Public Health Posts
Making Gene Patents Work for Patients
Two decades ago, the controversial decision to allow patents on human genes sparked a genetic gold rush. Corporations and universities rushed to file a flurry of claims on genes linked to specific diseases like breast cancer and Alzheimer's. Since then, the patents themselves have invited plenty of criticism, but recently it’s the exclusive licenses often granted to companies developing diagnostics tests that have come under fire as anticompetitive – and damaging to patient care.
Costly, Preventable—and Sometimes Fatal
The threat of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) is not news. Hospitals, policymakers and advocates have known for years: sometimes, patients can pick up dangerous infections in the very places they came to get well. But who’s to blame when patients die in the hospital?
Don’t Just “Hang on for the Ride”
Today, alongside the new Burness Communications website, we’re launching our new Health & Science Advocacy blog, Above the Noise: Being Heard, Becoming Memorable. The name reflects the overarching mission of the Burness Institute: to help researchers, health experts and other leaders become memorable in a cacophony of competing voices and priorities.
Impact Where It Matters
In this inaugural post to the Burness Effect Blog, Burness Communications President Andy Burness discusses the idea of "impact", what it is, and what it isn't.
