1980 allowed the patenting of a microbe genetically engineered to consume oil spills; now there are

1980 allowed the patenting of a microbe genetically engineered to consume oil spills; now there are patents on human genes and cells; U-Wisconsin has a patent on human embryonic stem cells. Patent office draws the line on patenting of humans " a violation of the 13th Amendment ban on slavery. U-Missouri has a patent to create pigs as human organ donors " should be a nonhuman disclaimer in these patents.

Source: The New York Times, 5/17/02.

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