Chinese Scientists Discover Super-Survivor Moss, Ideal for Extreme Environment Tests

Chinese researchers have discovered a remarkable moss called Syntrichia caninervis, which could be a key player in future Mars missions. This desert moss is incredibly tough and can survive in some of the harshest places on Earth, such as the cold regions of Tibet and Antarctica.

The moss showed an amazing ability to bounce back even under strict conditions.

Scientists subjected the moss to a series of tough tests to see how much it could handle. The results were surprising. Syntrichia caninervis survived losing more than 98% of its water content, being flash-frozen at extremely low temperatures (-196°C), and enduring high doses of gamma radiation (over 5000 Gy).

But the moss’s toughness doesn’t end there. When exposed to conditions similar to those on Mars – including low air pressure, freezing temperatures, a thick CO2 atmosphere, and strong UV radiation – Syntrichia caninervis not only survived but also managed to regenerate. This finding expands our understanding of life’s resilience on Earth and opens up exciting possibilities for space exploration.

The research, published in the journal “The Innovation,” suggests that this moss could be useful in creating livable environments beyond Earth. However, there are still challenges to overcome. Martian soil contains chlorates, which are toxic and corrosive chemicals not yet considered in this study. Additionally, the constant environment on Mars, unlike Earth’s changing cycles, could put long-term stress on the moss.

(Via)