Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Open Source for Biotechnology

Posted by michael on from the bug-report dept.

LarsWestergren writes "The Economist claims that Open Source is such a success for software development, the model should be used more often in areas such as biotechnology and bioinformatics. The similarity between open source and the academic process with their 'you share, I share' principles is shown by the human genome project. The paper argues that this process should be used for instance to developing medicines unburdened by patents, useful especially for third world countries or diseases that affect relatively few people, where medical corporations have previously thought that the cost of research have not been worth it."

10 of 262 comments (clear)

  1. Hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic
    The similarity between open source and the academic process with their 'you share, I share' principles is shown by the human genome project.

    Sounds like communism to me.

    1. Re:Hmmm by MarkPNeyer · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Communism is more like "You share your things with me and the other fellows in power, or else you're on your way to the goulags."

      --

      My blog
    2. Re:Hmmm by aussie_a · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      Democracy is like "you vote for a guy and then the Supreme Court will decide"

      There are successful ways to implement something and unsuccessful ways to implement something. Communism isn't inherently bad, anymore then Democracy is. But look at Iraq, that was a democracy.

    3. Re:Hmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

      I would try to argue with you about this, but if you truly think Iraq was a democracy, you are so far removed from reality that it would be to no avail.

  2. Re:Correction by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Can you people speak english?

    We speak just fine, thanks.

    Anal much?

  3. GZn4a by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    a full-tiMe GNAA gi6 in front of

  4. Re:Correction by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Dear Sir,

    YHBT.

    Regards,

    Rufus T. Harlemberry

  5. In Soviet Russia... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Biotech open sources you.

  6. Re:He has a point by Elledan · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    "Communism isn't necessarily bad."

    Communism is the ultimate form of democracy, because it elminates any form of government and hierarchy. In a truly communistic system, everybody is equal, and everybody works towards a common goal.

    Definitely sounds like Open Source.

    --
    Site & blog: http://www.mayaposch.com
  7. Re:He has a point by Elledan · · Score: 1, Offtopic

    False. With Socialism there still is a government, as it (in Marxism) has the task of distributing all resources.

    Capitalism -> Socialism -> Communism

    With Capitalism individuals (companies) pursue their own goals, with a government standing at the sidelines to keep things from getting out of control.
    With Socialism, the resources produced by the capitalistic system are re-distributed by a strong government. Individuals are still able to pursue their own goals, but have more duties to the rest of society.
    With Communism all individuals work together without requiring any outside influence (i.e. a government). There are no hierarchies (which also rules out the existence of any kind of government). What is good for the individual is good for society.

    --
    Site & blog: http://www.mayaposch.com