Chinese scientists have stumbled upon a potential pioneer for life on Mars – a super-survivor moss known as Syntrichia caninervis. This desert moss isn’t fazed by harsh conditions. It thrives in some of Earth’s most extreme environments, like the frigid landscapes of Tibet and Antarctica.
The moss even managed to regenerate under strict conditions
Researchers put the moss through a series of rigorous tests to assess its tolerance limits. The results were astonishing. Syntrichia caninervis withstood dehydration exceeding a staggering 98% of its cellular water, flash-freezing at unbelievably low temperatures (-196°C) and intense blasts of gamma radiation (over 5000 Gy).
But the moss’s resilience doesn’t stop there. Under simulated Martian conditions – including low atmospheric pressure, freezing temperatures, a dense CO2 atmosphere, and strong UV radiation – Syntrichia caninervis not only survived, it even managed to regenerate. This discovery pushes the boundaries of what life can endure on our planet and opens exciting possibilities for future space exploration.
Published in the journal “The Innovation”, the research suggests this moss could be a valuable tool in developing habitable environments beyond Earth. However, challenges remain. Martian soil contains chlorates, a toxic and corrosive chemical, not yet considered in this study. Additionally, the constant Martian environment, unlike Earth’s with its cycles of change, could pose long-term stress on the moss.
(Via)
