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Space Lichens

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the now-thats-science-we-can-use dept.

moon_monkey writes "According to a report lichens - a composite of algae and fungi - can survive in space for up to two weeks. An experiment carried out by the European Space Agency saw two species of lichen carried into orbit and then exposed to the vacuum of space for nearly 15 days. These are the most complex form of life now known to have survived prolonged exposure to space. The experiment adds weight to the theory of panspermia - that life could somehow be transported between planets."

4 of 250 comments (clear)

  1. FTL - Faster Than Lichen by Padmasambhava · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Yes, because lichen can propel itself between planets in just weeks! /eli

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    Error Code: beef
  2. Panspermia? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    On my face, plz.

  3. This Just Might... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Possibly explain Richard Simmons.

  4. Mold you say? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: -1, Offtopic

    Why in the world do you care anything about mold?