Scientists faced public backlash following the publication of genomic sequencing results from the All of Us Research Program. The study aimed to diversify genetic datasets with 1 million volunteers from underrepresented backgrounds, but critics found issues with how race and ethnicity were portrayed in the data using UMAP graphs. The controversy highlights the importance of considering societal impacts in scientific research, especially in genomics. Epigenetics research on trauma inheritance demonstrates the need for a more holistic approach, involving humanities experts. Scientists must be aware of the potential for their research to be co-opted for harmful purposes and strive for responsible and ethical scientific practices.
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