The Genes in Space program, co-founded by Boeing and miniPCRbio, has for almost a decade challenged students to develop experiments for spaceflight that address unique challenges through biotechnology. This new initiative represents a significant step in expanding the tools available for these student-led investigations aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Scheduled to launch on January 29, 2024, aboard Northrop Grumman's (NYSE: NOC) 20th Commercial Resupply Services mission (NG-20), this investigation differs from traditional experiments. Instead of sending samples to space for analysis, it focuses on the collection and analysis of samples directly from the ISS. This approach marks a fresh strategy in space-based research, particularly in studying the ISS water recovery system (WRS).

A key aspect of the investigation involves ISS crew members collecting samples from the WRS and utilizing existing Genes in Space microbiology tools for an in-depth characterization of the microbial community within the system. This process will be facilitated by miniPCR and MinION, tools for DNA extraction and sequencing, respectively, along with a fluorescence viewer to establish the first complete genomic profile of the WRS in orbit.

Sarah Wallace, a NASA microbiologist, highlights the novelty of this approach: "A true assessment of the WRS has never been conducted," she explained. Typically, samples from space are returned to Earth for analysis, which doesn't accurately characterize the microbial community. This investigation, according to Wallace, adopts a "true metagenomic approach," where all available DNA is sequenced, providing a comprehensive view of the microbial ecosystem within the WRS.

The miniPCR device will prepare the material for sequencing, and the MinION tool will sequence all the DNA present in the samples. Wallace elaborated, "This method will give us all the information about the microbial community within various areas within the WRS," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of this study. The aim is to understand the microbial dynamics in space more accurately, which has implications for future spaceflight systems destined for the Moon and Mars.

"This is really beautiful science because it will help us understand what we have on the ISS and also help us to inform future spaceflight systems," Wallace added, underlining the broader significance of this research.

Scott Copeland, co-founder of Genes in Space and a representative of Boeing, expressed enthusiasm about the impact of this investigation on the program: "Students who participate in the Genes in Space competition have an opportunity to contribute significantly to our collective understanding of space biology." The collaboration with NASA to test additional protocols expands the scope of research possibilities for students in future competitions.

Furthermore, Wallace pointed out that this investigation would enable students in the Genes in Space program to explore new and different applications of the miniPCR technology beyond traditional amplifications, thereby expanding the scientific scope of student experiments.

The current Genes in Space competition, which opened for applications on January 10, 2024, continues to inspire student involvement in space biology. For more information about the program and application details, interested parties are encouraged to visit the Genes in Space website. Related Links
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