Cider + Genetic Property

[Pushed out a week this month as 3rd Thursday came a bit earlier than was convenient for members.]

Genetics has become a crossroads of various technical fields - medicine and pharmacology most notably, but also geneaology, anthropology, law enforcement, and others. And with the development of new technologies often comes the burning question: who owns it? In the case of genetic development, this question raises thorny legal, moral, and even ontological challenges: who can patent, in essence, the patterns of life?

We will look at some of the main areas where this has become a practical concern, such as the attempted patenting of genes from research; use of copyright to limit seed use by GMO manufacturers; privacy rights of individual DNA records shared with genealogical sites, which have begun being used in law enforcement investigations (such as the recent identification of the Golden State Killer); and contributed genetic material, such as the cell line of Henrietta Lacks.

Who should control the rights to your genetic profile? What is the exchange granted parties on all sides? If we restrict genetic patents, will we still be able to develop critical treatments promised by medical research? At base, what is this all worth, who pays, and who benefits?

With luck, we'll be able to enjoy the cool evening with a cold cider and great company, so come join us!