Researchers have developed genetically modified organisms (GMOs) that depend on synthetic nutrients to survive. Two teams, one from Yale University and another from Harvard, tweaked the genetic code of modified bacteria whose growth is restricted by the expression of multiple essential genes that depend on synthetic amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. When the synthetic amino acids aren’t provided, the organisms die off.
In the future, this strategy could prevent the unintended growth and spread in the wild of GMOs.
Original research papers published in Nature on January 21, 2015.
Names and affiliations of selected authors
Farren Isaacs, Yale University, U.S.A.
George Church, Harvard Medical School, U.S.A.
