Big Congratulations to Frida for a wonderful Bachelor project!
Frida compared the survival and adoptation abilities of different (poly)extremophiles under Mars surface and near surface conditions focusing on the Gale Crater, where the Curiosity rover of NASA is still on mission.
Is it possible to find any life signatures on Mars from ancient times to present?
This has been one of the greatest questions of humanity. Frida’s bachelor project helped us to solve one of the puzzles. In her project, Frida focused on the adaptability of (poly)extremophilic organisms to survive in environments subject to multiple extreme conditions (e.g., temperature, radiation, pressure, pH, salinity, and nutrient constraints). To understand the range of life, it is essential to study life forms, which thrive in environments similar to those found on other celestial bodies in the Solar System. After an extended literature review and the data synthesis, the potential of extremophiles’ adaptations on Martian surface and near-surface conditions has been determined.
After completion of her bachelor's project, Frida will continue her studies in the Department of Biology at Umeå University. She will continue to perform cool “astrobiology” experiments with us during summer.
Frida’s results will be further developed by the team members. We are looking forward to share our perspectives on Mars’ life potential with all science community !
One more time, big congratulations Frida!! :) I am looking forward to exploring ‘alien‘ life on Mars together!!
/Merve