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If you were one of the many people who made sourdough starter during quarantine, you’re already familiar with yeast as a living organism. This means its genetic structure can be altered using genetic engineering. As reported by Gizmodo, that’s exactly what a former NASA biologist has done with his new fluorescent yeast kits.
A few years back, Josiah Zayner left his role as a synthetic biologist at NASA to create The Odin, a company that lets anyone dabble in genetic science at home. His new yeast kit brings this concept to life in a visually striking way. By incorporating a fluorescent protein from jellyfish, the genetically altered yeast glows green when exposed to a black or blue light.
Though it may seem like something out of a science fiction movie, the yeast is still very much yeast. This means it can be used for home-brewing experiments if you're keen to take things further. According to Eater, yeast produced with the kit ferments and fluoresces when mixed with honey and water. If you brew beer with the right yeast, the finished product will glow under a blacklight. While the kit hasn’t been approved by the FDA, the company assures that the materials are nontoxic and nonallergenic, and beer made from it will retain its classic beer taste.
You can grab a fluorescent yeast kit from The Odin's online store for $169. If you're eager to explore more genetic experimentation at home, the company also offers kits that allow you to experiment with frog and bacteria DNA.
