Where New Genes Come From

Because they are conducive to genetic research, the “narrow” gene pools common to indigenous peoples, remote islanders, traditional religious communities, and other distinct populations are fast becoming a commodity (see “Iceland’s Blond Ambition“). The following chart shows where corporate gene hunters—globe-trotting scientists who collect skin and blood samples for research—have been focusing their efforts. While gene hunters are obliged to obtain informed consent from their donors, they are not required to tell them that tissue donation could result in patented products. And donors are rarely offered a cut of the profits.