Scientists Develop Simple Test to Detect Microbial Life on Mars

A new chemotaxis-based method uses microbial movement toward L-serine to identify potential extraterrestrial lifeforms.

Researchers in Germany have designed a straightforward test to detect microbial life by inducing movement toward the amino acid L-serine, a process known as chemotaxis.
The method was tested on three extremophile species, including Bacillus subtilis, Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis, and Haloferax volcanii, all of which responded by moving toward L-serine.
The test involves a two-chamber slide separated by a membrane, allowing microbes to move toward the L-serine if they are alive and motile, simplifying life detection in extreme environments.
L-serine, believed to exist on Mars, could act as a chemoattractant for Martian microbes if their biochemistry resembles that of Earth's organisms.
Future iterations of the device aim to be smaller, more robust, and automated for potential use in space missions to Mars and other celestial bodies like Europa.