Moss that grows in Mojave desert and Antarctica may help establish life on the red planet, researchers say
While Matt Damon relied on potatoes cultivated in crew biowaste to survive in the hit film The Martian, researchers say it is a humble desert moss that might prove pivotal to establishing life on– a moss found in regions including Antarctica and the Mojave desert – is able to withstand Mars-like conditions, including drought, high levels of radiation and extreme cold.
“Cultivating terrestrial plants is an important part of any long-term space mission because plants efficiently turn carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and carbohydrates – essentially the air and food that humans need to survive. Desert moss is not edible, but it could provide other important services in space,” he said.
Zupanska added that, among other problems, the study did not test the impact of particulate radiation.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Thirty Seconds to Mars review – Jared Leto gives half-empty arena his full attentionThe Hollywood actor may not be the world’s greatest rock star, but his committed, fan-friendly performance has charm
Read more »
Airline, insurer under fire after lost luggage mars veterans’ Anzac Day tripTransport Minister Catherine King said the lack of fair treatment for passengers in Australia was incredibly disappointing.
Read more »
Airline, insurer under fire after lost luggage mars veterans’ Anzac Day tripTransport Minister Catherine King said the lack of fair treatment for passengers in Australia was incredibly disappointing.
Read more »
Cronulla star’s perfect response as spectator’s vulgar act mars milestoneCronulla star’s perfect response as spectator’s vulgar act mars milestone
Read more »
Early morning frost spotted on some of Mars’s huge mountainsThin dusting of water ice appears to form overnight in summit craters and evaporate after sunrise, scientists say
Read more »
‘Magical’: 17m insects fly each year through narrow pass in Pyrenees, say scientistsExeter University study has origins in 1950 discovery by ornithologists who ‘chanced upon a spectacle’
Read more »