Scientists find desert moss 'that can survive on Mars'
Scientists in China found desert moss, Syntrichia caninervis, resilient to Mars-like conditions. It could aid in oxygen production and colonization efforts on Mars, pending further research for sustainability and reproduction.
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Scientists in China have discovered a desert moss, Syntrichia caninervis, that can survive in Mars-like conditions, including drought, radiation, and extreme cold. This finding could be crucial for establishing life on the red planet. The research focuses on the potential of growing plants on Mars' surface rather than in greenhouses, with the moss showing resilience to harsh environments. While the moss is not edible, it could play a vital role in space missions by transforming carbon dioxide into oxygen and carbohydrates. The study, published in The Innovation journal, demonstrates the moss's ability to survive and regenerate under extreme conditions similar to Mars. However, some experts caution that further research is needed to determine if the moss could be a sustainable source of oxygen on Mars and if it can reproduce in Martian conditions. Despite challenges and limitations, the extremotolerant moss presents hope for potential colonization efforts on Mars in the future.
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Scientists find desert moss 'that can survive on Mars'
Scientists in China found desert moss, Syntrichia caninervis, resilient to Mars-like conditions. The moss could aid in transforming Martian soil for plant growth, potentially supporting future colonization efforts. Further research on its reproduction is required.
1 comments “In my opinion, we are getting close to growing plants in extraterrestrial greenhouses, and moss certainly has a place in those,” ... “Implying that moss, or any other pioneering species, is ready to terraform Mars, or any other outer planet, is an exaggeration.”Related
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Scientists find desert moss 'that can survive on Mars'
Scientists in China found desert moss, Syntrichia caninervis, resilient to Mars-like conditions. The moss could aid in transforming Martian soil for plant growth, potentially supporting future colonization efforts. Further research on its reproduction is required.