[PIUG List] controversial patent application

New Scientist for Feb. 6 has an editorial and an article on reproduction be=
tween two people of the same sex. Both are prompted by a patent applicatio=
n (no data given) by occasional list contributor Greg Aharonian, patenting =
technologies necessary to accomplish male cell conversion to eggs and femal=
e cell conversion into sperm. Methods including cellular reprogramming and=
 artificial chromosomes are described in the application. Research in a nu=
mber of countries in these areas is described and possible legislative and =
policy reaction to these developments in the USA and UK are also discussed.

Aharonian's motive is stated to be to promote discussion.

One sentence in the article intrigued me: "Aharonian has not shown that the=
 techniques work--that is not necessary to claim ownership of an invention."

Any comments?

-- Bob Buntrock
Orono, ME

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Received on Mon Feb 11 2008 - 17:33:53