By: Yutong Cai

The Syntrichia Caninervis moss can survive remote and harsh conditions, thriving in places like Antarctica or the Mojave Desert. And now scientists in China have discovered that it survives Mars – like – conditions, including extreme cold and high levels of radiation.

The Syntrichia Caninervis moss is also able to recover almost at once from nearly complete loss of water, according to researchers in China.

Stuart Mc Daniel, a Professor at the University of Florida, said: “This paper is exciting because it shows that desert moss survives short exposures to some of the stresses that are likely to be found on a trip to Mars, including very high levels of radiation, very cold temperatures, and very low oxygen levels.”

Mars has an atmosphere made of mostly carbon dioxide, with surface temperatures considerably less than zero. The team of researchers is working on figuring out how plants can survive and thrive on Mars. They tested the moss in 95% carbon dioxide atmosphere, temperatures around -196 degrees Celsius, and high levels of UV radiation. The plant survived.

Professor Edward Guinan of Villanova University also said: “This lowly desert moss offers hope for making small portions of Mars habitable for humankind in the future.”

Scientists hope that in the future the moss can be tested on the actual Mars or Moon. The experiment with the moss is a big step towards humans growing and bringing life on Mars.

Image Credit by Marta Wave