Scientists Stunned as Moss Survives 9 Months in Open Space

[quintessentone]

Interesting space news about another little cosmic survivor, in addiltion to the Tardigrade.

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"Researchers discovered that moss spores can survive nearly a year exposed directly to space.Despite intense UV radiation and temperature swings, most spores remained viable when returned to Earth. Their protective casing acts as a natural shield, enabling resilience even scientists didn’t expect. The results open doors to using hardy plants for future off-world agriculture."

"“Most living organisms, including humans, cannot survive even briefly in the vacuum of space,” says lead author Tomomichi Fujita of Hokkaido University. “However, the moss spores retained their vitality after nine months of direct exposure. This provides striking evidence that the life that has evolved on Earth possesses, at the cellular level, intrinsic mechanisms to endure the conditions of space.”"

"The team hopes their findings encourage future work on how extraterrestrial soils might support plant growth and spark interest in using mosses to help build sustainable agricultural systems beyond Earth."

Scientists Stunned as Moss Survives 9 Months in Open Space

[Maxmars]

I'm stunned that scientists were stunned.

We have been realizing that there are a number of species on our planet that can live (at least temporarily.)

I actually think this is a worthy observation... regardless of how the editor 'spins the human story.'

If what I imagine is true... we might be able to plant crops in open space... somehow?

[quintessentone]

Moss to terraform Mars?




"Simulated Martian conditionsIn laboratory experiments, S. caninervis has demonstrated the ability to survive simulated Martian conditions. These conditions included an atmosphere composed of 95% carbon dioxide, temperature fluctuations between −60 and 20 °C (−76 and 68 °F), high levels of UV radiation, and low atmospheric pressure. Dried moss plants achieved a 100% regeneration rate within 30 days after being subjected to these conditions for up to 7 days."

Syntrichia caninervis - Wikipedia

It is inedible.

[imitator]

I’d like to see a Chia Pet in space... if my little Bob Ross Chia Pet can survive a week on my kitchen counter, then I think it's qualified for orbit.

I can imagine seeing a tiny green afro just drifting past the ISS one day.  

[quintessentone]

I’d like to see a Chia Pet in space... if my little Bob Ross Chia Pet can survive a week on my kitchen counter, then I think it's qualified for orbit.

I can imagine seeing a tiny green afro just drifting past the ISS one day.  

LOL Maybe it will meet up with Elon's car floating in space and spread on to that.