A group of scientists has put forward a proposal to protect biodiversity: a biorepository on the Moon that would safeguard the DNA of endangered species called “Noah’s Ark.” Led by Mary Hagedorn, a researcher at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and National Zoo, the team seeks to create a lunar storage facility, which could become the last hope for the preservation of endangered species.
Noah’s Ark on the Moon: new biodiversity refuge
The idea arises in response to the increasing number of species facing extinction on Earth due to factors such as climate change, overpopulationoverpopulation and natural disasters. Scientists propose that the Moon, with its naturally low temperatures and its remoteness from terrestrial disasters, is the ideal place to cryogenically store the DNA of animals and plants.
This gene bank, located on the lunar surface, could be key to the repopulation of species on Earth or even on other planets through cloning.
Project to preserve all terrestrial life in the event of a global catastrophe. Source: Engineering in the open via YouTube
Project challenges and feasibility
Despite the ambition of the project, the researchers are aware of the challenges they face. The lunar radiationradiation, reliable transportation to such an inhospitable location, and the effects of microgravity on the samples are just a few of the obstacles. In addition, the project would require unprecedented international collaboration and a monumental budget.
The cost of building and maintaining this lunar biorepository is significantly higher than that of a similar facility on Earth. However, in the long term, the cost of maintaining a DNA bank on the Moon would be lower, due to the permanent low temperatures in certain areas of the natural satellite, such as the lunar south pole.
Comparison with previous projects
This is not the first time that a lunar conservation project has been proposed, as in 2021, scientists at the University of Arizona proposed the creation of a lunar repository for seeds, sperm, eggs and DNA. for seeds, sperm, eggs and DNA. However, the new proposal stands out for its focus on taking advantage of the Moon’s natural conditions to reduce energy and maintenance needs, making it more viable in the long term.
Given the current state of the planet, this lunar “Noah’s Ark” could be the smartest idea to ensure the survival of biodiversity in the face of any calamity, natural or man-made. With more than 1.3 million samples already stored in the Doomsday Vault in Norway, this lunar project looks like the next evolution in protecting life on Earth.
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Source: gizmodo
Photo: shutterstock
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