Mars can host life—even in its present state—according to Polish researchers, after demonstrating lichen’s survival under simulated Mars-like conditions.
Even when exposed to ionizing radiation similar to that bombarding the Martian surface, the lichen remained metabolically active. The research challenges long-held assumptions about Martian habitability, redefining astrobiology, and future expectations for space exploration.
While the study doesn’t suggest that a wide variety of life could thrive on Mars, it does highlight the exceptional resilience of Earth lichen, which grows in extreme environments such as arid deserts and frozen polar regions. With low metabolic rates, minimal nutritional needs, and exceptional longevity, lichens are highly tolerant of environmental stressors. Their ability to regulate water usage also allows them to survive long periods with little to no water. These plantlike organisms often grow on tree bark and rocks and are known to enrich soil in new ecosystems. In nature, their hardiness includes the ability to absorb pollutants, making them useful for monitoring air quality.
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