"Survival on Mars: Astronauts Turn to Earth's Smallest Flowering Plant"

Watermeal, the smallest flowering plant on Earth, could play a crucial role in sustaining future Mars astronauts. Scientists from Mahidol University in Thailand have been testing watermeal's growth and development under hypergravity conditions to simulate different gravity levels in space. Watermeal produces a significant amount of oxygen through photosynthesis and is a good protein source, making it a viable choice for space-based agriculture. Its short life cycle allows for quick study, and further chemical analysis will provide insights into its hypergravity response.