SC Connecticut News

Yale paleoanthropologist Jessica Thompson has proposed guidelines for the ethical study of ancient human DNA, emphasizing the need for informed proxy consent. The guidelines were published in July in the journal Communications Biology and co-authored by Victoria E. Gibbon and Sianne Alves from the University of Cape Town.

Thompson highlighted that "results from ancient DNA analysis can affect living people well beyond what researchers would ever anticipate and, in some contexts, might directly cause harm, such as by impacting a community’s land or restitution claims." She advocates for deeper consultation between researchers and affected communities to minimize potential harm and improve research outcomes.

The rapid growth of ancient DNA analysis, driven by technological advances, has opened new avenues for understanding human history, evolution, and health. However, this expansion raises concerns about lagging ethical considerations. Thompson questioned whether legal compliance equates to ethical conduct: “Does the fact that your research practices are legal also make them ethical?”

The authors suggest specific steps for obtaining informed proxy consent from interested parties like descendant communities, local government officials, and institutions responsible for human remains. These steps include providing detailed project overviews and reengaging with communities to address concerns.

Thompson's work focuses on ancient peoples in present-day Malawi. She recently visited the country to share her research findings with local parties. She emphasized that funding agencies must adopt a more inclusive view of research costs to support efforts in obtaining proxy informed consent.

The article aims to guide researchers through ethical considerations rather than criticize them. “Collectively, the research community hasn’t given enough thought to the risk this work can pose to people,” Thompson stated. “This is an effort to craft a better approach to research that is not just more ethical but also more interesting and productive.”