Gene Patenting on the Radio

On the Kojo Nnamdi Show, WAMU 88.50, yesterday, the topic was "Patenting Your DNA." discussing the Myriad case.

The following is a quote from the Kojo Show website:

"Last week, the Supreme Court heard Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics, Inc., a case with questions about the legality of patenting human DNA at its center. Some medical professionals say the bigger issue is Myriad Genetics' lock on a vast database of test results, essential for analyzing mutations in two sections of genetic code that can indicate increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. A number of groups are working to replicate that and other genetic testing information in a public database. We explore the legal and ethical issues around patenting DNA.

Guests

Robert Nussbaum

Holly Smith Professor of Medicine, Chief of the Division of Genomic Medicine, and Member of the Institute of Human Genetics UCSF School of Medicine

Jorge Contreras

Associate Professor of Law, Washington College of Law, American University

Lisa Schlager

Vice President, Community Affairs for Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE)"

Here is a link to the show:

http://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2013-04-23/patenting-your-dna

I called in to present the "kosher goldfish" position.  You may hear me about half way into the hour long broadcast.

I was answered by Ms Schlager, who agreed with my general proposition, but had a little trouble when the Holocaust was mentioned.  This is the reason why I tell the parable of the kosher goldfish.  Apparently it's "Too much salt" for many people, even Jewish people.