Improved scientific understanding of genetic mechanisms, coupled with recent dramatic advances in technical capabilities, has put within our grasp the molecular fingerprints and "recipes" of all tissues, including those harboring disease. These genetic messages may remain intact in preserved tissues for long periods of time e.g., centuries. Currently, many millions of tissue specimens reside in hospital, clinic and research laboratories throughout the world. Deciphering the genetic messages in these tissues introduces questions of access, ownership, commercial capabilities, etc. Ethical, legal and sociological answers will influence the ultimate utility of such tissues and everyone has a potential stake in how these questions are answered. This session will put these general questions into perspective and will tease out individual cases.