UTS Voice
| |
Patenting Genes: Understanding Legal and Policy Implicationl
By Anuranjan Sethi
Biotechnology, as an area of scientific interest, has grown by leaps and bounds
in the last quarter century to become one of the most important, yet controversial
branches of science and technological research. Through the tools and techniques
of gene splicing, recombinant DNA, cloning and, most importantly, the discovery
of the double helix structure of DNA, biotechnology has enabled contemporary society
to better understand the physical constitution of living organisms and the processes
that affect them. This new knowledge has driven, to new heights, the optimism of
some who look to science for solutions to social problems. These ‘biotechnology
optimists’ believe that this avenue of exploration has the potential to rid the
human race of horrendous social and natural evils such as fatal diseases, like cancer
and diabetes, and agricultural shortages. For these advocates of biotechnology,
this new area of scientific research promises to make human life more fulfilling,
secure, and happy. The paradigm of optimism that surrounds biotechnology is, in
part, due to the perceived contributions and latent promises that many believe may
be uncovered through this new avenue of scientific exploration. Despite this potential,
however, there exists some anxiety regarding the manner in which the science is
developing. Some of the difficult questions that are repeatedly raised when dealing
with questions of genetics, biotechnology, and humans include; ‘How many human genes
in an organism constitute a human being?’ ‘Does biotechnology empower humans to
create life or merely tinker with its basic constituents?’, ‘What role do property
rights play in the success story of biotechnology?’ and ‘What legal mechanisms must
necessarily be employed to promote adequate investment of human and capital resources
in biotechnology?’ Academics and policy makers from all over the world and hailing
from a diverse range of disciplines such as the sciences, ethics, philosophy and
law are taking part in the intense debates surrounding these questions regarding
the purpose and possibilities of biotechnology. Nevertheless, the provision of any
meaningful answer to these questions at this formative stage of the discipline and
its technology is difficult for there still remains much to be discovered. Thus,
due to the emerging nature of this discipline, it may be helpful to begin a discussion
regarding the appropriate legal treatment of its inventions by setting some initial
parameters and identifying some goals. Doing this will aid the reader in negotiating
the different streams of debate surrounding biotechnology and will facilitate the
selection of an opinion.
Next
| |
|
|
|
Other Top Stories |
| |
New Delhi: Dwarka, a suburb of Delhi, has emerged as the preferred location for... Full Coverage>> |
| |
Starving Kalkaji sisters snapped links with all ... Full Coverage>> |
| |
Dawood: Live but missing... Full Coverage>> |
| |
The much-touted plan was hailed as a way to rein in the killer Blueline buses ... Full Coverage>> |
| |
‘Elephant corridors in new NHAI projects... Full Coverage>> |
|
Previous Issue |
 |
|
|