Back to the catalog
Spinoff story
Fluorescent Paints Spot DNA Damage from Radiation, Gene Editing
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
A cutting-edge technique for detecting chromosome damage developed for space medicine has major implications on the ground. In space, astronauts are exposed to radiation that causes damage to DNA. But some mutations are easier to see than others. KromaTiD Inc., based in Fort Collins, Colorado, developed a technique with SBIR funding from Johnson Space Center that uses chromatid paints to highlight previously undetectable abnormalities. Applications include helping doctors select cancer treatments based on identifying mutations, diagnosing genetic conditions, and, potentially, spotting unintended damage from gene editing.