These scientists want to protect Earth’s species by preserving them on the moon CNN

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A team of scientists has devised a plan to protect Earth’s species in a lunar sanctuary.

Intended to save species in the event of a disaster on Earth, the project uses craters that are always in the shade and thus cold enough to allow cryogenic preservation of organisms without using electricity or liquid nitrogen, according to research from a team led by Smithsonian scientists, published last week.

The paper, published in the journal BioScience, describes the successful preservation of skin samples from fish, and suggests a way to create a biorepository that will keep samples from other species safe. .

“Initially, the lunar sanctuary would focus on the most endangered species on Earth today, but our goal would be to preserve many of the species on Earth,” Mary said. Hagedorn, a cryobiology research specialist at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI). ) and lead author of the paper.

“We hope that by sharing our vision, our team can find more partners to expand the conversation, discuss threats and opportunities and conduct the research and experiments necessary to make this area of ​​life a reality.”

The concept of a biological repository on the moon was inspired by the Global Seed Vault in Svalbard, Norway’s Arctic, which stores more than a million types of seeds with the aim of protecting crop diversity.

The facility was threatened by a flood of meltwater from thawing permafrost in 2017, highlighting the risks posed by climate change, according to the statement.

While plant cells can be stored in Arctic conditions, animal cells must be kept even colder, at least -320 degrees Fahrenheit or -196 degrees Celsius, to be preserved.

In order to achieve the required temperature in the world, a supply of nitrogen water, electricity and labor are needed.

But in the event of a global crisis, the supply of any of these three things could be threatened, endangering biodiversity.

In order to reduce this risk, Hagedorn and the team thought about how cryopreservation can be achieved, which is impossible on Earth, and landed on the moon.

The polar regions of the moon are home to permanent shadow craters due to their appearance and depth, and can reach temperatures as low as -410 degrees Fahrenheit (-246 degrees Celsius).

The team then thought about how to prevent radiation from damaging the samples’ DNA, and proposed storing them underground or in a building with walls made of stone. month. More research is needed to study the effects of radiation on cryopreserved samples, as well as the effects of microgravity, according to the statement.

“Let’s say what if the Earth fails – if the Earth is destroyed naturally this biological environment will not matter,” Hagedorn said in the statement.

“This is intended to help end natural disasters and, perhaps, increase space travel. Life is precious and, as we know, it is not found in the universe. This biological reserve is provide an alternative, common way to conserve the Earth’s important biodiversity,” he said.

Rob Brooker, head of environmental science at the James Hutton Institute in Scotland, who was not involved in the research, said the paper “is an interesting and thought-provoking article that highlights the loss of Earth’s biodiversity and the critical need for to increase our efforts for conservation.”

“However, the major concern is that the cost and effort involved in creating such a resource on the moon would be prohibitive, and would hinder ongoing conservation efforts including delivering on existing commitments international and conservation projects,” Brooker told CNN.

Sally Keith, a senior lecturer in Marine Biology at Lancaster University, who was not involved in the research, had similar concerns.

“The broad approach provides an interesting test of ideas and may lead to the development of new technologies, however, I have difficulty seeing its application in the urgent battle to reduce the rapid loss of species -biodiversity,” he told CNN, adding: “How many forests, coral reefs and freshwater lakes could be better preserved now, for the cost of sending a rocket to the moon?”