December 23, 2024

Scientists may have discovered a way for humans to breathe in space

2 min read

One of the biggest challenges astronauts face in space is securing oxygen. However, this may change in the future, as scientists discover a way for humans to breathe in space.

This answer may be found in cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria could allow astronauts to breathe in space

There are several reasons why space travel is a real adventure. One of them, the lack of oxygen in space, is one of the biggest obstacles to astronauts' survival outside Earth.

according to mashIn the future, for example, scientists may have found a way for humans to breathe on Mars. The answer lies in the cyanobacteria, which convert carbon dioxide into oxygen.

Since cyanobacteria exist in hostile environments on Earth, scientists hope that they will be able to survive beneath the Martian environment. In fact, previous experiments have already proven that they can grow in an environment similar to that of the Red Planet.

Here we show that cyanobacteria can use gases available in the Martian atmosphere, at low total pressure, as a carbon and nitrogen source.

Under these conditions, cyanobacteria have maintained their ability to thrive in water that contains only Mars-like dust and can still be used to feed other microbes.

said scientists who have conducted experiments with cyanobacteria in an environment similar to that of Mars, as with astrobiologist Cyprien Versau.

Astronomer Cyprien Versaux

Astrobiologist Cyprien Verseux, who has been involved in experiments with cyanobacteria

Some scientists have suggested sending bacteria to Mars to see if they can produce oxygen for humans from somewhere outside Earth. After all, demonstrating the ability of cyanobacteria to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen from Mars could help make long-range missions more sustainable.

It is reported that there are already some plans to transport humans to Mars, which will be developed by NASA, as well as to create colonies On the red planet, for SpaceX to believe Elon Musk.

Despite this option for cyanobacteria, once they reach Mars, scientists will still need to live in shelters, due to the temperatures and constant exposure to solar radiation.

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