Skeletons to hide?

'U' needs to investigate dire allegations

Here at the University, scientific knowledge is highly valued. Science aspires to unlock the mysteries of life and explain the world around us. But scientists must also adhere to an ethical standard during research. Recent allegations charge that a scientist associated with the University broke this standard.

Allegations have surfaced regarding the late Dr. James Neel and his scientific work among the Yanomami, an indigenous South American tribe, in the 1960s. These accusations include the deliberate spreading of a measles epidemic which killed an unknown number of Yanomami.

Allegations put forth in the upcoming book Darkness in El Dorado, by Patrick Tierney, claim that Neel deliberately used a dangerous form of the measles vaccine with the intent of sparking an epidemic. According to the book, researchers "refused to provide any medical assistance to the sick and dying Yanomami, on explicit order from Neel. He insisted to his colleagues that they were only there to observe and record the epidemic and that they must stick strictly to their roles as scientists, not provide medical help."

These allegations were disturbing enough that, "Its scale, ramifications and sheer criminality and corruption ... is unparalleled in the history of anthropology," Prof. Terry Turner of Cornell said in a letter to Louise Lamphere, the president of the American Anthropology Association.

In Neel's defense he has contributed immensely to the field of genetics, making the connection between the genetic cause for sickle cell anemia and the accompanying inherent resistance to malaria. Frances Collins, director of the National Human Genome Research Institute, said, "Dr. Neel was the father of the field of human genetics. He was the first to introduce a long list of bedrock principles, which we now take for granted." Likewise, Allen Lichter, dean of the University's medical school stated that, "Jim Neel was one of the most distinguished faculty in the 150-year history of this medical school."

While the truth behind these accusations has not yet been ascertained, the process to understand the allegations must begin now. As Neel was affiliated with the University, it would be in the University's best interest legally, fiscally and ethically to begin an inquiry at once. The truth must be found before the reputation of a noteworthy scientist, the discipline of anthropology and possibly the University is irreparably tainted. The University should remain true to its goal of providing responsible and safe research and in the course of this directive, the University needs to deal with any possible skeletons in its closet.

While the work of Dr. Neel has enhanced human understanding, it must be known if he violated his first oath as a physician, to "first do no harm." The pursuit of scientific knowledge is a laudable goal, but the methodology used in pursuit of this goal must be tempered by ethical considerations.