The Times of India

Shubhanshu Shukla, IISc-IISER team, find how brick-building bacteria react to toxin in Martian soil

Scientists have discovered that perchlorate, a chemical previously thought harmful to Martian life, can actually strengthen bacteria-made space bricks. Researchers found that under specific conditions, this compound aids in creating more robust building materials from Martian soil. This breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to traditional cement for construction on the Red Planet and Earth.