Researchers in the United States say they have discovered how to genetically engineer corn to produce a kind of amino acid usually found in meat. The result is a food with increased nutrition that could feed animals and people around the world. The new corn, also called maize, could reduce the cost of animal food. The discovery was published online in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a scientific journal in early October. The researchers say the process involves putting genetic material from a bacterium into corn. Methionine is very important for humans and animals. It is one of nine necessary amino acids that humans get from food, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. It supports growth, helps repair skin injuries, improves hair quality and strengthens fingers and toenails. It also helps protect cells from pollution and slows the aging process.