NASA's first virus hunter is set to sail for space!

Image credit: NASA

New Delhi: Along with a number of important packages, NASA's Space X rocket will blast off for International Space Station on Monday will a small DNA sequencer which will conduct some cosmic DNA research.

The biomolecule sequencer, named as minION, will allow astronauts to assess their health and identify remediation strategies while on extended space flights.

Kate Rubins, a newly arrived space station astronaut and a microbiologist will attempt to complete the first full-blown DNA decoding, or “sequencing,” in orbit with a pocket-size device. The DNA sequencer will be extremely beneficial in identifying and studying the properties of different viruses and will also reveal the order of chemical building blocks along a stretch of DNA.

According to Gizmodo, the sequencer could also answer questions about the long-term impact of living in space on the human body, or even someday be used to diagnose astronaut illnesses, as they move towards longer stays.

With the help of this incredible tool Kate will conduct the Biomolecule Sequencer investigation at the station which will be based on topics that ranges from bone less to heart changes in micro gravity.