Venter Institute Claims Patent on Synthetic Life 163
jimsnail writes "J. Craig Venter and the Institute that bears his name are again moving into new territory in the field of genetics. Genetic patents, that is. They are seeking a broad patent that would give them ownership of a 'free living organism that can grow and replicate' constructed entirely from synthetic DNA. The ETC Group is challenging the claim. 'Scientists at the institute designed the bacterium to have a "minimal genome"--the smallest set of genes any organism can live on. The project, which began in the early 2000s, was partly a philosophical exercise: to help define life itself better by identifying its bare-bones requirements. But it was also fraught with commercial possibilities: if one could reliably recreate a standardized, minimal life form, other useful genes could be added in as needed for various purposes.'"
this is sick (Score:3, Funny)
ID theory to the rescue (Score:5, Funny)
Did I just discover a scientifically *useful* application of ID wack-theory? If so, is the universe going to implode, or am I about to be flamed to fiery hell by people who never evolved a sarcasmeter?
Sorry, you were patented.... (Score:4, Funny)
Re:ID theory to the rescue (Score:2, Funny)
Re:That's okay (Score:4, Funny)
heh (Score:4, Funny)
Hmm... (Score:1, Funny)
I've been there a few times, and there are quite a few living on the minimum requirements for gene usage.
I'd offer myself as prior art.. (Score:3, Funny)
Re:Sorry, you were patented.... (Score:3, Funny)
source
http://oldfraser.lexi.net/media/media_releases/20
Re:That's okay (DNA) (Score:3, Funny)
MUHAHAHAHAHA! MUHAHAHAHA!
Evil genius is me!
Re:That's okay (DNA) (Score:2, Funny)