The term genetic engineering was first coined by Jack Williamson in his 1951 science fiction named Dragon’s Island. It refers to the technology that alters the genetic make-up of an organism by allowing the recombination of genetic materials. Genes created through this mechanism are known as recombinant DNA (rDNA). In 1972, American biochemist Paul Berg created the first rDNA molecule. This technology has been used to create vaccines, human insulin and growth hormones among others. Genetically modified animals have also been used for various research projects. A new addition to the genetic engineering technology is gene editing which allows the correction of genetic errors.