A groundbreaking life signs detector developed by the University of Bern’s researchers has successfully identified ancient microbial fossils in rocks similar to those found on Mars. The innovative device uses a laser to detect the morphology of microbial life left behind in sedimentary rocks, providing a new approach to searching for signs of ancient life on the red planet.
The researchers designed their device to operate in space and analyzed the chemical composition of gypsum samples from Algeria, which are similar to those found on Mars. The miniature laser-powered mass spectrometer successfully distinguished the structure of microbial fossils from natural rock formations by analyzing morphology, chemical elements necessary for life, carbonaceous material, and minerals like clay or dolomite.
The detection method identified “long, twisting fossil filaments” that scientists typically interpret as sulfur-oxidizing bacteria. These filaments were embedded in gypsum and surrounded by dolomite, pyrite, and other clay minerals, signaling the presence of organic life. While further studies are needed to confirm the results, the researchers believe their approach is an improvement over existing tools used to search for ancient life on Mars.
The University of Bern team is confident that their device can be integrated into future Mars missions, providing a new methodological framework for detecting biosignatures in Martian sulfate minerals. The laser ablation ionization mass spectrometer is a spaceflight-prototype instrument that can effectively detect biosignatures in sulfate minerals, offering a promising solution for the search for ancient life on Mars.
Source: https://thedebrief.org/star-trek-style-life-detector-successfully-finds-microbial-life-in-mars-rock-analogue