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Thursday, 25th September 2008 (918 views)

Scientific research that has the potential to save millions of lives is being "stifled" by the patenting system, it has been claimed.

Canadian non-profit consultancy the Innovation Partnership has warned that information on subjects such as nanotechnology should be more easily shared or the rewards will not be reaped, according to the BBC.

Studies into life-saving techniques such as HIV or cancer treatment are being delayed by patent protection, a report from the body stated.

Reforms to persuade companies and governments to share information would be "mutually beneficial", it suggested.

Professor Richard Gold remarked: "If we are to turn the atoms of publicly funded discovery into molecules of innovation ... we have to make sure research avenues stay open."

Gold particles are frequently utilised in nanotechnology research, including a recent study from Texas University that showed they could be used to treat one cancer cell at a time, reported the Future of Things.

 

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