New publication in World Archaeology!

We are happy to share a new article by Rita Peyroteo Stjerna and Mari Tõrv: “Beyond bones: how biomolecular archaeology is challenging the definition of ancient human remains and its ethical implications.”

The authors explore how biomolecular methods — such as ancient DNA, stable isotopes, and other molecular analyses — are transforming not only how past individuals are studied, but also what counts as human remains. When bones become DNA extracts, protein profiles, or digital datasets, what ethical responsibilities follow?

Rita and Mari argue for an adaptive, inclusive ethical framework that treats molecular extracts and datasets as inseparable from the individuals they originate from.

This article appears in a Special Issue on emerging ethical challenges in working with human remains, developed from the Ethical Entanglements project and discussions at the EAA Annual Meeting in Rome (2024). It connects closely with themes explored in the PaleoMIX project.

We hope this contribution supports ongoing conversations on ethics, stewardship, and responsibility in the age of biomolecular archaeology.