After DNA Misuse, Researchers Banished From Havasupai Reservation

bbsguru writes "A court settlement has ended a controversial case of medical privacy abuse. From the NYTimes: 'Seven years ago, the Havasupai Indians, who live in the deepest part of the Grand Canyon, issued a 'banishment order' to keep Arizona State University employees from setting foot on their reservation, an ancient punishment for what they regarded as a genetic-era betrayal. Members of the tiny tribe had given DNA samples to university researchers starting in 1990, hoping they might provide genetic clues to the tribe's high rate of diabetes. But members learned their blood samples also had been used to study many other things, including mental illness and theories of the tribe's geographical origins that contradict their traditional stories.'"

Comments

here comes a relativist conundrum.

[gandhi_2]

When Christianity is at odds with a scientific interpretation of history, Christianity are the moonbats.

tribe's geographical origins that contradict their traditional stories

So, left-wing postmodern cultural relativists, where is your FSM now?

Re:Damn them!

[Nerdposeur]

So if I say "may I borrow your car to go to the grocery store?" and we don't sign an agreement saying "and nowhere else," then it's OK for me to take a cross-country road trip? Your fault, eh?

Also, after that, you and your neighbors would continue to trust me, right?

(Slashdotters, take note: I used a car analogy.)

make them a bona fide offer.

[SpeedyG5]

I am sure they will trade their dna for a handful of beads.