
Who Owns the Ocean’s Genes? Tension on the High Seas
Countries are struggling with how to share genetic code from myriad ocean creatures, which could lead to billion-dollar drugs
Olive Heffernan is a freelance science writer who covers oceans and climate change. She is an adjunct lecturer at Johns Hopkins University. Credit: Nick Higgins
Countries are struggling with how to share genetic code from myriad ocean creatures, which could lead to billion-dollar drugs
More than 190 nations are hammering out a treaty as industry rushes to cash in
Big marine reserves look good on maps, but it takes tough rules close to shore to improve fisheries and biodiversity
Treated sewage could be the safest, most environmentally sound source of tap water yet—if we can get over the yuck factor
Support science journalism.
Thanks for reading Scientific American. Knowledge awaits.
Already a subscriber? Sign in.
Thanks for reading Scientific American. Create your free account or Sign in to continue.
Create Account