Section A
The research findings revealed that the Yanomami people in the Amerindian were found to contain the most-diverse constellation of microbes among human beings. It was even surprising to the researchers to learn that the group’s microbiome contained genes that caused resistance to antibiotics. Research notes that even though there is the presence of antibiotic-resistant genes, some members of the Yanomami are believed not to have been exposed to drugs (3). The extent of the microbes living in the Yanomami tribe was found to be more diverse as compared to urban people. Analysis of the microbial DNA in samples taken from the Yanomami people revealed that on average, the genes contained in Yanomami’s microbiota was twice that of a US person and was more diverse than those found in other indigenous people of South America and Africa.
According to some research studies, microscopic communities which occupy the human body can be used as a new source of the drug, especially antibiotics (2). With the discovery of genes which cause resistance to antibiotics, scientists can use knowledge of these genes to develop new medicines. Knowledge of these genes can also provide insight into how new diseases can be cured or prevented (2). We can be able to know the relationship between these modern diseases and urbanization.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Section B
The research study was carried out according to the principles of the Belmont Report. Gloria's team provided two of their collaborators to go with a Venezuelan team to make the first contact with the Yanomami team (3). After consent from the villagers, a visit day was set, and the two team's activities were overseen by local authorities. The group informed the villagers of their visit and provided them with more insight into the understanding of micro-organisms (3). The team carried demonstrations on how to safely obtain samples without harming the people before proceeding with the exercise. Then, the crew respected the villagers' decision to allow only one person to collect microbe samples.
The recently contacted indigenous communities such as the Yanomami and Metses are detached from the rest of the world. They have not had contact with outsiders over the centuries. Therefore, for those who wish to carry out studies in the environment of these people, it is imperative that one proceeds with caution and care (4). These people may not want to share or carry out particular direction due to their shyness. Therefore, researchers must respect their decisions and treat them equally and with respect. For example, instead of giving them individualized gifts, the researcher can provide engaging activities such as free parasite and disease screenings where the people can observe disease analyses.
The recently contacted indigenous communities such as the Yanomami and Metses were detached from the rest of the world for centuries. It is imperative for one to give special consideration for these people while conducting studies in their environment, especially as seen in the Microbiome research and Lewi’s study with the Metses (4). In comparison with Lewis’s project with the Matses, both studies paid special considerations for the Matses and Yanomami respectively. Whereas the Microbiome research allowed only one member to collect samples from the Yanomami people, Lewi’s project provided engagement activities instead coercive incentives such as individual gifts(2). Lewi’s team offered parasite screening where the Metses were allowed to observe the analysis on a microscope. By doing so, it aroused the interest of the Metses to know more, thus leading to an informed consent. Therefore, researchers should engage and educate these communities as well as respecting their decisions.
Section C
This microbiome research can meet the first drafted code of research ethics by the San as simply because the procedure taken by the researcher in this context ensured that the necessary research ethics were fully adhered with. The San Code of Research Ethics requires researchers to be just and fair by engaging the community in the benefits of the research, respect individuals and the community at large, an honest exchange regarding the research project, provide care for the community and follow a research process that is set according to the protocol of the San people(1).
There several provisions for ethical practices that can specifically apply in the San Code of Research Ethics. First, the microbiome was just and fair in engaging the community by explaining the importance and benefit of the research to the people and equally availing drugs when there was an outbreak of disease (1). Second, the study ensured that individuals and community were respected by seeking consent before visiting and allowing one member to collect microbe samples (1). Additionally, the researchers provided an honest engage exchange with the community about the research by explaining what the study was about and the procedures involved.
References
Callaway, E. (2017).South Africa’s San people issue ethics code to scientists. Journal of Nature News 543 : 475.
Deng, B. (2015) Bacterial Bonanza Found in Remote Amazon Village. Journal of Nature 10 :1-4 .
Dominguez-Bello, M. G. (2016). A microbial anthropologist in the jungle. Journal of Cell 167 : 588-594.
Lawler, A. (2015).Making contact. Science Magazine 348 :1072-1079.
