TOKYO / LONDON (IT BOLTWISE) – Japanese scientists have studied the remarkable resilience of moss in space. Over 80 percent of the moss spores survived a nine-month journey outside the International Space Station and successfully returned to Earth. This discovery could have significant implications for the development of future ecosystems on the Moon or Mars.
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The discovery that moss can withstand the extreme conditions of space could have far-reaching implications for the development of future ecosystems beyond Earth. Japanese scientists recently found that over 80 percent of moss spores that spent several months on the outside of the International Space Station (ISS) survived the trip and successfully germinated. These results were published in the journal iScience.
The researchers examined the resilience of moss, particularly the species Physcomitrium patens, in the harsh conditions of space, which include radiation, extreme temperatures and microgravity. The moss spores were encased in a sponge-like material called a sporangium, which protected them from the extreme conditions. These findings could be crucial for the development of life support systems and the greening of other planets.
Moss, also known as bryophytes, is known for its ability to survive in extreme environments such as the Arctic and deserts. Previous studies have shown that moss can even survive simulations of the surface of Mars. However, current research goes a step further by using actual space conditions to test the resilience of this plant species.
After the moss spores returned to earth in January 2023, they were cultured in an agar solution, with more than 80 percent of the spores successfully germinating. The researchers found that ultraviolet radiation had the greatest impact on the spores, resulting in lower chlorophyll production. However, other factors such as gravity, extreme temperatures and the vacuum of space did not have a significant impact.
These research results highlight the exceptional resilience of P. patens and open up new possibilities for the use of bryophytes in space travel. Not only could they contribute to the greening of planets, but they could also be used in life support systems to address the challenges of maintaining ecosystems in extreme environments.
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