The breakthrough was achieved by Harvard and Yaleuniversities They modified E. coli so it couldn't survive without an amino acid Scientists say they could stop supplying amino acid to kill bacteria It is possible to extend the technique to genetically modified crops This may ease concerns about GM strains mixing with organic food

By Ellie Zolfagharifard For Dailymail.com

Published: 12:18 EST, 21 January 2015 | Updated: 20:17 EST, 22 January 2015

Extreme gene manipulation has been used to modify bacteria that die if they get out of human control.

Instead of using traditional genetic engineering - which moves a gene from one organism to another - scientists have rewritten the language of genetics.

The breakthrough is a potential step toward better management of genetically engineered organisms, including crops.

Extreme gene manipulation tools have been used to modify bacteria that die if they get out of human control

Genetically altered microbes are used now in industry to produce fuels, medicines and other chemicals.

The new technique might also reduce the risk of using them outdoors, such as for cleaning up toxic spills.

Scientists from Harvard and Yale introduced the new approach in two papers released this week by the journal Nature.

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