Whose Genes Are They, Anyway? - Video Games Forum

The Big Nerd · #1 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:01 PM

As part of a physical exam at the doctor's office, you give blood for routine tests. The company that does the blood testing for the doctor's office then seels the remains of your lood sample to Future-Gen, a biotechnology company. Future-Gen discovers that your blood cells have genes that you resistant to the HIV virus.

After making the discovery Future-Gen takes out a patent on your genome and the sequence of genes that produce HIV resistance. The patent gives Future-Gen exclusive rights to this discovery. The compny begins to use your genome to conduct research on a cure for HIV infection. When you contact Future-Gen to talk to them about this, however, they tell you that their research on finding a cure for HIV infection is more important that your right to your own genome.

Does Future-Gen have a right to patent your genome? Or is society's need for a cure for HIV more impotant that your personal rights?

Any impressions or thoughts?

GUNPEi · #2 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:18 PM

Screw HIV, that is the most preventable Virus in the world. Where is the help for Cancer???

mrbigggshot · #3 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GUNPEi
Screw HIV, that is the most preventable Virus in the world.

Is that so?

-Mr. B

The Big Nerd · #4 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:20 PM

It's a thinking statement....what do you think would be more important in this situation? Saving thousands of lives are a company knowing about your blood type?

Jushiko · #5 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:23 PM

I think your genes are your own right, and if you dont want them to have it you can withhold it. Sure you'd be a bastard, but you are allowed to. It's like donating blood, no one forces you...usually.

As for HIV, it would rank up there with most preventable...except in the case of mother-child spreading.

GUNPEi · #6 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:25 PM

We need more support for cancer and other types of diseases like parkinsons, not some disease that you get from sharing needles and having but sex.

Jushiko · #7 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:26 PM

actually, you get HIV from any form of sex or other body fluid transfer, aside from spit. People have even gotten it from blood transfusions.

GUNPEi · #8 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:29 PM

I know that you can get it from other sexual ways, im just too lazy too type out every single way you can get it.

The Big Nerd · #9 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:30 PM

That is true, personal rights are important, but not in this case in my opinion.

GUNPEi · #10 (**permalink**) 03-06-2003, 06:32 PM

I personally couldnt really care less if someone new my blood type. I dont see how that could hurt me in anyway.