Polish scientists from the University of Jagellon have proven for the first time that lichen can maintain metabolic activities under Mars imitation conditions, including extreme radiation. The research was published in the scientific journal IMA Fungus.
The experiment was conducted with two types of Muscorum and Cetraria Aculeara, known for its ability to resist strict conditions. Within five hours, they were exposed to the atmosphere similar to Mars, with temperature oscillation, low pressure and high doses of X -Ray, corresponding to solar activity on the red planet.
The results surprised scientists: the mushroom composition of the lichen, especially in D. Muscorum, not only survived, but also retained metabolic activities, including protective mechanisms. This rejects previous theories that cosmic radiation makes the surface of Mars completely unsuitable for life.
First, we have shown that symbiotic creatures can work in the same environment as Mars. This changes our ideas about the limit of life of life and requires modifying the criteria of the planet's residence capacity.
Although the experiment is short -term, its results show that further research is needed – for example, because lichens will move for a long time under Mars.
Discover emphasizes that the earthly poles are the key to understanding a potential life in space. The next step will be experiments on the ISS or within the framework of Mars missions to check how lichen will work in the real space.