Published in Scientific Reports · View the paper (DOI)
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found that heavy rainfall in the Atacama Desert wiped out most microbe species, contradicting expectations of floral blooms. The research has implications for our understanding of microbial life on Mars and suggests that sudden water exposure can be lethal to microorganisms.
Coverage from 2 institutions
- For arid, Mars-like desert, rain brings death Cornell University · Nov 14, 2018 · first to report
- The first rains in centuries in the Atacama Desert devastate its microbial life Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) · Nov 14, 2018