While most people were busy freaking out about Facebook introducing hashtags, the Supreme Court was busy making what some are calling a “landmark ruling” against companies putting patents of human genes!
Angelina Jolie is one of the many people excited about the huge decision as it ties directly with her recent decision to get a double mastectomy!
The patent on the BRCA gene was one of the central items in the hearing, and for those of you who need a refresher, Angie’s faulty BRCA gene is what led her to go under the knife.
Because the gene was patented, there was only ONE company able to conduct research on it, which really narrowed down the actress’s options when she wanted to get tested.
Now that the patents have been banned, ANYONE and EVERYONE is free to do research on all human genes!
Angelina released a statement saying:
“I hope that this ruling will lead to more women at risk of breast cancer being able to get access to gene testing and take control of their lives.”
We hope so too!!
The ruling is a HUGE breakthrough in medicine and will open the doors for more researchers to study human genes such as the BRCA gene!
[Image via WENN.]
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