Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of human subjects according to federal regulations?

The correct answer is that information collected from deceased persons is not considered a characteristic of human subjects according to federal regulations. Human subjects, as defined in the context of research ethics, are typically living individuals from whom data are collected through various methods such as interaction, intervention, or identifiable information. The distinction is essential for the application of regulations that protect the rights and welfare of participants involved in research studies.

Living individuals are critical to the definition because the ethical considerations surrounding data collection, informed consent, and the potential risks associated with research are applicable only to those who are alive. Additionally, identifiable information about individuals is central to understanding how human subjects may be affected by research outcomes. Finally, the aspect of interaction or intervention is vital in ensuring that researchers are mindful of the ways in which they engage with participants.

In contrast, information collected from deceased persons is often handled under different ethical guidelines and does not fall under the same protections that federal regulations afford living human subjects. This demarcation is key to research compliance and ethical considerations in studies involving living subjects.