Even folk remedies have been patented. Many developing countries are crying foul. Three years ago, the U.S. rescinded the patent of University of Mississippi scientists for the use of turmeric to heal wounds. The Indian government complained that the spice was a traditional medical treatment. When it comes to our own genetic make-up, the stakes are so much higher and the consequences greater.
Biotechnology is the next big thing.
In Japan, companies like Samsung and Hitachi are getting into the act. Celera and HGP had been racing to complete the genetic map, but have now agreed to cooperate by comparing their results. The Human Genome Project has long maintained a more open attitude, publishing its results on the Internet regularly and promising to release its findings to the public. Craig Venter, Celera's president and chief scientific officer, insists that his company isn't aiming to patent the human genetic code. We're not attempting to patent the human genome, any of its chromosomes, or any random sequence.