Dr. Jiangyu Zhu, 30, and Dr. Kayoko Kimbara, 32, were charged for alleged theft of genetic research secrets. They worked as research scientists at Harvard Medical School and over a period of two years developed genetic sequences that could produce drugs for which Harvard already had applied for a patent. They allegedly stole at least 20 cartons of biological samples from Harvard Medical School during Christmas break in 1999. Zhu, a Chinese national, and Kimbara, a Japanese national, had signed routine agreements that gave Harvard the right to any discoveries made in the lab where they worked. Confronted by their supervisor before the Christmas break, the defendants denied that they had done anything improper. They again denied any wrongdoing after lab employees returned from the holidays to discover that $300,000 worth of equipment and research documentation were missing. Zhu and Kimbara left Harvard shortly after the alleged theft, taking positions at the University of Texas, where some of the research from Harvard was found last year in Zhu's new lab. The two were arrested last month in San Diego and charged with theft of trade secrets, conspiracy, and transportation of stolen property. The charges carry a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison and $750,000 in fines. On July 17, at the court hearing, defendants requested six-month delay in indictment proceedings. Prosecutors said they would agree to a delay. (Source: Brian MacQuarrie, Boston Globe, July 18).