A research team has developed a simplified technique for storing and delivering genes by creating what it describes as "DNA books" using genes extracted from animal cells.
The technique involves attaching the genes to paper and binding them into a book, said Yoshihide Hayashizaki, project director at the Genome Exploration Research Group of the Institute of Physical and Chemical Research.
Researchers can now send each other the DNA books and store them as genetic libraries. When they need to use a certain gene, they can dissolve the page holding the gene, giving them access to the sample in about two hours, Hayashizaki said.