Scientists Identify Earth Microbes for Biocementation-Based Mars Habitat Construction

Key facts

• Scientists are exploring an unusual but promising idea to help humans live on Mars.
• Biocementation uses bacteria to turn Martian soil into strong, concrete-like material.
• Sporosarcina pasteurii produces calcium carbonate through ureolysis, which solidifies loose soil.
• Chroococcidiopsis, a cyanobacterium, survives extreme environments and can produce oxygen.