Concordia professor to study the ethics of using ancient DNA – Concordia University News
Jessica Bardill will collaborate with Canadian, U.S. and European researchers on a framework for consulting responsibly with affected Indigenous groups
November 28, 2019
The study of DNA pulled from ancient humans and other organisms has clarified that humans interacted and mated with Neanderthals. It has also revealed a new type of species, called the Denisovans, who lived around the time of Neanderthals and who were not previously known to researchers.
It has also led to better understanding of ancient migration patterns, how diseases evolved over time and companion species, such as dogs.
However, the use of ancient DNA, also known as aDNA, isn’t without its ethical controversies. The field has been rife with examples of scientists proceeding with research on ancient subjects that didn’t include the consent of or collaboration with their present-day descendants.
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