Researchers at Hokkaido University in Japan have made a groundbreaking discovery, revealing that moss spores can survive for nearly a year in outer space and potentially reproduce after being returned to Earth. The study, published online this week in the journal iScience, found that more than 80% of the moss spores remained viable for nine months outside of the International Space Station.
This remarkable finding provides new insights into the resilience of terrestrial plants when exposed to extreme environments, including those found in space. The research team's findings could have significant implications for future human habitation beyond Earth, such as on the Moon or Mars.
The study's authors noted that while the moss spores' chlorophyll degraded during their time in space, they still retained a high degree of viability after being returned to Earth. This suggests that certain types of moss spores may have evolved unique mechanisms to protect themselves from the harsh conditions of space, including exposure to ultraviolet rays, heat, and intense light.
Interestingly, different types of moss spores showed varying levels of resilience. One type was found to be particularly effective at protecting itself against radiation, while another had potential applications for "planetary greening" and life support systems.
The discovery also sheds new light on the history of bryophyte plants, which have been on Earth since at least 500 million years ago. These ancient plants are known for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, including desiccation, freezing, and radiation – making them ideal candidates for study in an extraterrestrial setting.
But perhaps most remarkably, the moss spores were able to germinate after being returned to Earth, demonstrating a potential for reproduction even after prolonged exposure to space. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of life's survival limits and could pave the way for future research into the resilience of terrestrial plants in extreme environments.
This remarkable finding provides new insights into the resilience of terrestrial plants when exposed to extreme environments, including those found in space. The research team's findings could have significant implications for future human habitation beyond Earth, such as on the Moon or Mars.
The study's authors noted that while the moss spores' chlorophyll degraded during their time in space, they still retained a high degree of viability after being returned to Earth. This suggests that certain types of moss spores may have evolved unique mechanisms to protect themselves from the harsh conditions of space, including exposure to ultraviolet rays, heat, and intense light.
Interestingly, different types of moss spores showed varying levels of resilience. One type was found to be particularly effective at protecting itself against radiation, while another had potential applications for "planetary greening" and life support systems.
The discovery also sheds new light on the history of bryophyte plants, which have been on Earth since at least 500 million years ago. These ancient plants are known for their ability to thrive in extreme conditions, including desiccation, freezing, and radiation – making them ideal candidates for study in an extraterrestrial setting.
But perhaps most remarkably, the moss spores were able to germinate after being returned to Earth, demonstrating a potential for reproduction even after prolonged exposure to space. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of life's survival limits and could pave the way for future research into the resilience of terrestrial plants in extreme environments.
Space moss is like, super cool, I guess 
. But let me get this straight - we're talking about sending moss spores to space and expecting them to just chill out there for a year without getting all crispy? 
It's like thinking that because some plants can survive in crazy conditions on Earth, they'll automatically be all good with the harshness of space too 
. Newsflash: nope, not gonna happen! 
That sounds like a recipe for disaster, IMHO 
. I mean, have you seen the pics of those Martian landscapes? Not exactly plant-friendly terrain if you ask me 
OMG u guys this is so cool! I mean i knew some weird things could survive in space but moss spores?! 
like 80% of them can just chill out in zero gravity and still come back to life after being on earth for 9 months? that's mental 
. I think its kinda mind blown how some types of moss spores have built-in superpowers to protect themselves from space radiation & all that jazz 
. And the fact that they can even reproduce again? 
thats like, sci-fi movie stuff right there! This is def gonna change the game for us when it comes to sending plants to space and making it habitable again 
It's all well and good for the research team, but I'd love to see them apply this knowledge to something practical... like, I don't know, making space travel a bit less harsh on our poor plants? 
. They're basically the ultimate survivors, thriving in extreme conditions. It's no wonder scientists are interested in studying them for future space habitation.
Planting moss spores on Mars or the Moon and seeing if they can actually grow? That would be epic! But I guess it's also a reminder that even though we're making progress in space exploration, we still have a lot to learn about how life adapts to extreme environments.
I'm not convinced about this whole 'space moss' thing... think it's just a PR stunt 
. Like, yeah, sure, some moss spores can survive for 9 months in space, but that doesn't mean they'll thrive once they're back on Earth 
.
. I mean, who needs a functioning ecosystem when we've got moss spores that can survive a year in space? It's like nature's way of saying "hey, humans, you're not as special as you think" 
. And don't even get me started on the whole germinating thing... like, what's next? Moss spores taking over Mars? 
idk but it's definitely giving me hope for a human settlement on mars someday 
And it also makes me think about how we're not as fragile as we think we are when it comes to surviving in extreme environments.
80% OF THEM REMAIN VIAL AFTER NINE MONTHS IS INSANE! 
I'm just amazed by this discovery! The idea that moss spores can survive for nearly a year in outer space is mind-blowing 
.