Study Suggests DNA Fragments Could Survive on Mars for Over 100 Million Years
Researchers have found that DNA fragments may persist in Martian-like rocks for over 100 million years, offering new avenues for detecting past life on Mars.
A recent study led by the Centro de Astrobiología in Madrid, Spain, indicates that DNA fragments could endure in Martian-like rocks for more than 100 million years, potentially aiding the search for past life on Mars. The research involved exposing terrestrial sedimentary rocks, analogous to those on Mars, to radiation levels equivalent to extensive periods on the Martian surface. Despite significant degradation, between 1.5% and 8% of the DNA remained sequencable, allowing for phylogenetic analysis. This finding suggests that DNA, a fundamental biomolecule, can preserve biological information even after prolonged exposure to harsh Martian conditions. The study underscores the importance of DNA as a biomarker in the quest to detect signs of life in extreme environments.