The study of DNA damage and its repair is critical to our understanding of human aging and cancer. This review reflects on the development of a simple technique, now known as the comet assay, to study the accumulation of DNA damage and its repair. It describes my journey into aging research and the need for a method that sensitively quantifies DNA damage on a cell-by-cell basis and on a day-by-day basis. My inspirations, obstacles and successes on the path to developing this assay and improving its reliability and sensitivity are discussed. Recent modifications, applications, and the process of standardizing the technique are also described. What was once untried and unknown has become a technique used around the world for understanding and monitoring DNA damage. The comet assay's use has grown exponentially in the new millennium, as emphasis on studying biological phenomena at the single-cell level has increased. I and others have applied the technique across cell types (including germ cells) and species (including bacteria). As it enters new realms and gains clinical relevance, the comet assay may very well illuminate human aging and its prevention.

中文翻译：

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彗星试验：对它的发展，演变和应用的反思。

DNA损伤及其修复的研究对于我们了解人类衰老和癌症至关重要。这项审查反映了一种简单的技术的发展，现在称为彗星测定法，用于研究DNA损伤的积累及其修复。它描述了我进入衰老研究的过程，以及对一种方法的需求，该方法可以逐个细胞地，每天对DNA损伤进行灵敏的定量。讨论了我在开发此检测方法以及提高其可靠性和敏感性方面的灵感，障碍和成功。还描述了最新的修改，应用和使该技术标准化的过程。曾经未被尝试和未知的东西已经成为一种在世界范围内用于理解和监测DNA损伤的技术。在新的千年中，彗星测定法的使用呈指数增长，随着人们越来越重视在单细胞水平研究生物学现象。我和其他人已经将该技术应用于细胞类型（包括生殖细胞）和物种（包括细菌）。随着它进入新领域并获得临床相关性，彗星测定法可能很好地阐明了人类的衰老及其预防方法。