MinION in space

We are delighted that the MinION is scheduled to visit the International Space Station; this article from NASA explains what the project aims to achieve: “… to provide evidence that DNA sequencing in space is possible, which holds the potential to enable the identification of microorganisms, monitor changes in microbes and humans in response to spaceflight, and possibly aid in the detection of DNA-based life elsewhere in the universe.”

The explanation of this project is particularly relevant in a week when it was announced that evidence had been found of flowing water on Mars, pointing scientists to the most promising sites to search for signs of life (read more at the Guardian).