The NIR method is highly specific for the detection of different kinds of fatty acids and it is intended to develop a database of fingerprints for different fatty acid components in algal biomass, with which to analyse actual algae.

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The researchers said this is a way of getting more specific genetic material into an egg than the method used on Dolly.

CNN: Researchers clone pigs

The other method of genetically modifying a natural seed is to insert into it a gene that makes the crop tolerant to a specific herbicide, usually one the company makes itself.

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