A NASA Goddard–Penn State experiment shows fragments of proteins from E. coli remain intact in simulated Martian permafrost and ice for more than 50 million years despite continuous cosmic radiation exposure, implying future rovers that drill into polar and mid‑latitude ice could recover preserved biomolecular traces.
Discovered |
Briefing
Provides an empirical survivability timescale — fragments of protein molecules persisted for >50 million years under Mars‑like ice and radiation conditions, increasing the likelihood that ancient biomolecules could be present in ice deposits.
Strengthens the scientific rationale for drilling and targeted sampling of ice‑hosted deposits, reinforcing priorities for upcoming sample‑return and subsurface access efforts (sample‑return priorities and mission planning).
Directly informs where to look: the result complements remote detections and sampling targets identified by Perseverance and studies indicating extensive, near‑pure water ice in mid‑latitude glaciers, helping refine depth and site selection for future missions (Perseverance imaging and clues and mid‑latitude glacier ice findings).
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Universe Today
• Evan Gough