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This microscopic fungus survived NASA's sterilization protocols—and is potentially hardy enough to contaminate Mars

As scientists search for life beyond Earth, spacecraft need to avoid accidentally bringing organisms from our home planet to other celestial bodies. It would be unfortunate to discover that an “alien” ...
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The fungus that could contaminate Mars: Experts find spore that can survive trip to the Red Planet

Scientists have long known that fungi are resilient, but research suggests some strains might even survive the long, brutal trip to Mars. Experts have put fungal microbes through simulations of the ...