
The technique could also serve as a foundation for investigations into numerous other molecular biology topics related to long-term space exposure and exploration. This study marks the first time that CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has successfully been conducted in space, as well as the first time in space that live cells have undergone successful transformation - incorporation of genetic material originating from outside the organism.įuture research could refine the new method to better mimic the complex DNA damage caused by ionizing radiation. They hope the technique will now enable extensive research into DNA repair in space. The researchers successfully demonstrated the viability of the novel method in yeast cells aboard the International Space Station. The method focuses on a particularly harmful type of DNA damage known as a double-strand break. The technique uses CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology to create precise damage to DNA strands so that DNA repair mechanisms can then be observed in better detail than would be possible with non-specific damage via radiation or other causes. Now, Stahl-Rommel and colleagues have developed a new method for studying DNA repair in yeast cells that can be conducted entirely in space. However, technological and safety obstacles have so far limited investigation into the issue. Previous work suggests that microgravity conditions may influence this choice, raising concerns that repair might not be adequate. Therefore, which specific DNA-repair strategies are employed by the body in space may be particularly important. Astronauts traveling outside of Earth's protective atmosphere face increased risk of DNA damage due to the ionizing radiation that permeates space. Fortunately, cells have several different natural strategies by which damaged DNA can be repaired. In humans and other animals, damaged DNA can lead to cancer.

Apollo 13 became known as NASA’s successful failure.Damage to an organism's DNA can occur during normal biological processes or as a result of environmental causes, such as UV light. He wore it while his team worked tirelessly to bring the astronauts safely home after an explosion scuttled their lunar landing plans. This one, his plainest, became the most famous. ” Some of the vests were embellished with embroidery or sequins. According to his book, Failure Is Not an Option (2000), Kranz recalled, “I felt like a matador donning his suit as I put on the vest. To build teamwork within his White Team in Mission Control, Kranz wore a different suit vest, made by his wife Marta, for each mission. Gene Kranz, a NASA flight controller who worked in Mission Control from Project Mercury through the end of the Apollo program, wore this vest and button during the Apollo 13 mission in April 1970. Gene Kranz looks back at the Apollo program, discussing the biggest failures and how they learned from them. Missions Kranz Worked Onįailure is an ingredient in Life. He continued providing expertise for many other NASA missions throughout his career, including the Skylab Program and Space Shuttle operations. His leadership during the Apollo 13 crisis became well known. As NASA explains, "Flight directors, like Kranz, are responsible for leading teams of flight controllers, research and engineering experts, and support personnel around the world, and making the real-time decisions critical to keeping NASA astronauts safe in space." He assumed flight director roles with Project Gemini and eventually the Apollo Program, including Apollo 11. Kranz became assistant flight director for Project Mercury with the NASA Space Task Group at Langley, Virginia, in 1960. Listen to Kranz share his memories Accomplished Flight Director

He held a critical role in NASA's Mission Control for 34 years, from Project Mercury through STS-61, the first Hubble servicing mission. Eugene Kranz played a critical role in many milestones in America's space program, serving as flight director for Apollo 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17.
