Scientists dug up Gregor Mendel and analyzed his DNA
npr.org
npr.org
"We believe that he would be happy. We know he was very enthusiastic for all kinds of research," she says – noting that just before he died, Mendel requested that an extensive autopsy be done.
"He wasn't against research on his own body," she says.
What will they do at 250 years? Dig him up again for selfies?
> "He wasn't against research on his own body," she says.
This isn't (that kind of) research, though. It's just morbid curiosity.
This gives background on his epilepsy and health conditions. It's interesting. It's respectful. Scientists can have fun sometimes; it's OK.
The article addresses that. Indeed, before I read the article, I too was tempted to write an angry dismissal. However, their approach and reasoning were very respectful. It was less about curiosity than honoring the fellow for his contribution to human knowledge. If they managed to enlist the support of the Augustinians themselves, I'm certain that we can entirely relax.
I just don't see the value in desecration of 5 people's graves just to sequence Mendel's DNA for no obvious reason apart from just for shits and giggles. Just because you can doesn't mean you should.
in reality it doesn’t matter and this outrage is irrational sentimentality
when I die, you can throw my bones to the wild, but make sure to give me a stick to fight off the dogs
“Local religious leaders consulted with Augustinians in Prague, their bishop, and finally Augustinians in Rome. Eventually, permission was granted.”
Big push towards cremation, IMHO. Can't mess with my remains if they're already burnt. But burying me in a wetlands and planting an endangered plant in my remains could work, although floodwaters have a way of working bodies loose.
And to make those intentions clear, tattoo "Burn After Reading" somewhere for a coroner to easily spot. :)
A pragmatic paleontologist touring an almost complete theme park on an island in Central America is tasked with protecting a couple of kids after a power failure causes the park's cloned geneticist to run loose.
Geriatric Park was even nominated for an Oscar!