Yeast-Gelatin Bio-Concrete Aims to Build Mars Habitats

Researchers have created a yeast- and gelatin-based binder to turn Martian-regolith sand into a light, porous concrete, achieving about 12 MPa compressive strength—roughly comparable to low-grade Earth concrete—which could enable small, multi-story habitats on Mars and uses far less energy than regolith-melting methods. However, such a material would need additional layers for airtightness, radiation shielding, and long-term durability, and there are questions about whether engineered yeast could survive Mars conditions and about planetary-protection concerns. The work is promising but still far from ready for actual construction.