Justice Antonin Scalia agrees with his fellow Supreme Court justices that naturally occurring genes can't be patented. Where he appears to differ: The existence of genes, the basic science of genetics, molecular biology, and evolution. He just dissented from all of the above.
Tomatoes, the disarmingly jolly cousins of the nightshade family, finally yielded the last of their secrets to us today, as scientists announced they had successfully decoded the tomato genome — marking the end of a nine-year undertaking.
Do you have a lot of one-night stands? Affairs? Well, I bet your mom does too. No, really! I bet she does, because scientists say they've found a gene that's linked to promiscuity and uncommitted sex.
Scientists have discovered a "liberal gene" that, combined with an active adolescent social life, appears to correlate with liberal political views. And you thought you made your own choices about your politics! Ha, ha, not according to science.
Scientists have analyzed the DNA of geriatric New Englanders and believe they have discovered the genetic markers that predict extreme longevity. And because you are morbidly curious, you will soon be able to test yourself for those markers!
Researchers are mapping rock star Ozzy Osbourne's genome hoping to learn something about how the hell he survived, despite all the drugs, and the bat heads. Hopefully they will also figure out what made Master of Reality so bitching. [CBS]
On Friday, the drug store will be the first retail chain to offer a take home genetic test, for around $30. Just mail in a saliva sample and wait patiently for your life to be ruined! [Chicago Tribune, pic]
23andMe, the Google-backed genetic-testing startup run by Anne Wojcicki, the wife of Google cofounder Sergey Brin, has everyone from Rupert Murdoch on down spitting into test tubes at parties. Too bad it's useless!
