Open Genetic Code: on open source in the life sciences

Abstract

The introduction of open source in the life sciences is increasingly being suggested as an alternative to patenting. This is an alternative, however, that takes its shape at the intersection of the life sciences and informatics. Numerous examples can be identified wherein open source in the life sciences refers to access, sharing and collaboration as informatic practices. This includes open source as an experimental model and as a more sophisticated approach of genetic engineering. The first section discusses the greater flexibly in regard of patenting and the relationship to the introduction of open source in the life sciences. The main argument is that the ownership of knowledge in the life sciences should be reconsidered in the context of the centrality of DNA in informatic formats. This is illustrated by discussing a range of examples of open source models. The second part focuses on open source in synthetic biology as exemplary for the re-materialization of information into food, energy, medicine and so forth. The paper ends by raising the question whether another kind of alternative might be possible: one that looks at open source as a model for an alternative to the commodification of life that is understood as an attempt to comprehensively remove the restrictions from the usage of DNA in any of its formats.

A Rapid, High-Quality, Cost-Effective, Comprehensive and Expandable Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Assay for Inherited Heart Diseases

“…In order to adapt to these exciting advancements, a flexible platform for detecting mutations is needed that can be continuously improved by as many qualified users as possible . As with the introduction of “open source” computer operating systems such as Linux that allow users to modify and distribute the underlying source code, we believe a similar development is needed in the arena of genetic testing 33 . In publishing the cLPP primer sequences and genomic target locations, which can be reproduced, customized and expanded by anyone, this padlock NGS assay is therefore the first step in this direction.…”

Biobanks in Oral Health: Promises and Implications of Post-Neoliberal Science and Innovation

“…On the one hand, certain forms of open licensing (e.g., Creative Commons, copyleft) can simply close down the commercial incentive to undertake science and innovation (Deibel, 2014). For example, Verlinden et al (2015) argue that proprietary IP rights (e.g., patents) can provide an incentive to innovate since they provide a mechanism to reap financial rewards from costly research and development.…”

Seeds as biosocial commons : an analysis of various practices in India

“…71 There has consequently been an intensive debate on the issue of access to PGRs, framed through the investigation both of opportunities within the framework of the intellectual property rights and of the ability of farmers to create their own forms of accessibility (Deibel 2013(Deibel , 2014Kloppenburg, 2010Kloppenburg, , 2014Nightingale, 2011;Satheesh, 2000;Shrestha et al, 2005). In this chapter, access to PGRs is analysed using an ability rather than rights perspective in an investigation of how farmers in India organise their access to conserved landraces in the context of two very different conservation practices, ex situ and in situ.…”

“…On the contrary to this politicised perception of seeds, there are scholars who view the interactions between society (Figure 1.1, outer circle) and informational content of seeds (Figure 1.1, inner circle) as providing opportunities for its transformation into intellectual commons (Dedeurwaerdere, 2012;Deibel, 2014;Kloppenburg, 2010Kloppenburg, , 2014Vroom et al, 2007). Connected to this optimistic vision, other scholars emphasise that the informational content can also be reconnected to indigenous knowledge, values and traditions attached to location-specific forms of cultivating crops (Figure 1.1, middle circle) (Aistara, 2011;Altieri, 2009;Shiva, 2001Shiva, , 2005b.…”

“…Following Srinivas (2006), open source model here refers to principles where the source code of resource is open, made common, basically free and restricting users from enclosing the resource-use through IPRs. In order to combat the exclusion created by IPRs in the case of PGRs, various scholars suggested the creation of commons through open source models as another mechanism granting access to different stakeholders (see Deibel 2013Deibel , 2014Srinivas, 2006;Kloppenburg, 2010Kloppenburg, , 2014.…”