Animalexperiments:
EUispushingtofind
substitutesfast
The European Parliament
is once again pushing to
accelerate transition to a
research system that does not
involve testing on animals
(see go.nature.com/3hzprhj).
In September, its members
called for an EU-wide action
that is backed by a timetable
to phase out non-essential
animal experimentation as
soon as possible. Meeting
this challenge will require
extraordinary commitment and
dedicated communication by
the scientific community.
Many aspects of biomedical
and translational research
depend on animal experiments,
including vaccination,
behavioural biology and
transplantation surgery.
To overcome researchers’
reluctance to switch from
animal experiments, the
scientific community needs
to participate in devising
alternatives.
For example, human-based
models, such as microengineered
multi-organs-onchips,
could offer ways to study
viral infections (P. P. Adhikary et
al. Nature Rev. Mater. 6, 374–376;
2021). And the Einstein Centre
3R in Berlin is using 3D models
such as human organoids and
those made through bioprinting
to test treatments (see J. Berg
et al. Viruses 13, 1590; 2021) —
for conditions including heart
disease and neuromuscular
disorders.
Stefan Hippenstiel Charité‚
Universitätsmedizin Berlin,
Germany.
stefan.hippenstiel@charite.de
Christa Thöne-Reineke Freie
Universität Berlin, Germany.
Jens Kurreck Technische
Universität Berlin, Germany.
Ancient-DNA
researcherswrite
theirownrules
We challenge the global
guidelines proposed for
ethical DNA research on
human ancestors (S. AlpaslanRoodenberg
et al. Nature 599,
41–46; 2021). In our view, they
fail to engage with long-standing
critiques from marginalized
voices (D. Harry Chi.-Kent L. Rev.
84, 147–196; 2009) or to advance
pre-existing research principles
(J. K. Wagner et al. Am. J. Hum.
Genet. 107, 183–195; 2020).
Instead, they perpetuate
exclusions that necessitated
better ancient-DNA ethics in the
first place. For example, they
prioritize data collection and
advocate open data, positioning
the researchers, not descendant
communities, as arbiters of data
access. Unmediated data use
could bring them benefits such
as professional advancement
that would constitute a conflict
of interest. We contend that
this should limit their authority
to make decisions on behalf of
those communities.
Ethical integrity in ancientDNA
research entails shifting the
status quo around who governs
and who benefits from it.
Centring those doing the work
and decentring those whom
the work affects concentrates
power with those who currently
control the research process.
We should therefore question
any guidelines that do not
meet or exceed more stringent
ethical standards to minimize
harm and maximize benefits to
communities.
Krystal S. Tsosie* Native BioData
Consortium, Eagle Butte, South
Dakota, USA.
krystal@nativebio.org
*On behalf of 6 correspondents.
See go.nature.com/3dwqnjk.
K.S.T. declares competing interests.
See go.nature.com/3dwqnjk.
Collaborate
equitablyinancient
DNAresearch
andbeyond
The expansion of ancientDNA
research has seen a few
well-funded genetics groups
hoarding archaeological
material from all over the world,
so comprehensive ethical
guidelines are timely (see
S. Alpaslan-Roodenberg et al.
Nature 599, 41–46; 2021). But
well-intended proposals for
researchers from prestigious
institutions to engage with local
stakeholders will need radical
reinforcement if contributing
researchers in lower-income
regions are to be recognized as
equal collaborators.
Any ancient-DNA research
group pursuing a historical
problem in a region where
research capacity is
underdeveloped should start
by seeking partners among
local geneticists, archaeologists
and anthropologists, instead
of directly importing material.
On-site participation by
local research groups must
be prioritized at all stages,
including data analysis and
manuscript preparation.
Wealthier partners should be
willing to modify their research
agendas, scaling them down
or extending deadlines as
necessary to accommodate local
researchers.
Correcting asymmetric
collaboration practices will
allow sustainable expansion
of research on ancient DNA, as
well as in other fields such as
ecology and geology, in which
local resources are similarly
exploited.
Mehmet Somel* Middle East
Technical University, Ankara,
Turkey.
msomel@metu.edu.tr
*On behalf of 4 correspondents.
See go.nature.com/3xpwmzp.
Climateresearchers:
considerstanding
foroffice—Idid
With the COP26 climate
summit receding in the rearview
mirror, in many regions
it is the decisions made by
local councils that are crucial
to meeting national carbonreduction
targets. That’s why,
five years ago, after a career
as an environmental-systems
researcher, I decided to devote
more time to politics in my
home town.
The green politics group I
helped to start now has elected
councillors — of which I am one
— in 12 seats across three tiers
of my local government. Our
presence has given scientific
credibility to the arguments
for town and district action
on climate. This has allowed
progressive politicians from
different parties the space to
act accordingly. There is now
a justified and costed climatechange
action plans for half an
English county (Warwickshire),
a town climate-change roadmap
group and greater public
awareness of the need for
change in personal behaviour.
It’s been a wake-up call after
years of writing scoping
articles and briefing notes for
policymakers to witness at first
hand the financial and political
constraints involved.
It’s time for more councils
to include the vision of climate
researchers, in my view. Those
who would like to engage with
advocacy on climate change
(see Nature 599, 22–24; 2021)
should also consider standing
for office.
John Dearing University of
Southampton, Southampton, UK.
j.dearing@soton.ac.uk
J.D. declares competing interests. See
go.nature.com/3crkhru.
Nature | Vol 600 | 2 December 2021 | 37
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