Volume 5 Issue 4 (2024)
On the Cover
Extremophiles are invaluable biological resources, pivotal for unraveling the mysteries of life, and revealing the origins and evolution of life on Earth, as well as for exploring extraterrestrial planets. Syntrichia caninervis, a desert moss, exemplifies life's remarkable adaptability to extreme environments. It demonstrates extraordinary desiccation tolerance, capable of losing over 98% of its cellular water content, and can endure -196°C ultra-low temperatures. Additionally, it exhibits exceptional radiation resistance, withstanding doses of more than 5000 Gy of gamma irradiation. This moss can survive and maintain vitality under simulated Mars conditions. S. caninervis is one of the toughest plants on Earth, offering promising potential as a pioneer species for future Mars colonization and terraforming efforts.
