DNA survives critical entry into Earth's atmosphere
A team of scientists from UZH discovered that DNA can survive a flight through space and re-enter Earth's atmosphere during an experiment on the TEXUS-49 research rocket mission. The DNA was applied to the outer shell of the payload section of a rocket using pipettes and flew into space from Earth and back again. After the mission, the DNA was still found on the application points of the rocket and was still able to transfer genetic information to cells, proving DNA is able to survive in extreme conditions.
The scientists got the idea to put DNA on the rocket from studying the role of gravity in the regulation of gene expression in human cells using remote-controlled hardware inside the rocket's payload. During preparations for this experiment, researchers began to wonder if the outer structure of the rocket might be suitable for stability tests on biosignatures.
Quickly improvised, the experiment was supposed to merely be a pretest to check the stability of biomarkers during space flight and re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. Scientists were surprised to find the DNA completely intact and functioning, proving DNA can survive in very harsh conditions.
This experiment is interesting not only because of its spontaneity, but because of the results produced. The fact that DNA can survive in space proves the greatness of the molecule and opens the door to possible life on other planets.
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