Molecular Biology in orbit

DNA is being sequenced in space for the first time

Copper news based on Scientific American materials: The First DNA Sequencing in Space Could Happen This Summer

American researchers are planning to conduct a series of molecular genetic experiments on board the International Space Station. The research will be handled by Kate Rubins, who plans to go to the ISS in June of this year to conduct more than 250 experiments.

Kate Rabins previously worked at Cambridge, but in 2009 she was selected by NASA to join the astronaut team. Before the flight, she underwent serious training, including deep-sea diving and military aircraft control courses.

Rabins plans to study the process of DNA sequencing in microgravity, as well as conduct a number of other experiments. Last year, scientists from Johns Hopkins University have already managed to carry out this procedure on board the ZERO-G aircraft, built to simulate zero gravity conditions.

For the experiment, compact equipment will be used, which is usually used in "field" research, but Rabins believes that special devices should be developed for working in space.

She is expected to spend about four months on board the ISS. Kate Rabins expects that the results of the experiments will help to understand whether it is possible to study the DNA sequence in space – such information is important for planning long space flights.

Portal "Eternal youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru  06.06.2016