Good News from SCOTUS on Gene Patents, But Questions Remain

What goes unaddressed by the justices is the patentability of cDNA based on common genetic variants in cancer. Those are “naturally occurring” mutations, inasmuch as they arise in humans….And the Supremes need to know about biology.

Posted in Genetics, Medical News, Oncology (cancer), ScienceTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a Comment on Good News from SCOTUS on Gene Patents, But Questions Remain

On Admitting Nice, Ethically-Minded People to Med School

This week the Times ran a leading story on a new med school admission process, with multiple, mini-interviews, like speed dating. The idea is to assess applicants’ social, communication and ethical thinking (?) skills: …It is called the multiple mini interview, or M.M.I., and its use is spreading. At least eight medical schools in the United […]

Posted in Future of Medicine, Medical Education, Medical Ethics, Premedical, ScienceTagged , , , , , , , , 3 Comments on On Admitting Nice, Ethically-Minded People to Med School

Sad Stats for Science Knowledge in U.S. Schools

Today’s Times reports on our nation’s students’ poor science test results. The results are bleak: only 34% of fourth graders scored at a “proficient” level or higher; just 30% of eight graders scored at a proficient level or higher; 21% of twelfth graders scored at a proficient or higher level in science. The mega-analysis, prepared […]

Posted in Empowered Patient, Future of Medicine, Informed Consent, Medical Education, Patient Autonomy, Public Health, ScienceTagged , , , , , , Leave a Comment on Sad Stats for Science Knowledge in U.S. Schools
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