All articles tagged with #lichens
Scientists in Canada are using drone technology and the presence of specific lichens to efficiently locate dinosaur fossils in rugged terrain, marking a significant advancement in paleontological fieldwork by enabling large-scale, non-invasive fossil hunting from the air.
Scientists have developed a novel method for locating dinosaur fossils in Canada by using drones to detect specific lichens that colonize exposed dinosaur bones, potentially revolutionizing fossil hunting in remote areas.
A new study published in BMC Genomics reveals that Lepraria lichens, previously thought to be entirely asexual, possess genes associated with sexual reproduction. Despite never observing sexual structures in these lichens, researchers found intact and functional sexual genes, challenging long-held assumptions. This discovery suggests that Lepraria may have hidden sexual processes or use these genes for other purposes, offering new insights into the complex biology of lichens.
Researchers at Mars analog sites in Utah and Nunavut are studying lichen diversity to understand their potential survival on Mars. Lichens, known for their resilience, are being collected and analyzed during simulated Mars missions to assess their adaptability to Martian-like environments. This research contributes to both astrobiology and lichenology, offering insights into the distribution and characteristics of these organisms, which have even survived in space conditions.
Lichens, a symbiotic organism consisting of a fungus and alga or cyanobacterium, have demonstrated remarkable resilience by surviving in the harsh conditions of space and a simulated Martian environment, raising the possibility of life existing on Mars. They can withstand extreme radiation, vacuum, and temperature variations, and continue to photosynthesize, suggesting potential for interplanetary spread of life via lichens hitching a ride on meteorites, comets, or asteroids.