Researchers have uncovered something remarkable about a little plant we often overlook: moss. A new study shows that moss spores can survive the harsh conditions of space.
Moss has been around for over 400 million years. Unlike many plants, it doesn’t have a vascular system, yet it thrives in tough environments, from Arctic tundras to deserts. This resilience caught the attention of scientists led by Tomomichi Fujita from Hokkaido University in Japan.
In their recent experiment, they sent spores of the “spreading earthmoss” to the International Space Station (ISS) on a cargo spacecraft. These spores endured nine months of exposure to the harsh environment of space, including extreme temperatures and high UV radiation. Before this, the team found through Earth-bound studies that UV radiation was the biggest challenge for moss.
Surprisingly, after returning to Earth, over 80% of the spores were still alive, and 89% of them were able to germinate. Initially, the researchers expected very few to survive. The moss seems to have natural mechanisms at a cellular level that allow it to withstand such conditions.
According to Fujita, “This study demonstrates the astonishing resilience of life that originated on Earth.” This resilience isn’t unique to moss. Other microorganisms, like tardigrades and certain bacteria, have also shown remarkable survival abilities in space.
The researchers even developed a model suggesting that these spores might survive for up to 5,600 days in space! This research could have exciting implications for future space exploration, perhaps paving the way for constructing ecosystems on the moon or Mars.
Moss’s hardiness might play a key role in helping humans establish a foothold in outer space. As we look towards creating habitats beyond Earth, understanding how life can adapt is crucial. The study, published in iScience, highlights the link between biology and space exploration. You can read more about it here.
In an era where we’re looking to inhabit other planets, moss might just be our unexpected ally in turning barren landscapes into life-sustaining environments.
