Probably the most important news of the year - Transform one bacteria into another

[jwilkins]

Via BoingBoing:

Ventner Institute demonstrates genetically converting one species into another"It represents the complete reprogramming of an organism using only a chemical entity," - Enbright, a Rutgers scientist interviewed for one of the articles on the development

Comments

[ghoulgurl]

Wow....

That's...huge!

Genuinely interested but genetically illiterate

[melistress]

That sounds pretty cool, but what does it mean? What can it be used for?

Re: Genuinely interested but genetically illiterate

[jwilkins]

It means that you can actually transform one organism into another. It's really inefficient now, but the concept has been proven. Imagine a smarter, more efficient version that transforms the bacteria that cause tooth decay into something harmless.

Re: Genuinely interested but genetically illiterate

[melistress]

lol...very good and timely example. I see now. Thank you.