#75 - Clarity (aka Invisibility!)

Today I learned about a group at Stanford that have figured out a way to make biological tissues invisble! They don't call it invisible...they use the term "clarity" but basically you can see through the tissue!

You've got to see this! Below is a mouse brain before and then after 2 days of the clarity process in which a gel is placed around the brain to hold its structure and then fats are removed which leave the brain see through! Isn't it cool?!!

Check out this cool youtube video about the process!

#73 - Historic Day in Science and Medicine - Patent a gene? yes or no?

DNA Helix Glass Pendant Necklace by BigHelmetHead on Etsy, $26

Today while chatting with my awesome boss, I learned that today is a historic day in science and medicine! Why??

Today the Supreme court will hear a case to determine whether or not a person or company can patent a gene.

Myriad Genetics is seeking patent for two genes related to hereditary breast cancer - BCRA1 and BCRS2.

My personal view is that this should not happen because there is a law in place that you cannot patent "products of nature". My genes (and your genes) are products of nature...so get off Myriad Genetics.

I worry that if we allow companies to patent genes then treatments that would be fairly inexpensive will soon become expensive. Also, where's the limit...if you can patent my genes can you patent other things that are technically MINE?

For more on the topic, click here.

What do you think? Sound off! :)