For DNA sequencing, they used commercially available DNA sequencing device called MinION, developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies.
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The experiment was conducted by Astronaut Kate Rubins and was considered a success because her results matched up with an experiment, which was correspondingly being conducted on Earth.
“In space, if an air bubble is introduced, we don’t know how it will behave”, said Aaron Burton, a NASA planetary scientist and principal investigator for the Biomolecule Sequencer investigation.
The DNA sequencing in space is a significant tool to help protect the health of the astronaut during their long missions on the journey to Mars.
Besides its portability, another advantage of nanopore sequencing is its ability to rapidly sequence any and all genetic material in a sample, even from organisms that have never been encountered before. As you can see from the image above, Microsoft Surface Pro 3 device is being used in the Space Station by astronauts.
The test can also be used to identify any extra-terrestrial life forms astronauts might discover.
Rubins conducted the test aboard the space station while researchers on the ground simultaneously sequenced identical samples. The researchers can then recognize the specific DNA sequence by looking at the changes, according to NASA. Individual DNA molecules partially block the nanopores and change the current in a way that is unique to that particular DNA sequence.
Chiu said a big unknown was whether the microgravity in space would affect the microfluidics of the sequencing device. While on Earth, bubbles rise above the surface of liquid solution and can be removed by centrifuge, bubbles in space are less predictable. If all goes well, the astronauts will proceed with the entire process of DNA sampling, preparation and sequencing in space.
Another challenge was actually getting DNA sequencers into space, and ensuring that delicate components in the equipment survive the trip undamaged.
Sarah Castro-Wallace, project manager for the experiment, said: “Onboard sequencing makes it possible for the crew to know what is in their environment at any time”.
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The outcome? In today’s status update, NASA reported that the experiment demonstrated for the first time that DNA sequencing could indeed be done in an orbiting spacecraft.
