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Harvard Grows Algae in Bioplastic Shelters Under Mars-Like Conditions
- On July 2, researchers led by Robin Wordsworth at Harvard demonstrated green algae growing inside 3D-printed bioplastic habitats under Mars-like conditions.
- They developed the bioplastic habitats to address the challenge that Mars’ low atmospheric pressure prevents liquid water and makes sustaining human life difficult.
- The algae Dunaliella tertiolecta thrived in translucent polylactic acid vessels simulating Mars’ 600 Pascals pressure and carbon dioxide-rich air, showing Earth-like photosynthesis rates.
- Wordsworth described a habitat made from bioplastic that supports the growth of algae, which in turn has the potential to generate additional bioplastic, creating a self-sustaining, regenerative system.
- This sustainable bioplastic system could reduce dependence on Earth supplies and support future extraterrestrial habitats, also offering spin-off benefits for Earth sustainability technology.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Algae bioplastic could be key to human space exploration, including building habitats on Mars
Scientists have developed a new bioplastic derived from green algae which could resolve major challenges in the pursuit of sending humans to live on other worlds like Mars. Human missions to other planets will necessitate building habitats – structures for the intrepid explorers to eat, sleep, do research and engage in recreational activities. A significant drawback is that transporting the materials necessary to build such habitats would be a c…
NewScientist
Anti-Aging, Acupuncture and Health NewsBioplastic habitats on Mars could be built from algae
A lab experiment that simulated Mars conditions showed that green algae can grow in plastic containers made from the same algae, setting the stage for a self-sustaining system to build habitats on the planet
Bioplastic shelters support algae growth in Mars-like conditions for space habitats
If humans are ever going to live beyond Earth, they'll need to construct habitats. But transporting enough industrial material to create livable spaces would be incredibly challenging and expensive. Researchers at the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) think there's a better way, through biology.
78% of Chileans believe in the existence of extraterrestrial life, according to Cadem's latest 5C survey, and 36% claim to have witnessed a phenomenon that could be associated with an unidentified flying object (OVNI).The fascination with this type of experience is not only high, but also project expectations: 27% believe that contact between extraterrestrials and humanity will occur before 2030. Talca surpasses Santiago as the most "fit" city t…
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