Germany challenges human stem cell patent awarded 'by mistake.'

Article Abstract:

The European Patent Office (EPO) has acknowledged that it made a serious mistake in granting a patent in Dec 1999 that includes claims on technologies that could be used to change the composition of the human germ line. Germany now plans to make a formal objection to this patent, which goes against the EPO's own rules about not violating common standards of ethics and morality. The patent covers techniques for producing transgenic animals from stem cells, and in principle deals with methods for purifying specific types of genetically engineered stem cells from mixtures of cultured cells.

Ethical aspects, Intellectual property, European Patent Office, Stem cells

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Regions picked as biotech 'winners.'(winners of biotechnology competition in Germany)

Article Abstract:

A competition called BioRegio, designed to promote collaboration between industry and academics in biotechnology, has declared three regions in Germany as winners. Munich has been awarded for developing genome-based therapeutic and diagnostic products. Rhineland's concept emphasizes on biomedical and plant-breeding products, while the Rhine-Neckar Triangle focuses on vector systems for basic research and gene therapy. The regions will gain a preferential access to DM30 million per year. Results reflect the concentration of biotechnological research in south and west Germany.

Research, Reports, Competitions, Biotechnology, Awards (Prizes)

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Foresight study blazes trail in Germany

Article Abstract:

Germany's six leading research organizations will evaluate the methods and results of the country's first pilot exercise in technology foresight. They will decide whether the approach to technology foresight adopted in this exercise should be used in other areas of research. The pilot exercise indicates that there should be more collaboration between materials and life scientists. Furthermore, there should be more inter-disciplinary work with a wide spread of potential uses.

Science and technology policy

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