NASA Astronauts Used CRISPR Gene Editing Technology For the First Time in Space (news18.com) 9
India's CNN-News18 reports:
[P]revious research has found that how cells pick a particular repair strategy can be influenced by the microgravity conditions in space. Scientists are concerned that DNA repairs influenced by microgravity conditions may not be adequate, and can lead to harmful consequences. To study the DNA repair process in space, scientists have developed a new technique that uses CRISPR/Cas9 — a gene-editing technology — to recreate precise damages so that cells can be observed repairing them. The team of researchers led by Sarah Stahl-Rommel has successfully demonstrated the technique and its viability aboard the International Space Station.
"CRISPR gene editing is no longer confined to Earth," reports Engadget: The new approach clears the way for other research around DNA repair in space. With enough work, the scientists hope they can replicate the genetic damage from ionizing radiation, not to mention other effects from long-term spaceflight. That, in turn, could help NASA and other agencies develop technology that shields astronauts and makes deep space exploration practical. There's a chance CRISPR might play an important role in getting humans to Mars and beyond.
"CRISPR gene editing is no longer confined to Earth," reports Engadget: The new approach clears the way for other research around DNA repair in space. With enough work, the scientists hope they can replicate the genetic damage from ionizing radiation, not to mention other effects from long-term spaceflight. That, in turn, could help NASA and other agencies develop technology that shields astronauts and makes deep space exploration practical. There's a chance CRISPR might play an important role in getting humans to Mars and beyond.
Someone tell Moira. (Score:1)
Makes sense, actually (Score:2)
This way, if a dangerous alien variant is created, we can nuke it in orbit, just to be sure.
Frankenstein Goes To Mars (Score:2)
The script writes itself! Throw in a few vampires and a mummy and you've got yourself a hit!
Re: (Score:2)
Rampage.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2... [imdb.com]
Genetically enhanced rats destroy ISS.
Astronaut forced to retrieve samples before evacuation.
Escape vessel explodes, samples dropped in various locations.
Fun ensues....
No vampires or mummies, just The Rock and giant animals....
Radiation Resistant Astronauts (Score:3)
It makes sense to investigate the possibility of using CRISPR like systems to enhance human genome with better resistance against the increased radiation exposure required for space travel.
We just found a new technology (Score:2)
Now let's try it in space
Reminds me (Score:2)