Agnirva Space Premier League - Expedition #31262: Bioluminescence and DNA Repair in Space: A Deep Dive into Microgravity’s Effects

How well do cells fix DNA damage in space? Radiation in orbit is much higher than on Earth, and it can cause mutations. To study how cells repair themselves in microgravity, researchers conducted a unique experiment with a long title: Kinetics of Enzymatic Repair Reactions after Irradiation under Microgravity by use of a Rapid Bioluminescence-based Bacterial Genotoxicity Assay.

Led by Dr. Petra Rettberg from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), this study sent genetically modified bacteria to the ISS. These bacteria glow using bioluminescence when their DNA is damaged. By observing the glow over time, scientists measured how fast and effectively repair enzymes fix the DNA.

The use of microgravity helps isolate variables like sedimentation and convective flow, offering a pure environment to study repair mechanisms. The experiment took place during Expeditions 74 and 75 and was developed by OHB System AG in Germany.

Understanding how organisms respond to space radiation helps protect astronauts and could even inform cancer therapies on Earth. It's an example of how simple organisms like bacteria can unlock big scientific answers.

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