Awakening News 20130614 BBC News US Supreme Court says human DNA cannot be patented

Human genes may not be patented, the US Supreme Court has ruled unanimously, in a decision that could have a major impact on genetic research.

The justices struck down patents on two genes believed to increase breast and ovarian cancer risk.

The opinion said DNA came from nature and was not eligible for patenting.

But lower courts had allowed it, saying such DNA was isolated and had a “markedly different chemical structure” from other human genetic material.

via BBC News – US Supreme Court says human DNA cannot be patented.