Mad Science: Martian Abodes Crafted from Yeast and Gelatin
If humanity ever lands on Mars – and that’s a considerable IF, just so you know – they will need to figure out suitable shelters up there. Allegedly, these Martian habitats could be constructed using yeast and gelatin, if the eccentric researchers in Hong Kong have their way. A study by scientists from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University suggests that it’s possible to build on Mars without expending a ton of energy to heat regolith into blocks. Nope, they proposed using bioengineered yeast and gelatin blended with fabricated Martian soil for 3D printing structures.
From Dehydrated Fruits to Martian Mansions
So where does this crazy notion come from? As per lead author Jishen Qiu, he had this inspiration from freeze-dried fruits that become rock solid, you know. It seems super straightforward when you think about it: bioengineer yeast to produce sticky proteins, combine it with gooey gelatin to cultivate the yeast, add regular Martian soil, and push that mixture through a 3D-printing nozzle. There you have it – a frothy material that solidifies in the cold, arid Martian atmosphere.
The Scientific Aspects
It turns out, when everything is settled, the material they created possesses the strength equivalent to low-quality concrete found on Earth. Approximately 12 and 6 MPa for compressive and flexural strengths, if you’re familiar with the technical terminology. It consumes a fraction of the energy compared to heating Martian soil into construction materials.
Yeast Laboratories in Space?
This mixture can also be decomposed and reused, provided at least one live yeast cell remains. This might be a bit challenging on the desolate Martian surface, but why not maintain a reserve of yeast for upcoming projects, right?
Small Advances and Major Questions
They’ve trialed this quirky yeast-gelatin blend on a minor scale, like tiny hive-like structures just under 2 inches high. Qiu seems optimistic, claiming there are no laws or mechanisms preventing them from enlarging this concept. However, there’s more to explore, such as whether these structures can withstand pressure to keep you from bursting like a balloon on Mars.
The Future’s Shelter?
Functional Martian habitats will need to be high-tech, like maintaining pressure, ensuring gas tightness, providing support, insulation, safeguarding from radiation, blocking dust, and being repairable. A mixed approach may be necessary – amalgamating the yeast mixture with established construction techniques. Avoiding the need to heat up soil could conserve a significant amount of energy and equipment we would need to transport to Mars.
Summary: Yeast-Enhanced Homes on Mars, Anyone?
So, that’s the scoop. We might actually construct our future residences on Mars using yeast and gelatin. Who would’ve thought? Perhaps one day I’ll be penning articles about yeasty Martian homes on gadgetlad.co.uk. Until that time comes, let’s hope my Jack Russell isn’t anticipating a garden there any time soon.
