GoKawiilLab study shows Earth microbe Methanothermobacter wolfeii multiplies under Mars-like toxin exposure
Researchers exposed the methane-producing microbe to perchlorates, toxic salts known to exist on Mars, along with oxygen-free, carbon-rich, low-pressure and highly saline conditions meant to mimic the Martian environment. Despite these harsh stressors, the organism continued to grow and reproduce in laboratory tests.