Genes in Space finalists attend laboratory workshop and celebration at New England Biolabs’ headquarters

Recognition of students’ experimental designs for DNA investigation in microgravity

Ipswich, MA, USA, Earth, Milky Way (July 7, 2015) – Genes in Space, a nation-wide scientific competition for students in grades 7-12, is landing at New England Biolabs® (NEB®) along with the 5 finalist teams, for a day of scientific exploration and celebration, on Thursday, July 9th, 2015. The challenge, a partnership between Boeing®, The Center for Advancement of Science in Space, Math for America, and miniPCR™, asked students to design an experiment to solve a real-life space exploration problem through DNA analysis. The winning experiment will be conducted aboard the International Space Station (ISS) while in low-Earth orbit, using miniPCR technology.

“Everyone at NEB is amazed by the ingenuity and creativity of the students who submitted experiments to the Genes in Space competition,” shared Sal Russello, Associate Director of Business Development at NEB. “Genes in Space represents a leap forward in real-world science education, and its sponsors have demonstrated a real commitment to the science and students of tomorrow. We congratulate the finalists on their achievement!”

The finalists’ visit to NEB will include tours of the research laboratories, a scientific seminar, a hands-on laboratory mystery, and lunch with NEB scientists. As a part of the Genes in Space contest, all finalists will receive miniPCR equipment for their schools’ science programs, as well as mentoring from Harvard- and MIT-based scientists, before presenting their proposals to a panel of space science experts at the ISS Research & Development Conference in Boston, from July 7th-9th. The winning project will be announced on July 8th, and the project will then go on to be conducted aboard the ISS.

About New England Biolabs
Established in the mid 1970's, New England Biolabs, Inc. (NEB) is the industry leader in the discovery and production of enzymes for molecular biology applications and now offers the largest selection of recombinant and native enzymes for genomic research. NEB continues to expand its product offerings into areas related to PCR, gene expression, sample preparation for next generation sequencing, synthetic biology, glycobiology, epigenetics and RNA analysis. Additionally, NEB is focused on strengthening alliances that enable new technologies to reach key market sectors, including molecular diagnostics development. New England Biolabs is a privately held company, headquartered in Ipswich, MA, and has extensive worldwide distribution through a network of exclusive distributors, agents and seven subsidiaries located in Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, Singapore and the UK. For more information about New England Biolabs visit www.neb.com.

NEB® and NEW ENGLAND BIOLABS® are registered trademarks of New England Biolabs, Inc.
BOEING® is a registered trademark of Boeing.
MINIPCR™ is a trademark of Amplyus.

Contact information:
Deana D. Martin, Ph.D.
Marketing Communications Manager
New England Biolabs
240 County Road
Ipswich, MA 01938
Tel: 978-380-7464
Email: martin@neb.com


7/7/2015

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