‘Havana Syndrome’ Research Cancelled For Unethical Coercion Of Participants
The US National Institutes of Health (NIH) reported Friday that it is ending its investigation of what is commonly known as “Havana syndrome,” a mysterious illness experienced by a number of spies, soldiers and diplomats who have reported sudden debilitating symptoms of unknown origin.
The NIH said it would end the work “out of an abundance of caution” after an internal investigation found that people had been coerced into taking part in the research.
The coercion, the agency specified, was not on its part, but NIH did not elaborate on who may have coerced participation. It noted, however, that voluntary consent is a fundamental pillar of ethical research conduct.
