Subscribe now

A “live badge” will soon be helping space station astronauts keep track of
their exposure to cosmic radiation. The badge contains yeast cells that express
a green fluorescent protein whenever a cell’s repair gene is activated. It will
glow brighter as increasing radiation levels cause greater amounts of cellular
damage. This can then be measured with an electronic sensor.

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Popular articles

Trending New Scientist articles

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop