Genetic Engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genome using biotechnology. New DNA may be inserted in the host genome by first isolating and copying the genetic material of interest using molecular cloning methods to generate a DNA sequence, or by synthesizing the DNA, and then inserting this construct into the host organism. Genes may be removed, or "knocked out", using a nuclease. Gene targeting is a different technique that uses homologous recombination to change an endogenous gene, and can be used to delete a gene, remove exons, add a gene, or introduce point mutations.
In the 22nd century, genetic engineering had advanced to the point of being able produce the Neosapiens and the later baseline broods of Neosapiens, like Neo Megas and Neo Warriors. With this technology, the Terrans created a worker that could withstand the harsh conditions of Mars.
Genetic Engineering did produce a fatal flaw in the Neosapiens in the form of Automutation Syndrome.