CRISPR gene editing does not have to be limited to Earth. CRISPR-Cas9 was successfully demonstrated in space by Christina Koch, an astronaut and scientists. It is part of a new technique that damages DNA and studies how it reacts in microgravity. According to the researchers, earlier studies such as this were hampered by safety and technical concerns.A particularly harmful double-stranded DNA break was found in the yeast cell culture at the International Space Station. Koch had completed the test before May 2019, but the results weren't available until the past week.This new approach opens the door to other research on DNA repair in space. The scientists believe they can reproduce the effects of long-term spaceflight on DNA, as well as the genetic damage caused by ionizing radiation. This could be used by NASA and other agencies to develop technology that protects astronauts and allows deep space exploration. CRISPR could play a significant role in getting humans on Mars and beyond.
