A study published in The Innovation journal highlights the resilience of the desert moss Syntrichia caninervis.

Research by the Chinese Academy of Sciences found S. caninervis can endure freezing temperatures, high gamma radiation, and Martian conditions.

Dehydration enhances the moss's ability to withstand these stressors.

S. caninervis showed a remarkable capacity for regeneration after exposure to extreme environments, including simulated Martian conditions.

This positions the moss as a potential pioneer plant for creating habitable environments on Mars.

The study, supported by various programs, suggests further exploration of plant colonization on Mars and beyond.

Future steps may include bringing S. caninervis to Mars or the Moon for additional testing to support biologically sustainable human habitats in space.