A step towards life on Mars? Lichens survive Martian simulation in new study

Here's How We Could Quickly Raise Temperatures on Mars

Mars is a cold, dry desert, but it could be possible to rapidly increase the temperature of the planet by releasing particles into the atmosphere. Researchers investigated two possible chemicals: graphene or aluminum. With just two liters per second of release, we could double the Mars greenhouse effect, raising its temperature by +5 Kelvin in only 1.1 years. Once the chemical release is stopped, the planet would cool back to its normal state.

This Lichen Species Might Survive on Mars, Study Suggests

Researchers exposed two lichen species to Mars-like atmospheric conditions for five hours—and one performed impressively.

Lichens Thrive in Harsh Mars-Like Conditions, Groundbreaking Study Finds

Lichens are true pioneers, setting themselves up in environments so harsh as to be considered virtually barren.

Life on Mars? Hardy Lichen Offers New Clues After Thriving in Simulated Martian Hellscape

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. Lichen Resilience W…

Scientists Find One Lifeform That Could Survive Extreme Extraterrestrial Environments

If we ever go to Mars, send these guys first.

Unusual mars rock 'like nothing else seen' baffles scientists

The planet has a rich volcanic history, dating back over 4.5 billion years