Genetically modified organisms, such as tomatoes and rice, have been around for several decades now, although the controversies surrounding this technology are still unresolved. The engineering behind genetically modified foods involves the manipulation or transfer of individual genes from one species to another. For example, so-called “golden rice” was created to boost the nutritional value of standard rice by inserting three genes that increase the production of beta carotene, which in our bodies is converted into Vitamin A. The emerging field of “synthetic biology” takes this genetic manipulation to a whole new level… Continue reading The Emerging Field of Synthetic Biology: "Syn" or Salvation?