Previously, biotech company Myriad Genetics held patents on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. These patents essentially allowed Myriad Genetics to restrict research on BRCA1 and 2 as well as dictate the cost of diagnostic genetic testing regarding these two predictive genes. A few months ago the US Supreme Court reached a unanimous decision invalidating patents on naturally occurring genetic sequences. Ben's article succinctly summarizes both sides of the debate.