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Earth Microbes May Survive On Mars

Posted by Zonk on from the bugs-in-spaaaaace dept.

Vicissidude writes "New Scientist is reporting that terrestrial microbes who hitch a ride to Mars on spacecraft may be able to survive under special circumstances." From the article: "...Mars's thin atmosphere allows such intense ultraviolet radiation to reach the planet's surface - triple that found on Earth - that any life inadvertently carried on the spacecraft is thought to be wiped out quickly...However, the bacteria were able to stay alive if they were shielded by just 1 millimeter of soil during the tests, which ran for up to 24 hours. Under such a protective coating, the bacteria could survive - and potentially grow - under the high Martian UV flux if water and nutrient requirements for growth were met."

3 of 142 comments (clear)

  1. the best defense... by moviepig.com · · Score: 4, Funny
    ...terrestrial microbes who hitch a ride to Mars on spacecraft may be able to survive...

    Remember in H.G. Wells's The War of the Worlds how our germs were Earth's last best defense against the invading Martians? Good to know we're developing a first-strike capability...

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    Seeing bad movies only encourages them. Watch responsibly
    1. Re:the best defense... by banuk · · Score: 3, Funny

      actually that was Tom Cruise's doing

  2. This Just In.... by Evil+W1zard · · Score: 3, Funny

    Earth Microbes placed on Mars appear to be stuck in a sand dune.

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