Engineered microbe could make bioplastics from Mars-like materials

The microbe was tested on artificial materials designed to match conditions on Mars, not on the planet itself.

It can grow without removing toxins or adding fertilizer, according to Pioneer Labs.

It also makes bioplastics, which could be useful for building on Mars.

If the approach works there, it might help future crews use local resources instead of relying so much on supplies from Earth.