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COMMONS MAGAZINE

One-Fifth of the Human Genome is Now Owned

October 25, 2005
Twenty percent of the human genome is now patented. This raises questions about the future of scientific research and public health, and shows the clear need for an open-source movement in biology.

Designer Pigs

August 3, 2005
Monsanto seeks a patent for the "whole hog."

Science and the Sacred

July 19, 2005
The commons is based on the idea that some human endeavors should be beyond the reaches of the market.

How to Explore the Unknown

July 13, 2005
Why treating the human genome as a commons helps expand our knowledge.

The Genome, Discovered Not Invented

July 11, 2005
The human genome was discovered, not invented. It makes no sense to patent the stuff of life.