Was it the sushi or the burger? Genes in Space workshop — in pictures

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  Sebastian Kraves, one of the miniPCR co-founders, shows students how to test food for bacterial contamination through DNA analysis during the Genes in Space workshop.

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  Ezequiel Alvarez-Saavedra, one of the miniPCR co-founders, offers pointers to Gems Modern Academy teacher Srividya, left, and pupils Anoushka Ghosh, centre, and Karun Isaac.

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  Anoushka Ghosh from Gems Modern Academy Dubai.

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  Sebastian Kraves talks to teachers and pupils during the brainstorming session.

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  Ezequiel Alvarez-Saavedra told students they had a great opportunity as the UAE competition was only the second Genes in Space contest in the world.

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  Mohammed Al Otaiba, The National’s Editor-in-Chief, said the event was an opportunity for those in attendance to expand their knowledge in the fields of space and microbiology while gaining first-hand experience in the use of cutting-edge technology.

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  Pritvik Sinhadc, left and Jawad Asaria, right, from Dubai College conduct the experiment.

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  The Genes in Space competition organised by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing, gives pupils from Years 7 to 12 an opportunity to design an experiment that addresses real challenges in space exploration and involves biology in zero gravity.

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  Submissions for Genes in Space will begin to be accepted at genesinspace.org on September 1, 2016.

Pupils and teachers attend the Genes in Space workshop at the Emirates College for Advanced Education on Monday. All photos by Pawan Singh / The National