New research has highlighted the potential of moss, particularly Syntrichia caninervis, to thrive on Mars, paving the way for future human colonisation beyond Earth.

Known for its extreme resilience, this desert moss exhibits the remarkable ability to survive in harsh conditions like freezing temperatures, high-radiated areas, and droughts. Scientists speculate that moss could play a pivotal role in terraforming Mars, transforming its barren landscape into habitable terrain.

Studies conducted by ecologists Daoyuan and Yuanming Zhang have shown that moss can regenerate after exposure to Mars-like conditions in simulated environments, proving its viability for sustaining life on the red planet.

The findings – which were published on Monday, 1 July – suggest that moss could serve as a foundational species, stabilising Martian soil and potentially generating oxygen, crucial for supporting human settlements.

This breakthrough underscores the importance of biological research in space exploration, as scientists explore innovative ways to adapt terrestrial lifeforms to extraterrestrial environments.

As humanity eyes the prospect of interplanetary habitation, moss emerges as a promising candidate, offering hope for future sustainable habitats on Mars and beyond.

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