The researchers found that smectite, a type of clay, combined with the fungus, inhibits the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, kaolin, ...

This hydrogen would have combined with carbon dioxide to form methane, which in turn would have been captured in the planet's smectite clay. "At this time in Mars’ history, we think CO2 is ...

After examining historical LE samples from Basel University, the team grew their own fungus and clays (one a smectite-rich clay, and another using a kaolinite-rich clay) together in a controlled ...