Expose allows long exposures to space conditions and solar UV-radiation on the International Space Station. Several trays filled with organisms were installed on the outside of the laboratory. Credits: ESA <\/p>\n
PARIS, June 26 (UPI) -- Research on the International Space Station is giving credibility to theories that life came from outer space, the European Space Agency says. <\/p>\n
In 2008, a suitcase-sized experiment dubbed Expose-E subjected organic compounds and living organisms such as lichen, seeds and algae to the hostile environment of outer space. <\/p>\n
The result? You can freeze it, thaw it, vacuum-dry it and expose it to radiation, but life survives, scientists said. <\/p>\n
Life on Earth is protected by our atmosphere from harmful ultraviolet rays, but the space samples endured the full power of the sun's rays. <\/p>\n
The samples were returned to Earth in 2009 and the results of the study have been published in the journal Astrobiology. <\/p>\n
Lichen have proven to be especially tough, researchers said, and, some species have continued to grow normally since their return to Earth. <\/p>\n
\"We are exploring the limits of life,\" ESA's Rene Demets said in a release from the agency's Paris headquarters. <\/p>\n
Living organisms persevering in open space supports the idea of \"panspermia\" -- that life can spread from one planet to another or even between solar systems, researchers said. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Read more here:<\/p>\n
Life seen to survive in space conditions<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Expose allows long exposures to space conditions and solar UV-radiation on the International Space Station. Continue reading