A new study suggests that building habitats on Mars might require using human blood as a key ingredient. Researchers from the University of Tehran propose using regolith – Martian soil – bound with serum albumin, a protein found in human blood plasma, to create durable and waterless binding material called “AstroCrete”. This unconventional mix could provide a solution to the logistical nightmare of transporting building materials from Earth.
The idea involves settlers donating bodily fluids – including blood, urine, sweat, and tears – which contain carbamide, an organic compound that enhances the structural properties of the Martian cement. One person can produce enough blood in about 72 weeks to fabricate a small Martian dwelling, creating a cycle of survival for future settlers.
While AstroCrete offers resource efficiency, adaptability, and structural strength advantages, it raises health risks and ethical concerns. The use of human bodily fluids for construction raises moral questions about exploitation and human welfare.
As researchers explore alternative solutions like In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU), bioengineering, and robotic assembly, the future of Martian living remains daunting. The idea that humans might literally bleed for their homes sparks debate about innovation’s impact on human well-being.
Source: https://dailygalaxy.com/2024/12/future-mars-homes-could-be-built-by-harvesting-human-blood-as-the-romans-did