New research might make it possible for us to track gene-spliced microbes in the environment. Some scientists are studying microbes and their behaviors; this new research might help them to see how the microbes spread. Gene-spliced microbes are microorganisms that have been altered with other microbes’ genes. For example scientists at Boyce Thompson Institute took the enzyme called luciferase from organisms in the sea and transplanted it into Rhizobium. Rhizobium is bacteria that live in the roots of soybeans. After the scientists grew the soybeans they uprooted them to find little nodules that were emitting a blue-green light. This light is usually spotted in the dark.

                This article presents two controversial issues, the first being the production of gene-spliced microbes and the second is making them glow in the dark. I think that some gene-spliced microorganisms might be beneficial to the environment but it is hard to tell what the consequences of altering their genes will cause in the future. The main reason for altering genes in microbes is to convert harmful microorganisms to ones that will benefit the environment. The reason behind making them glow in the dark is so that way the scientists will be able to track them. I can agree that tracking microbes is a great way to study them and their behaviors.

                This project will take many years to develop because there are a lot of questions that need to be answered. The scientists will also need to get approval by the Environmental Protection Agency and the government. It will be interesting to see where this research will end up in the future.

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