DNA Gatherers Hit Snag
This is a great article from the New York Times as well about how DNA gatherers are running into problems in trying to collect the 100,000 DNA samples for the Genographic Project.
Some American Indians trace their suspicions to the experience of the Havasupai Tribe, whose members gave DNA for a diabetes study that University of Arizona researchers later used to link the tribe’s ancestors to Asia. To tribe members raised to believe the Grand Canyon is humanity’s birthplace, the suggestion that their own DNA says otherwise was deeply disturbing.
If you have read much by Jared Diamond or 1491 by Charles C. Mann, you will want to read the article.
Technorati Tags : DNA, Genetics
Labels: health
10:18 PM ::
1 Comments:
Maybe they went the other way? I was in an Indigenous Knowledge class last year and the prof pointed out that the populations that share the same genes in Asia and North America are actually concentrated in NA. This was explained by the fact that the majority had moved from Asia and settled in America. But this is just an assumption (probably relating to a Christian/western worldview that the seat of civilization is East Africa), and doesn't it make sense that the majority would be found where they originated? Unless a huge disease wiped them out. Who knows it was a long time ago, I wasn't there. But it does leave enough questions to suspend a conclusion for me.
Anywho, another issue was the method of collection. There is no consent for what happens to their blood. It is litteraly harvested for preservation. That way no one has to care about the people. We have what we want from them, now we don't have to care what happens to them.
Another problem is the link between biological and cultural diversity. (look up phenotype in wikipedia) The fact of the matter is that if we want a chance at finding the magic cure in aboriginal people we need to protect their environments and ways of life. Then there is the ethical question of what to do with the money if a magic cure is ever found. It is easier for drug companies just to keep people in the dark about the use of their genetic material. This doesn't just apply to exotic aboriginal populations. The first case tried in the US was on an American Citizen. The ensuing court case resulted in a change in the patent laws that allowed life to be pattented.
Post a Comment
<< Home