The latest fashion statement from the bio-tech industry is jeans dyed blue by genetically altered bacteria. These little buggers, none other than a strain of the well known E. coli, take in sugar and produce tryptophan (also well known for its Thanksgiving Day nap-inducing properties) which is converted to indigo. This is a more environmentally friendly way to create our favorite blue denim color as it does not create toxic by-products.