Kate Rubins to carry out DNA sequencer tests for first time in space station
Q. Which astronaut will be testing a pocket sized DNA sequencer through its paces to test samples for DNA based life on space stations for the first time?- Published on 18 Jul 16a. Kate Rubins
b. Sunita Williams
c. Sarah Wallace
d. None of the above
ANSWER: Kate Rubins
Astronaut Kate Rubins will carry out carefully controlled experiments with bacteria, virus and mouse cells repeatedly testing for in a space station’s closed loop environment.
- Rubins is a trained microbiologist who will be using samples to put together Oxford Nanopore’s MiniION sequencer- a pocket sized DNA sequencer through its paces.
- Tests are intended to prove if technology can be used to understand microbes in the space station to scan fellow astronauts for genetic changes to diagnose illness and future missions to test samples from Mars and other planets for DNA based life.
- Scientists will need to check if the machine can operate in microgravity.
- The MinION sequencer which is about half the size of a smartphone operates fundamentally different from current DNA sequencers.
- With most sequencers, scientists put on a sample which runs for 24 to 48 hours and stops.
- The station’s sequencers displays its analysis as it works.
- The MinION DNA sequencer is among the 4900 pounds of cargo scheduled to be launched to the station on 18th July 2014 abroad a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
- This is the first time the machine will be used in space.
