Studying DNA repair is key to future space exploration, which could expose humans to risk of DNA damage caused by radiation. Conditions in space also could affect the way the body repairs such damage, potentially compounding that risk.

Thanks to the work of four students, a team of researchers, and the first use in space of the CRISPR genome editing technique, a recent investigation aboard the International Space Station successfully generated breaks in the DNA of a common yeast, directed the method of repair, and sequenced the patched-up DNA to determine whether its original order was restored.