If there is a best case for #opensource + no patent, etc, this might be it! 👍
Scientists accidentally create mutant enzyme that eats plastic bottles
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/apr/16/scientists-accidentally-create-mutant-enzyme-that-eats-plastic-bottles
'Scientists have created a mutant enzyme that breaks down plastic drinks bottles – by accident. The breakthrough could help solve the global plastic pollution crisis by enabling for the first time the full recycling of bottles.
The new research was spurred by the discovery in 2016 of the first bacterium that had naturally evolved to eat plastic, at a waste dump in Japan. Scientists have now revealed the detailed structure of the crucial enzyme produced by the bug...'
#Capitalism #Earth
@jd just like Salk, who refused to patent his polio vaccine, these researchers would do the greatest service to their fellow humans if they released this research to the public domain!
@Antanicus @jd A smaller-scale example: the modern car seat belt design was deliberately not patented. I guess there aren’t many other examples though, which is sad.