China’s guarding of genetic data is a drag on scientific research
The Chinese public stands to lose most from the regulations
A TEAM OF Chinese-led scientists made international headlines in May with newly published research that showed a surprising result. The Ice Age humans who crossed what is now the Bering Strait and populated North America had origins not only in Siberia, as previously known, but also in coastal China. The work of the team, which included Italian researchers, involved the collection and analysis of 100,000 genetic samples covering modern populations from nearly all of Eurasia, and more than 15,000 ancient samples.
This article appeared in the China section of the print edition under the headline “Precious bodily fluids”
More from China
China needs its frightened officials to save the economy
After years of being hounded by anti-graft authorities, many are too afraid to act
The bad side-effects of China’s campaign to cut drug costs
Poor quality is one. An angry public is another
America and China are talking. But much gets lost in translation
How linguistic differences complicate relations between the great powers
It’s a good time to be an astrologer in China
In the face of hardship, the country’s youth are embracing superstition
The early days of the Trump administration, as viewed from China
A good start, but it could get worse quickly
How (un)popular is China’s Communist Party?
As the economy falters and the social compact frays, Xi Jinping wants to know