Delitto Perfetto: foreign DNA disappears without a trace.

A group of NIEHS scientists has recently perfected a new in vivo gene modification technique that enables scientists to quickly generate site-directed mutations onto specific regions of the yeast genome. The researchers were able to create genetic mutations by inserting foreign DNA into host DNA without leaving a trace of the foreign DNA. Dubbed "Delitto Perfetto," Italian for "perfect murder," the new technique leaves behind no clue that foreign DNA was introduced to engineer the desired genetic changes. It could transform the way genetic researchers analyze how genes function and respond to human disease and environmental influences.