Michael Crichton took a break from his novel-writing schedule to write in to the Op-Ed page of the New York Times to express his views about gene patenting. His letter starts like this:
You, or someone you love, may die because of a gene patent that should never have been granted in the first place. ... Gene patents are now used to halt research, prevent medical testing and keep vital information from you and your doctor. Feel like sharing the fear? Read the whole shebang here. Â