To the Point
Genetic Breakthroughs: Patents and Profits
Cases being arguing today before the US Supreme Court involving the patenting of human genes could determine the future of "personalized medicine."
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenCompanies get patents on human genes to give them incentive to conduct expensive research into what those genes can reveal about an individual's chances of contracting disease. But is that patenting life itself? We hear about today's arguments at The US Supreme Court in a case that could determine the future of "personalized medicine." Also, a narrow victory for Venezuela's new president. On Reporters Notebook, why can't the IRS just send income-tax payers a bill?
Banner image of human genome by Webridge
BREAKING NEWS: Warren Olney speaks with David Abel of the Boston Globe about twin explosions that rocked the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
In this episode
3 storiesA Narrow Victory for Venezuela's New President
The late Hugo Chavez hand-picked his successor as President of Venezuela, but after a brief but hard-hitting campaign, interim president Nicolás Maduro won with only 50.7 percent in yesterday's voting. His opponent, provincial Governor Henrique Capriles, has called for a recount.
Read the story8 minGenetic Breakthroughs: Patents and Profits
Mapping the human genome began "the biological gold rush of the 21st Century," with companies now owning patents on 4000 human genes. Today, the US Supreme Court is being asked to strike down two patents on BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, genes that helped doctors discover both breast and ovarian cancer.
Read the story35 minAmericans Spent 225 Million Hours on Tax Preparation
The IRS already collects most of the information from employers and banks that you've just used to fill out your income-tax form. Why couldn't it send you a pre-filled return, let you make needed changes and send it back in?
Read the story8 min
