Tag: genetics
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Full findings from NASA ‘Twins Study’ raise more questions about long stints in space
The genetic and health profiles of Mark Kelly and Scott Kelly were compared during a “Twins Study” focusing on the effects of long-term spaceflight. (NASA Photo) Ten research teams today shared comprehensive scientific results from an unprecedented experiment to gauge the health differences that developed between an astronaut who spent nearly a year in space…
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Did space scramble Scott Kelly’s genes so much he’s no longer a twin? Um, not really
Retired astronauts Mark Kelly and Scott Kelly are still identical twins. (NASA Photo / Robert Markowitz) My Twitter feed was buzzing this week with reports that Scott Kelly’s genes were knocked permanently out of phase because he spent a year in space. Some of the reports made it sound as if Scott Kelly was no…
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DNA sequencer proves its worth by solving a microbial mystery on the space station
NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson performed the Genes in Space-3 investigation on the International Space Station using devices that amplify and sequence microbial DNA samples. (NASA Photo) NASA isn’t saying it’s aliens — but the space agency is touting its ability to identify organisms using the first DNA sequencer in orbit. Oxford Nanopore Technologies’ palm-sized MiniON sequencer…
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DNA sequenced in space for the first time
NASA astronaut Kate Rubins sequenced DNA using the MiniON device at lower right. (Credit: NASA) NASA biologist-astronaut Kate Rubins performed the first DNA sequencing experiment in space over the weekend, using a miniaturized device that was delivered to the International Space Station just last month. The palm-sized MiniON DNA sequencer, built by Oxford Nanopore Technologies, could eventually…