"Tough" bacteria may enable people to breathe on Mars: researchers

Source: Xinhua 2018-06-15 15:20:12

CANBERRA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- An international study involving Australian scientists discovered bacteria that are able to function in low light and endure hostile conditions, the traits of which may help humans colonize Mars and identify alien life, scientists said Friday.

The study, which involved Australian National University (ANU) researchers, found the photosynthesis process of a cyanobacteria known as Chroococcidiopsis, which has existed on Earth for more than 2.5 billion years, could hold the key to generating oxygen on other planets.

Whereas normal bacteria used sunlight to turn water into oxygen, Chroococcidiopsis can carry out its photosynthesis process in the same kind of dimly lit conditions which are found on Mars.

Scientists from the ANU said they were hopeful that understanding how the bacteria worked could help them to produce oxygen and create pockets of life on other planets.

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