That is a significant contribution to a field that had been waiting for new evidence.

The Ethical Dimensions of Ancient Human Remains

Any discussion of ancient human remains eventually encounters the ethical dimensions of studying the dead.

For Neanderthal remains, these dimensions are somewhat different from those that arise with the remains of peoples whose living descendants are identifiable communities.

Neanderthals as a population are extinct.

There are no Neanderthal communities to consult about the treatment of Neanderthal remains, no descendant groups with standing to make claims under frameworks like the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

This does not mean that Neanderthal remains can be treated without care.