In a reversal of long-standing policy, the U.S. Justice Department announced on Friday that naturally occurring genes—human or otherwise—could not be patented. This ruling does not include manipulated or altered genes. So, for instance, you can still patent the specific, fiddled-with genes behind a GM crop. But, this is still a very big deal. Right now the genes associated with increased risk of breast cancer are patented and, thus, there is only one, very expensive, test available to look for them. In March, a judge ruled those patents invalid. And now it looks like the federal government is backing up that ruling.
Natural genes can't be patented says U.S. government
The Pocket Report is a fun and snarky way to get the news
Here's a fun way to get the news: The Pocket Report. With the tagline, "Bringing you a sub-par look at the news in a timely fashion," The Pocket Report is written and hosted by Gina (G. L.) DiVittorio, a writer, comedian, and political commentator. The news content is actually incredibly informative, and is a great way… READ THE REST
Royals demands UK news sites delete memorial footage, such as Charles's embarrassing behavior at the accession council
The Guardian reports that Buckingham Palace is demanding UK broadcasters remove clips of recent royal footage, including almost all their coverage of Queen Elizabeth II's funeral and memorial. The BBC, ITV and Sky News have been given until Monday to produce a 60-minute compilation of clips they would like to keep from ceremonial events held… READ THE REST
How fake news of a coup in China spread
Reports of a military coup in China spread this weekend, claiming that top a PLA general had taken control and that president Xi Jinping was under house arrest. None of it was true, much of it was instantly debunked, but truth is dead and all hell broke loose on social media—for as long as the… READ THE REST
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Black Friday is here: Get a refurbished MacBook Air for just $400
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. Black Friday is here, and if you're looking for great deals to start your holiday shopping, we're marking down some of our bestselling items from November 24 through 27! For example,… READ THE REST
Get 20% off Windscribe VPN with the code WINDSCRIBE during our two-day doorbuster deal
We thank our sponsor for making this content possible; it is not written by the editorial staff nor does it necessarily reflect its views. The internet is a chaotic, weird, beautiful thing where you can find things from amazing infographics to fun news blurbs about what is clearly the prologue to a horror movie. When you're… READ THE REST
