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International collaborative research led by the University of Otago challenges ethic and skeletal and genomic analysis surrounding research on the "Atacama mummy".
Sian Halcrow, associate professor in bioarchaeology at the University of Otago, 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". In analyzing this tiny mummified body, Stanford researchers concluded that genetic abnormalities may explain the abnormal perceived skeletal features, which measured only 15 cm
However, Associate Professor Halcrow and colleagues at American, Swedish and Chilean universities ,
As experts in human anatomy and skeletal development, the research team led by Otago found no evidence of the existence of 39 skeletal abnormalities reported by Stanford researchers. . All of 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 are probably coincidental, and none of the genetic mutations are known to be strongly associated with Skeletal pathology that would affect the "The situation highlights the need for an interdisciplinary research approach for a case study such as" Ata, "she says.
" This case study allows us to show how to bring 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
"A nuanced understanding of skeletal biological processes and cultural context is essential for a precise scientific interpretation. and to act as a control of the ethic and legality of such research. "
Co-aut According to Bernardo Arriaza, bioarchaeologist of the University of Tarapacá in Chile, it is crucial to consider archaeological content in addition to an interdisciplinary approach.It is important to remember that the situation is a pregnancy loss that probably comes from the recent past.
"This mummy reflects a sad loss for a mother in the Atacama Desert," says Dr. Arriaza.
The Research Team led by Otago have also highlighted concerns regarding archaeological and ethical legislation to conduct research without ethical consent, nor the archaeological permits cited by Stanford researchers
"We warn researchers of the DNA on cases without context and legality. remains have resided in private collections. In the case of Ata, expensive and lengthy scientific tests using whole genome techniques were useless, "says Associate Professor Halcrow
. Associate Professor Halcrow is also disappointed that she and co-author, Kristina Killgrove, of the University of the North. Caroline at the Anthropology Department of Chapel Hill, were not able to submit a response to the article and research in question at Genome Research
"We were told that Genome Research did not publish any letters to the editor.The main authors Nola and Butte (Stanford University researchers) later the response statement in which they seek to justify the ethics of their analyzes, "says Associate Professor Halcrow
" For the scientific process to advance it is essential to have an open debate "
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO
Header Image – Associate Professor Sian Halcrow of the University of Otago, New Zealand and colleagues from universities in the United States, Sweden, and Chile pointed to a number of concerns regarding research on "mummy". "Atacama", undertaken by researchers from the University of Stanford. Credit: University of Otago.
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