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Moss… In space!

Space Moss is an interdisciplinary project that combines two fields that are leading the way into the future: Space physics and Synthetic Biology. Space physics and human curiosity are propelling martian colonisation. However, creating a sustainable environment on Mars where humans could survive for a long time is still an unsolved problem. This is where synthetic biology could provide a solution by creating genetically modified organisms that can produce needed components for astronaut survival. Our project proposes to genetically modify Moss to produce components that could sustain an environment fit for colonisation of Mars.

The focus areas of our project are displayed in our Vision chart below

Proof of Concept: Mos can be designed for Space Exploration

The idea is to introduce genes into the moss that will allow the moss to express key components for long duration missions to Mars. We have chosen - as a proof of concept - to focus on 1) expression of an antifreeze protein and 2) the biosynthesis of resveratrol. We will insert an 'anti-freeze' gene from a spruce budworm into moss cells which will hopefully help moss to survive the low temperatures found on Mars. Resveratrol is an antioxidant that would be useful as a medical supplement to astronauts demonstrating the potential of using synthetic biology to produce compounds, which are useful to astronauts. This lab work is called Green Lab. Click here to read more about Green Lab.

Research on Moss in Mars conditions

We will test Moss’s ability to survive on Mars by using the Mars Environmental Chamber at the Niels Bohr Institute. By simulating martian living conditions, such as varying temperature, low pressure and high carbon dioxide atmosphere we will quantify moss’s ability to survive on Mars. We call the lab work conducted here for Red Lab. Click here to read more about Red Lab.

The Mars Environmental Chamber at the Niels Bohr institute

Looking into the Mars Chamber

Promoting interdisciplinary research and coorperation

Team members Victoria and Jonathan in the lab

Group photo from DTU biobrick workshop

Inspiring the public

The project is keenly focused on raising awareness about the following issues: Ethics regarding the colonization of Mars and genetics, the benefits of interdisciplinary research and international collaboration and inspiring young people to participate in scientific research. This will be done through ethic workshops, high school lectures, comic strips and short films.

Team presenting at the Nordic iGEM meet-up in Uppsala

Ethical Implications

Currently, there is a political treaty called the Outer Space Treaty, which deals with scientific experiments on foreign bodies. What kind of dialogue is needed for what we can do, and what we should do, utilizing synthetic biology to potentially make Mars habitable? How can we keep in consideration all viewpoints to make our continued journey a most successful one? We invite you to join the conversation and read more about our thoughts on the matter