Scientists from the universities of Harvard and Yale have come up with a technique to control the survival of modified bacteria so that they don’t pose a threat to the public. The researchers re-engineered the DNA of a certain type of bacteria, making them reliant on an artificial nutrient that cannot be found in nature. With GMO in great use in the field of medicine and agriculture around the world, there have always been concerns about what might happen when deadly lab microbes escape to nature.
The finding of the scientists was published in the journal known as Nature. The scientists described their finding as a milestone, but also conceded that it was currently a proof-of-concept. That means that further research is necessary to strengthen the technique of controlling survival of GM bacteria.
Issues of concern
Some of the issues that still require further research include mutation in the modified bacteria that may allow them to survive in the wild even without the artificial nutrient. The other thing is the chances that the modified microbes can confer their special abilities to natural microbes when they mingled in the wild.
Currently, the scientists believe that there are no risks of the engineered bacteria transferring their special abilities to natural microbes or other organisms in the wild. However, outside scientists cited that it was still important to address potential public concern over the transfer of abilities, as well as that of mutation.
Overall, outside scientists have praised the effort given its potentially wide application in today’s world.
GMO application
GM bacteria are used in places such as the U.S., Europe and China in agricultural and industrial settings such as in drug and fuel production. They are also used to enhance crop production in agriculture.
However, accidental release of modified microbes can be deadly to the environment as they can cause diseases or lead to ecological destruction. A technique is required to control the lives of the microbes so that they don’t cause havoc to the people when they get to the wild. That explains why the finding by the scientists at Harvard and Yale is important to the biotech industry, where GMO is currently in great use.