"The spores of Aspergillus calidoustus survived the harsh conditions of space travel and the Martian environment, including freezing temperatures and ionizing radiation, raising concerns about potential contamination."
"This study is the first to show that microbes could persist through every part of a mission to Mars, from preparation to space travel to robotic exploration."
"The findings suggest that the unwanted hitchhiker could catch a ride to other planets and become an invasive species, highlighting the risks of microbial contamination."
Research indicates that certain fungi, particularly Aspergillus calidoustus, can endure extreme conditions of space travel and the Martian environment. This fungus, known for its drug resistance, survived simulations of freezing temperatures, radiation, and low atmospheric pressure. The study highlights the potential for these microbes to hitch a ride to other planets, raising concerns about contamination. The findings were based on tests conducted with fungal spores collected from NASA's cleanrooms, emphasizing the need to understand microbial survival risks during space missions.
Read at Mail Online
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