1/5 of All Human Genes Have Been Patented

mopslik writes "A story on National Geographic News cites a study claiming that 20% of all human genes 'have been patented in the United States, primarily by private firms and universities.' While universities hold 28% of all gene-related patents, 63% belong to private firms, with a whopping 2000 patented genes (approximately 67%, or 50% total) belonging to a single firm." From the article: "You can find dozens of ways to heat a room besides the Franklin stove, but there's only one gene to make human growth hormone ... If one institution owns all the rights, it may work well to introduce a new product, but it may also block other uses, including research ..."

Comments

Doesn't work that way

[doublem]

We can't use God's archives. "Separation of Church and State" and all that.

The fossil record however, might be usable.

Re:Doesn't work that way

[bombadillo]

The burden of proof is on you to prove that a god exists. Once you prove the existence of a god then you can go about with your law suit. Seperation of Church and State has nothing to do with private companies or the failure to provide basic verifiable evidence of the existence of a god.

Re:When my cells divide...

[Conspiracy_Of_Doves]

a series of neucleotides which have been produced by humans for thousands of years

Millions

But

[einhverfr]

s/God/nature

If this works, then I can patent a wood and then sue all homebuilders....

Re:The root problem is For Profit health care

[evilviper]

Making the US healthcare industry and supporting industries a private, for profit enterprise was an epic disaster, particularly in the department of research and IP.

And we all know how much better communism/socialism does the job.