Are genes patentable?

This Supreme Court faces this important question after agreeing to review the Federal Circuit decision in Association for Molecular Pathology v. Myriad Genetics. The patents in suit relate to the assessment of breast cancer risk by looking at particular genetic mutations.

The Circuit court ruled that these genes are patentable, and so far the Supreme Court has admitted amicus briefs from a wealth of medical, legal, scientific and religious organizations and professionals--including Dr. James Watson himself--but the verdict is still out.

What do you think: should genes be patentable?