Athens- UGA researchers have made a discovery that could be a major breakthrough in our understanding of the potential uses for genetic engineering. The study involves a protein called CAS-9 that has the ability to recognize and destroy bacteria by altering pieces of DNA.  This study provides the stepping stones to better understand how genes can be engineered. It has potential applications in many fields including biotechnology, medicine, and genetics.

Dr. Michael Terns explains how his study of the protein CAS-9 has implications for other fields.