The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that naturally occurring human genes cannot be patented. However, synthetic DNA created in laboratories are still under patent protection.
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled unanimously that naturally occurring human genes cannot be patented. The ruling will affect researchers, universities and industries.
Today on Current State: Ingham County Chief District Judge talks Indigent Defense; the Lansing Information Technology Empowerment Center; Michael Finney from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and re-imagining the Grand River corridor.
The sixth amendment to the U.S. Constitution makes it clear: any citizen accused of a crime will--if necessary--have access to qualified legal representation in court. Many legal professionals think that guarantee has been seriously compromised in Michigan for many years. The state often ranks low in assessments of its system of indigent defense. In recent years, several efforts by the state legislature to strengthen the system have failed.
The case focuses on the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are used in tests to determine if a person has a heightened risk of hereditary ovarian or breast cancer.
The Supreme Court heard arguments last week about whether human genes can be patented. The court’s ruling could drastically change the biotech industry and also the way universities do research.
Early data suggest the state may not be causing a big jump in the number of biker deaths since the Legislature repealed a law requiring them to wear helmets. The group American Bikers Aiming Toward Education – or ABATE – released those numbers this week.
However, state officials say it’s too early to come to any conclusions.
