Scientists find new way to corral genetically engineered bacteria

Reliance on human-made molecules keeps useful bacteria from escaping into nature

E. coli

DEPENDENT BY DESIGN  E. coli, like those shown here in false color, and other bacteria are used to manufacture drugs, chemicals and fuels. Newly engineered strains of E. coli can only survive with access to human-made molecules.

Mattosaurus/Wikimedia Commons

Scientists have engineered a new way to genetically modify organisms so they’re less likely to spread uncontrollably in the wild and wreak havoc.