Dhody Research Institute

The Dhody Research Institute (DRI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in the United States, dedicated to scientific research, consultation, and education, with a focus on historical medical collections. The institute aims to address current and future health challenges by analyzing historical medical specimens and artifacts.

Mission

The DRI's mission is to examine medical history to improve human health and foster curiosity through education and research. It promotes science communication, preservation of historical collections, and bio-repositories to advance healthcare. By studying ancient and historical materials, the institute aims to understand human health over time and shed light on how diseases evolve[2][4].

History

Anna Dhody, a former Mütter Museum forensic anthropologist with nearly two decades of experience, established the institute after leaving her position at the museum. Her work involves analyzing centuries-old human remains and tissues to provide insights into modern health issues. One notable project involved studying DNA from cholera samples dating back to the mid-19th century, which significantly updated the understanding of the disease's age and mutation rate[3].

Research Projects

DRI's research projects include the study of historical diseases such as cholera and smallpox. For instance, Anna Dhody has worked on smallpox viruses using vaccine kits from the 19th century, which builds upon her earlier work published in 2020. These projects help scientists understand how diseases have evolved over time, providing valuable data for future health challenges[3].

Ethics and Integrity

The Dhody Research Institute is committed to upholding scientific and ethical standards in all its endeavors. It adheres to guidelines established by organizations such as the National Committee for Research Ethics on Human Remains and the American Alliance of Museums. The institute emphasizes honesty, accuracy, and rigor in research, along with respect for historical artifacts and human specimens[5].

Roles and Services

• Scientific Research: Conducts research on historical medical collections to improve 21st-century human health.
• Consultation Services: Provides advice to museums and researchers on managing and interpreting medical historical collections.
• STEM Engagement: Promotes science communication and STEM education through engaging media and public dialogue[1][4].