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Today's Question Blog
Michael Olson

Should patents be allowed for human genes?

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The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case that could stop the patenting of human genes.

Advocates for the biomedical industry assert that patents drive medical discoveries. The multibillion-dollar industry performs critical research in the fight against cancer and other diseases.

Opponents of gene patents, including Nobel Prize-winning scientists and medical groups say the patents slow discovery and research by restricting access to the genes. "Finding a new use for a product of nature, if you don't change the product of nature, is not patentable," lawyer Christopher Hansen argued.

Today's Question: Should patents be allowed for human genes?