A tiny desert moss called Syntrichia caninervis has shown incredible resilience against extreme conditions like freezing temperatures, dehydration, and high levels of radiation, according to a recent study. This moss, found in harsh environments from the Mojave Desert to Antarctica, has demonstrated the ability to survive in environments similar to Mars, making it even more remarkable. Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences collected the moss from the Gurbantünggüt Desert in northern China and conducted various experiments to test its resilience.
When subjected to near-complete air-drying, the dried moss quickly regained its green color and photosynthetic capacity upon rehydration. The moss also proved its ability to survive in liquid nitrogen at -320 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 days, as well as at -112 degrees Fahrenheit for at least five years. Even when exposed to massive amounts of gamma radiation, the moss could survive up to 4,000 gray, a dose that would be fatal to humans. In comparison, the hardy tardigrades, known as “water bears,” could only withstand up to 4,200 gray of radiation.
Furthermore, the researchers exposed the moss to simulated Mars-like conditions in the CAS Planetary Atmospheres Simulation Facility. Despite the extreme environment with high levels of radiation and temperature swings, the moss was able to recover and grow new branches after returning to Earth-like conditions. This resilience suggests that the moss could potentially be used in terraforming Mars by introducing plants that can adapt to its harsh atmosphere and create a more habitable environment.
Overall, the study highlights the remarkable abilities of Syntrichia caninervis to survive under extreme conditions, surpassing even the resilience of tardigrades. This research opens up new possibilities for understanding how life can adapt and thrive in hostile environments, providing valuable insights for future space exploration and colonization efforts.
