Mars is regarded as the most habitable planet after Earth, characterized by low atmospheric pressure and extreme temperatures.

A recent study investigates the adaptability of brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana) to conditions similar to those on Mars, offering valuable insights for astrobiology and human space exploration.

Researchers from Italy subjected early-stage brine shrimp, known as nauplii, to Mars-like pressure and discovered that they adapted physiologically while maintaining normal development.

The research revealed that nauplii hatched from cysts under Martian pressure demonstrated resilience by activating metabolic responses to prevent dysfunction and continue their growth.

Brine shrimp cysts, which can be stored indefinitely, have previously been utilized in space missions to test resilience against cosmic rays.

Scientists theorize that if life exists on Mars, it may manifest as microbes in high-salinity areas, making brine shrimp an ideal model for such investigations.

Extremophiles, including organisms that thrive in extreme conditions, could provide clues about where life might exist on other planets, particularly Mars.

This research enhances our understanding of life limits, potential biosignatures on other planets, and the development of self-sustaining food sources for astronauts during space missions.

The implications of this research extend to climate resilience, informing strategies to combat the impacts of climate change on Earth.

Muscari Tomajoli's team is also conducting longer simulations in full Mars-like atmospheres to further explore the adaptability of life forms in extraterrestrial environments.

The findings from this study may guide future research on the metabolic adaptations of extremophiles exposed to prolonged Mars-like conditions.

Led by Dr. Maria Teresa Muscari Tomajoli as part of her Ph.D. thesis at Parthenope University of Naples, the study includes co-authors from various Italian institutions.