1. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF RADIATION ON DNA IN MICROGRAVITY
Burleson Independent School District
Burleson, Texas
Hughes Middle School
6th grade.
Belle Davis - Co-Investigator
Emma Dustin - Co-Investigator
Emma Fritz - Co-Investigator
Presley Galland - Co-Investigator
Teacher Facilitator - Mr. Cline
-Science department of BISD.

2. THE INITIAL PROJECT
Many of the family members in our group have suffered with different types of cancer. Our group researched the most common types of cancer that was found in both male and females. We found that lung cancer was the most common type of cancer. We attempted to design an experiment that would use lung cancer cells. Once we found that there was no way that anyone could supply our group with lung cancer cells that would stay viable, we looked in another direction, but still with cancer in mind.

3. PROJECT TURN AROUND PROCESS
SSEP was a challenging project for this group because we had to do three projects. Our first project was a good idea, but it would not have worked since we were unable to gain access to lung cancer cells. With our second attempt, we discovered we can not send cells into space, because they would not stay viable long enough to get to the space station. Once again we had to redo the project. Over Thanksgiving break we were allowed to work on the project for the last time over four days. We tried to get our project in as fast as we could so we wouldn’t be replaced.

4. CELL METHYLATION PROJECT
Our team wanted to do something that stayed with the theme of radiation and cells, so we decided to focus on DNA methylation. DNA is associated with our genes, and the turning on or off of genes can determine if one gets cancer or not. This design was an attempt to test how the radiation in space can affect genes, and if this would determine how likely one might get cancer. We focused our research on DNA methylation, how it works, and how genes are turned on and off A Human DNA spiral-

5. THE QUESTION
We wanted to answer the question, “Will radiation affect your DNA while in microgravity?”
Researched genetics, DNA, and came to the idea of DNA methylation.
Determined DNA methylation can cause cells to become cancerous.
Tried to find human or bovine cells that would stay viable long enough for the experiment to take place.
Realized the timing of spaceflights could easily mess up our experiment, which made it too fragile to fly.

6. LEARNING ABOUT OUR EXPERIMENT FLAWS
Because of the short amount of time we had to redo our experiment, we struggled with the many details needed to make this experiment viable.
While the reviewers thought that the question was unique and had broad impact and scientific value, the experiment wouldn’t be viable because the cells would not survive.
We also learned that nutrients to keep the cells alive would be exhausted, which made the experiment too difficult to carry out.
We learned that it might be a better idea to use bacteria cells since they would be easier to use and stay alive longer. They also can express genes that can be measured.

7. Acknowledgements