Patenting DNA- did the Supreme Court get this one right?
Thank God the Supreme Court over-ruled Myriad Genetics Inc. to patent certain bits of human DNA the company had isolated in developing tests for breast and ovarian cancer. In politics- certain 'hallmark' cases can often pave the way for other cases of its kind to follow suit. The Supreme Court ruled that naturally occurring genes of human DNA cannot become private property of a company. If Myriad Genetics Inc. had won the case, who knows what kind of groundwork for patenting other bits of human DNA could have followed suit? Cattle raising companies patenting cattle DNA and suing other cattle farms for copyright infringement?
"There's significant interest in establishing and evidence base for acupuncture and reproductive health." Is this an advancement for TCM?
The interest in establishing an evidence base for acupuncture and reproductive health would definitely be an advancement for TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) as there are many infertile women who turn to Western medicine to figure out how to become pregnant. If TCM can provide a provable and legitimate- all natural means to helping women become fertile- it raises the the reputation of TCM and opens up the doorways to treating a whole population that may then in turn- seek out TCM for other health matters as well.
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