led research team also pointed to concerns regarding archaeological legislation and the ethics of conducting research without ethical consent, nor archaeological permits cited by Stanford researchers.

"We warn DNA researchers that they should be involved in cases where the context and legality are unclear or where the remains have been stored in collections. The Associate Professor Halcrow is also disappointed that she and co-author, Kristina Killgrove, of the University of North Carolina at the Department of Anthropology at Chapel Hill, were unable to submit an answer. to the article and the search in "We were both told that Genome Research does not publish letters to the editor, only original research papers, despite statements by leading authors Nola and Butte (the researchers from Stanford University). Justifies the ethics of their analyzes, "says Associate Professor Halcrow

" For the scientific process to advance, it is essential to have a debate open to peer-reviewed journals. "

###

A link to the research paper: https: / / authors. elsevier. com / sd / article / S1879981718300548

For more information, contact

Associate Professor Sian Halcrow

Department of Anatomy

Mob 027 223 8269

Email [email protected]

Liane Topham-Kindley

Senior Communications Advisor

Tel 03 479 9065

Mob 021 279 9065

Email [email protected]