A groundbreaking study conducted by scientists from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG), the National Space Science Center, and the Institute of Botany under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has unveiled the potential of using moss to transform Mars's barren red landscape into a lush green environment.
The research focuses on Syntrichia caninervis, also known as steppe screw moss, a desert moss that thrives in some of Earth's most extreme environments. Found in deserts, mountainous regions, and circumpolar areas, this globally distributed moss is a key component of the biological soil crust.
Using samples from the Gurbantunggut Desert in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region—one of the most concentrated areas of steppe screw moss—the team tested its resilience under conditions simulating those on Mars. Syntrichia caninervis demonstrated extraordinary endurance against severe desiccation, ultra-low temperatures, intense radiation, and the combined stress factors typical of the Martian environment.
Published in the journal The Innovation, this study highlights the promising role of Syntrichia caninervis as a pioneer plant for colonizing extraterrestrial environments, paving the way for future missions aiming to make Mars habitable.
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Chinese study reveals potential of moss to survive and thrive on Mars
cgtn.com
