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Related Concept Videos

Ethics in Research01:56

Ethics in Research

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Today, scientists agree that good research is ethical in nature and is guided by a basic respect for human dignity and safety. However, this has not always been the case. Modern researchers must demonstrate that the research they perform is ethically sound.
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There have been five major extinction events throughout geological history, resulting in the elimination of biodiversity, followed by a rebound of species that adapted to the new conditions. In the current geological epoch, the Holocene, there is a sixth extinction event in progress. This mass extinction has been attributed to human activities and is thus provisionally called the Anthropocene. In 2019 the human population reached 7.7 billion people and is projected to comprise 10 billion by...
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The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
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Not all intergroup interactions lead to negative outcomes. Sometimes, being in a group situation can improve performance. Social facilitation occurs when an individual performs better when an audience is watching than when the individual performs the behavior alone. This typically occurs when people are performing a task for which they are skilled.
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In most mammalian species, females have two X sex chromosomes and males have an X and Y. As a result, mutations on the X chromosome in females may be masked by the presence of a normal allele on the second X. In contrast, a mutation on the X chromosome in males more often causes observable biological defects, as there is no normal X to compensate. Trait variations arising from mutations on the X chromosome are called “X-linked”.
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Shared vulnerabilities in research.

Eric Chwang1

  • 1a University of Colorado at Boulder.

The American Journal of Bioethics : AJOB
|November 5, 2014
PubMed
Summary

Federally funded research regulations assume shared vulnerability justifies harm for potential beneficiaries. This article argues against this, asserting shared traits do not morally permit harming one to benefit another, especially in vulnerable populations.

Area of Science:

  • Bioethics
  • Research Ethics
  • Public Policy

Background:

  • U.S. Code of Federal Regulations permits research harm if beneficiaries share subject vulnerability.
  • This assumption is present in regulations for pregnant women, fetuses, neonates, prisoners, and children.
  • Existing regulations imply shared vulnerability can morally justify research risks.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To challenge the assumption that shared vulnerability morally justifies research harm.
  • To argue against the regulatory principle that common traits between subjects and beneficiaries mitigate ethical concerns.
  • To examine if shared vulnerability serves as a valid proxy for ethical research goals.

Main Methods:

  • Philosophical argumentation and ethical analysis.
Keywords:
biomedical researchhuman subjects researchphilosophyresearch ethics

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  • Critique of existing U.S. federal regulations on human subjects research.
  • Examination of moral principles regarding harm and benefit distribution.

    • Main Results:

    • Shared vulnerability does not provide a moral exception to the principle against harming one to benefit another.
    • The assumption in regulations is ethically unsound, regardless of common traits.
    • Shared vulnerability is not a justifiable proxy for key ethical considerations in research.

    Conclusions:

    • Regulations governing federally funded research require re-evaluation of the role of shared vulnerability.
    • Ethical justification for research involving vulnerable populations cannot rely on shared vulnerabilities.
    • The principle of not harming one to benefit another remains paramount, irrespective of shared characteristics.