NOVA Season 9 Episode 17 Life: Patent Pending

Life: Patent Pending is an episode of the critically acclaimed science documentary series NOVA. The show explores the fascinating and controversial topic of biotechnology and genetic engineering and examines the struggle between science and the law over who owns the rights to life.

The episode begins by discussing the history of genetics and how scientists have been manipulating genes and organisms for years. We learn about the discovery of the double helix and how it sparked the race to unravel the genetic code. Scientists began to experiment with genetic engineering and biotechnology, using it to create new and improved medicines, crops, and animals.

However, with these new scientific advances came a host of ethical and legal questions. As scientists began to create new forms of life, the question of who owns the rights to these living organisms became increasingly contentious. The episode examines some of the ethical and moral dilemmas that arise when scientists attempt to patent life and the impact this has on society and the environment.

The show follows a number of different individuals who are involved in the world of biotechnology and genetic engineering, including scientists, lawyers, and activists. We learn about some of the potential benefits of biotechnology, such as creating crops that are resistant to pests and require less water, and also hear from those who are concerned about the potential risks of genetic engineering.

One of the key issues explored in the episode is the idea of genetic contamination. We learn about how genetically modified crops can cross-pollinate with non-modified crops, potentially leading to the loss of genetic diversity and the creation of "superweeds" that are resistant to all forms of herbicide. The show also explores other potential negative implications of genetic engineering, such as the creation of new diseases and the possibility of genetic discrimination.

Throughout the episode, we see a number of legal battles that have taken place over the issue of patenting life. We learn about the case of OncoMouse, a genetically modified mouse that was patented by the pharmaceutical company DuPont. The show examines the legal arguments made by both sides as they fought over who had the rights to this living organism.

Life: Patent Pending is a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of one of the most important and controversial issues of our time. It raises a number of difficult ethical and legal questions about the role of science in society and the responsibilities that come with creating new forms of life. Ultimately, the episode asks us to consider what it means to "own" life and what the implications of this might be for the future of our planet.