now listen to this. >> genetics, what can it mean, the ability to perfect the physical and mental characteristics of every unborn child. >> that was a clip from the 1997 sici-fi movie "gatica" to ensur only the best traits are handed down from generation to generation. dna becomes the passport to better careers and lifestyles but could a person's genetics be exploited for commercial gain in real life? on monday the supreme court is going to be hearing arguments to determine if companies can patent human genes and the decision could have a major impact on cancer research here in the u.s.. of the nearly 28,000 genes in the human genome more than a third are patented by universities and pharmaceutical companies including brca-1 and brca-2, increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.