This is a really exciting post!
First and absolutely foremost – The LHC will be attempting its first high energy collision tonight (today?), and you can follow the live updates here:
The really cool webcast: http://webcast.cern.ch/lhcfirstphysics/
Cern’s twitter, with tweets on the process AS IT HAPPENS: http://twitter.com/CERN
I don’t know about you guys, but I am psyched! I would also HIGHLY recommend watching this very educational video…haha:
Another groundbreaking current event, is regarding the habit of patenting genes. If you aren’t up on how gene patenting affects scientists and their experimentation, you really, really should be. The argument has essentially been – can you patent something you discovered, if it already existed as a product of life? Can you patent a test for it, or its use in research? While credit is certainly due, it seems to me personally that it has a very crucial negative of holding back scientific progress relating to serious issues of health and life, simply by restricting use or charging obscene royalties. Do a google or wiki search if you’d like to learn more – there are decades of information on the topic.
The current issue is with a company called Myriad Genetics. They held a patent on genes called BRCA1 and 2, affecting breast and ovarian cancer. Since they had merely discovered the genes that were already there, the patent was removed with the reasoning that they can’t call it theirs if it already existed. It seems they will appeal, but let me explain the result if this ruling holds true. Overturning patents on such genetic “property” translates to more affordable clinical testing for patients, and the possibility of further research by competing scientific companies involving genes that were once another company’s sole intellectual property. I personally feel this is a breakthrough that will reopen doors for researchers and patients alike, but there is obviously another side to the coin. Science has always been a competitive field, with putting your name on things being the key to gaining financial backing and opportunities. Check out the links and blog at the bottom of the post to learn more about the trial, its results, and potential consequences.
For more Science news, I’ll see you on Thursday!
-Miss Mouse
References and Links:
Cern and LHC info
http://webcast.cern.ch/lhcfirstphysics/
http://twitter.com/CERN
Gene Patenting
http://timesonline.typepad.com/science/2010/03/the-end-of-gene-patenting.html
Genomics Law Report Blog
http://www.genomicslawreport.com/index.php/2010/03/29/breaking-district-court-rules-myriad-breast-cancer-patents-invalid/
Enjoying your blog! Scientist (pharmacist) by education and also an avid fan of Michael Crichton. Are you familiar with his book, "Next"?
ReplyDeleteYes, I am! Crichton always points to interesting issues in science, and that's actually the book that was in my head the whole time I was writing this post. :)
ReplyDeleteBy the rationale of gene patenting I could patent the earth, and so anybody who uses it owes me a dollar. That's nearly seven thousand million dollars right there. Of course, such a rationale is self-contradictory.
ReplyDeleteHmm, there's an idea. I wonder to whom you would send that patent? I could use some extra cash! ;)
ReplyDelete