Lawmakers agree on language banning patents on human organisms: "The U.S. Patent Office would be barred from issuing patents on human organisms, such as genetically engineered embryos, under an agreement reached by lawmakers Monday.

"Rep. Dave Weldon, R-Fla., a medical doctor who sponsored the provision to be included in a giant spending bill, said it would codify existing Patent Office rules that human organisms are not patentable subject matter."