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Published online 16 May 2008 | Nature | doi:10.1038/news.2008.834
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Biotech companies rush to patent plant genes
Activists fear that blanket patents could stifle independent crop research.
Biotech seed companies are behind a wave of patent claims on dozens of 'climate-ready' genes. The patents cover the development of new crops capable of withstanding drought or other environmental changes wrought by global warming, according to a report released this week by a Canada-based activist group.
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It's ridiculous that one can lay claims to genes in order to secure profit. Suppose the same genetic sequence arises in a species by chance - shall we sue mother nature?
I think that in all scientific fields patents are now and will be forever an important tool in order to foster research development and get better human idea' valorisation!