Scientists say that human blood can be used as an important ingredient in building future habitats on Mars.
Sending supplies from Earth to Mars to build settlements is impractical. The only solution to this problem is to use the resources of this planet, which is 62 million kilometers away from Earth.
A study conducted at the University of Tehran has shown that Martian soil can be mixed with serum albumin, a protein obtained from human blood plasma, to make ‘astrocrete’.
Astrocrete is a cement made from a protein that is extremely strong. According to tests conducted in laboratories, it is 300 times stronger than the alternative Martian concrete.
It should be noted that in the past, the Romans also used blood in mortar.
This idea is not limited to blood. According to researchers, the inhabitants of Mars can also use urine, sweat and tears for this purpose. These compounds contain carbamide, which increases the bonding strength of the cement.
Astrocrete has practical advantages for settlements on Mars:
It eliminates the need to transport heavy equipment from Earth.
It relies on the natural resources of the settlers’ bodies.
It provides a durable habitat in the Martian environment.
However, this method may also have some implications. The most important of which is the weakening of the health of the settlers due to frequent blood donations.
