Researchers in the United States say they have discovered how to genetically engineer corn to produce a kind of amino acid usually found in meat.
The result is a food with increased nutrition that could feed animals and people around the world. The new corn, also called maize, could reduce the cost of animal food.
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The researchers say the process involves putting genetic material from a bacterium into corn.
Methionine is very important for humans and animals. It is one of nine necessary amino acids that humans get from food, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. It supports growth, helps repair skin injuries, improves hair quality and strengthens fingers and toenails. It also helps protect cells from pollution and slows the aging process.
Thomas Leustek is a professor of Plant Biology at Rutgers University in New Jersey and one of the writers of the study. He told VOA, “We improved the nutritional value of corn, the largest commodity crop grown on Earth.” He added, “Most corn is used for animal feed, but it lacks methionine — a key amino acid — and we found an effective way to add it.”
[Editor’s note: Read the full study (behind paywall)]
The GLP aggregated and excerpted this article to reflect the diversity of news, opinion and analysis. Read full, original post: Researchers Genetically Modify Corn to Increase Nutrition
