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Researchers from Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered that a desert moss called Syntrichia caninervis, which grows in regions such as Antarctica and the Mojave Desert, could be a key player in establishing life on Mars.
This moss has shown an impressive ability to endure extreme conditions similar to those on Mars, including severe cold, high radiation, and prolonged drought. In laboratory tests, the moss was exposed to conditions mimicking the Martian environment and demonstrated remarkable resilience, recovering from nearly total dehydration and thriving even after being subjected to high levels of gamma radiation.
This study is significant as it is the first to investigate the survival of entire plants in conditions that replicate the Martian environment, rather than just focusing on isolated plant parts.
The findings, published in The Innovation, indicate that the moss could potentially regenerate and grow under these harsh conditions, opening up possibilities for future plant colonization on Mars. The research also revealed that dried moss performed better under Mars-like conditions, which could be relevant for space missions and future Martian agriculture.
However, there are limitations to the study. The research does not address some critical challenges, such as the effects of particulate radiation or the practicalities of using actual Martian soil.
Critics argue that while the moss shows promise, it is still uncertain whether it can contribute to creating a habitable environment on Mars or if it could produce oxygen and reproduce effectively in Martian conditions.
Despite these concerns, the study provides a hopeful outlook on the potential for using extremophiles like this moss to support future space exploration and colonization efforts.
