19-Mar-2007
United Nations University
Book catalogues unethical research, gene theft in Pacific countries
The Pacific region has experienced some of the world’s worst examples of unethical bio-research and patenting of genes by international companies, according to a new book launched by co-publishers Call of the Earth Llamado de la Tierra, and the United Nations University.
The unique flora, fauna and peoples of the small island nations scattered across the South Pacific have attracted legions of tourists but also hoards of genetic and biomedical researchers. Pacific Islander’s DNA and plants relied upon for millennia have been patented without permission. Bizarre human-animal hybrid transgenic experiments have been conducted and one biomedical experiment nearly turned the tiny Cook Islands into a “rogue state” in the eyes of the US government, according to the book.
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http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2007-03/unu-ghp031207.php
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