Taking a new legal direction: Genes are not patentable
The legality of patents on genes is in jeopardy after a judge ruled that genes were ineligible for patents because they involved “laws of nature.” Twenty percent of the human genome is currently patented.
Electronic RFPs so far a success
The Student Activities Finance Office reports that their new electronic system of student group reimbursements is working well, and they are not backlogged at the end of term for the first time in several years.
‘Control group’ in NYC homeless study denied aid
NEW YORK — It has long been the standard practice in medical testing: Give drug treatment to one group while another, the control group, goes without.
Corrections
An article on published on Tuesday, December 7, about the 2.009 final presentations incorrectly stated the projected cost of the Blue Team’s egg washer was $100,000 per unit. Their initial legal and patent costs are expected to be $100,000, but their projected production costs are between $600 and $1,000 per unit.
Drug-trafficking cop, Joe D’Amelio trial set for March
Former MIT Campus Police officer Joseph D’Amelio, arrested for drug trafficking in March 2009, remains at liberty after posting bail. His trial is scheduled for March 22, 2011, though these dates routinely slip.
Gaggle cops 131st Tech Managing Board elections
Gaggle cops 131st Tech Managing Board elections
Harvard Corp. to nearly double size
On Monday, Harvard announced a doubling of the size of its board of directors, “the President and Fellows of Harvard College”, from seven to thirteen.
Corrections
A photoillustration on Friday’s front page misspelled the surname of Anna L. Tang’s psychopharmacologist. His name is Michael J. Mufson, not Muson.
Food-themed projects take Kresge
As a large clock counted down from two minutes, the excitement of the crowd in the nearly packed Kresge Auditorium reached fever pitch. Students, faculty, and friends gathered to see the results of months of labor from the students of 2.009 (Product Engineering Processes), who were tasked with designing a food-themed product.
Tang lawyers question Fife’s judgment
Yesterday, the Anna L. Tang trial entered its 5th day, and the entire day was spent on the testimony of one witness — arguably the most pivotal yet confusing witness of the entire trial — the prosecution’s Court-appointed forensic psychologist, Dr. Alison Fife. Under cross-examination, Fife’s credibility took several large hits.
Koch Cafe to replace Bio Cafe
Set to begin operations by early January, the Koch Cafe (Bldg. 76) will replace the currently operating Bio Cafe (Bldg. 68). The Bio Cafe will discontinue its service on Friday, December 17.
Police log
The following incidents were reported to the Campus Police between May 7 and June 19. The dates below reflect the dates the incidents occurred. This information is compiled from the Campus Police’s crime log. The report does not include alarms, general service calls, or incidents not reported to the dispatcher.
Walker tenants talk ahead of overhaul
The administration continues to explore the option of renovating Walker Memorial into an academic building. The tentative plan is for Walker to become the new home of the Music and Theater Arts department, which may displace some of the clubs that currently occupy space in Walker.
Corrections
Tuesday’s sports article about the Nov. 20 fencing tournament at MIT was attributed to the wrong author. It was written by Carlos Greaves, not David Zhu.
Madoff trustee sues JPMorgan for $6.4B
The trustee who is tracking down assets for the victims of Bernard L. Madoff’s Ponzi scheme sued JPMorgan Chase for $6.4 billion on Thursday, contending that the bank bears some responsibility for the losses of victims because it continued to serve as Madoff’s primary banker despite growing evidence that he was running an enormous fraud.
Chasm threatens EU economic bloc
LISBON — Sara Vale Lima, sales manager at Eical, a Portuguese textile company, feels suffocated by the euro. The common currency once meant flush banks and easy credit, but these days it has laid bare a cold reality: Portugal shares the high wages and prices of richer northern European neighbors, but not their competitiveness.
Just how mentally ill was Tang?
Anna L. Tang is mentally ill. Anna L. Tang stabbed Wolfe B. Styke ’11 seven times, but did not kill him.