Genetic Research Is Not Benefiting Developing Countries. (Environmental Intelligence)

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A new World Health Organization (WHO) report warns that developing countries do not stand to benefit from current genetic research. Increased understanding of the genetic composition of pathogens, disease vectors, and humans could lead to treatments and vaccines for many of the diseases that plague the developing world, finds the report. But the increasing influence of commercial interests on research agendas discourages scientists from focusing on poor people's health needs.

The report, "Genomics and World Health," also emphasizes that genetic research should not come at the expense of conventional medical practices, such as epidemiological research, public health …