In a first-of-its-kind study, a research team, including Northwestern University’s Brian Hoffman and Ajay Sharma, found that ancient bacteria could survive close to the surface on Mars much longer than previously assumed. And—when the bacteria are buried and, thus, shielded from galactic cosmic radiation and solar protons—they can survive much longer. Thus, when Mars’ first samples return to Earth, scientists should be on the lookout for ancient sleeping bacteria.
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Source: Phys.org