In a situation reminiscent of one on Star Trek, DNA was successfully sequenced on the International Space Station for the first time.

The Biomolecule Sequencer experiment, which was launched to the outpost via a SpaceX Dragon capsule in July 2016, was conducted by NASA astronaut and Expedition 48 flight engineer Kate Rubins. The investigation consisted of samples of mouse, virus and bacteria DNA and a candy-bar-sized hand-held device called MinION.