Dried Earth microbes could grow on Mars with just a little humidity

In experiments, salt-loving bacteria revived and doubled their numbers after absorbing damp air

Washington state’s Hot Lake

MICROBE FIT FOR MARS Salt-loving bacteria from Washington state’s Hot Lake — so named because it doesn’t freeze — may be able to survive on Mars, new research suggests. 

Stephen R. Lindemann/Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

SAN FRANCISCO — Salt-loving microbes can dry out and come back to life with just a little humidity, researchers have demonstrated for the first time.