n the midst of widespread disapproval of creating “designer babies,” fear of rogue scientists editing the genome of future generations, and the beginnings of both national and international regulation discussions, another highly contentious fight has been taking place behind the scenes and in a remote institutional space: the United States Patent and Trademark Office (“USPTO”). … Read more

How does excluding the people service the WHO’s stated goals of transparency and trust?

The November announcement of CRISPR-created babies provoked an intense uproar from scientists, ethicists and the public alike. Fears of independent actors and of their misguided decision-making seemed to be realized, and in the flurry of thought pieces published in reaction, many advocated for “strict and independent oversight,” “international consensus” by “scientists, ethicists, and government officials” … Read more