New Regulations Needed to Prevent Exploitation of Ancient Bones
New Regulations Needed to Prevent Exploitation of Ancient Bones - CityLife A research team led by palaeoanthropologist Lee Berger allowed fossil bones to be flown into space on a Virgin Galactic flight, sparking criticism. Critics have called for stronger regulations to prevent the exploitation of ancient bones in the future. The fossils, which were carried by South African billionaire Tim Nash, were discovered by Berger’s teams in the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg. However, both South African and international scientific rules state that fossils can only be allowed to travel for scientific purposes and must be securely packed. Collard, an expert in human evolutionary studies, criticised the decision to send the fossils into space, stating it was irresponsible and done for showmanship. Berger acknowledged the concerns raised by the scientific community and called for renewed engagement and discussion regarding the use of fossils for public engagement.
نشرت : منذ عامين بواسطة Robert Andrew في Science
A research team led by palaeoanthropologist Lee Berger recently faced backlash after allowing fossil bones to be flown into space on a Virgin Galactic flight. Critics have condemned the incident as “callous”, “unethical”, and “reckless”, with calls for stronger regulations to prevent the exploitation of ancient bones in the future. Professor Chris Stringer of the Natural History Museum in London emphasizes the need for national and international bodies to condemn such ventures. Professor Mark Collard, an expert in human evolutionary studies, states that the only justification for putting ancient human species remains at risk should be scientific, which cannot be said for this incident.
The specimens that were taken to space consisted of a 2 million-year-old Australopithecus sediba collarbone and a 250,000-year-old Homo naledi thumb bone. These fossils were carried by South African billionaire Tim Nash, who expressed honor in representing South Africa and humankind. The bones come from species first discovered by Berger’s teams in the Cradle of Humankind near Johannesburg.
However, both South African and international scientific rules dictate that fossils can only be allowed to travel for scientific purposes and must be securely packed. It was revealed that the bones were kept in a tube in Nash’s pocket while he floated around the Virgin Galactic spaceship. Collard criticizes the decision to send the fossils into space, stating that it was irresponsible and done for showmanship. Collard also highlights the worrying aspect that the authorities allowed this to happen without consulting others in the field.
Berger claims that the decision followed careful consideration and discussions with guiding and regulatory agencies. However, experts like Professor Andy Herries are troubled by the potential blurring of lines between legitimate science and using precious fossils for entertainment and promotional purposes.
The lost of one of the fossils, the collarbone of Australopithecus sediba, would have been particularly serious as it is a type specimen used as a reference point for identifying the species. Berger acknowledges the concerns raised by the scientific community and emphasizes the need for renewed engagement and conversation regarding the use of fossils for public engagement.
While Berger has faced controversy in the past, his central role in the discoveries of Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi has been commended. However, experts assert that sending these precious fossils to the edge of space was reckless. The incident highlights the necessity for new regulations to prevent the exploitation of ancient bones for non-scientific purposes.
المواضيع: Human Trafficking