Re:Generally stealing ideas is good for growth (Score 2, Insightful)

The key difference here, as noted in the Wired article, is that the aggregate bloggers often use ideas without attribution. Researchers, while making use of data produced elsewhere, are required to cite sources and provide appropriate credit. Yes, patenting 'ideas' (or facts) is absurd (and currently prohibited in the law), but processes, such as creating nanotubes is not. Again, it comes down to securing some manner of recognition for the original creator or creators. Whether or not this amounts to stifling progress seems to come down to how rights to information (and access) are administered. (standard IANAL disclaimers apply)