intellectual property.

according to the new york times, myriad genetics owns the patent on two genes that are closely associated with the increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer and on the testing that measures that risk.

hmmm.

question #1: how can they even do that? seriously, put a patent on a gene?
answer: i have no answer. i'm still in awe.

question #2: what's the justification for such a thing?
answer: "companies like myriad have argued that the patent system promotes innovation by giving companies the temporary monopoly that rewards their substantial investment in research and development." no doubt.

question #3: what are the implications?
answer: well if you're like ms. genae girard, if you are diagnosed with breast cancer, you will be encouraged to take a genetic test to see if your genes put you at an increased risk for ovarian cancer. if your results come back positive and you would like a second opinion from another genetic test, you won't be able to because there is no second test. because yes, myriad genetics owns the patent on those genes and their genetic tests.

words of advice:

stay healthy people because on this diverging road of medicine, technology, and economics, any sort of ailment is money in the bank for them but definitely not a good look for you.