Jell-O and Beer May Hold the Keys to Brewing Houses on Mars

A study published in the journal Chem Circularity suggests that Jell-O and beer could be used to create living quarters on Mars. Researchers found that gelatin, yeast, and Martian materials can be combined to create a porous, foam-like material strong enough to build houses on the red planet. The process involves freeze-drying the mixture using Mars' cold, low-pressure environment, resulting in concrete with a pressure of 10 to 12 megapascals, similar to low-grade Earth concrete.

This concrete could be used to build one- or two-story houses on Mars, as it's strong enough to withstand Earth's gravity. The team also discovered that yeast can help the material sublimate, turning directly from a solid to a vapor, leaving behind the Martian concrete. While radiation protection remains a challenge, a double wall packed with Martian soil could provide some protection.

The researchers believe the process can be scaled up and tested in real Martian conditions. Once structures are no longer needed, they can be broken down and mixed in a bioreactor to create new buildings using the same materials.