HUMANS may one day be able to breathe the air on Mars, thanks to an incredible new invention from researchers in Surrey.
A new paint which contains "oxygen-producing bacteria" could make the currently unlivable planet a place for humanity to thrive.
Scientists at the University of Surrey created the "biocoating" paint to be used in the most extreme of environments - including space.
Officially named "green living paint", the bacteria inside the paint can produce oxygen and capture carbon dioxide, just like a real plant.
The bacteria require very little water to survive, making it the perfect option for the harsh Martian atsmophere.
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Lead author and former researcher in the Department of Microbial Scientists at Surrey Simone Krings said the invention could help with humans hoping to move to Mars.
She said: "The photosynthetic Chroococcidiopsis have an extraordinary ability to survive in extreme environments, like droughts and after high levels of UV radiation exposure.
"This makes them potential candidates for Mars colonisation."
The mysterious bacteria has been found in pitch black caves and even in the earth's lower crust - beneath the ocean floor.
It also thrives in deserts, just like Mars has - making it a perfect option to clean up the currently un-breathable Martian air.
Scientists found that their green living paint released .4grams of oxygen per gram of biomass per day, and captured excess carbon dioxide.
The amazing discovery comes as last month, a NASA scientist said chemicals found on Mars would technically be classified as signs of ancient life if they were found on Earth.
NASA scientist Dr. Michelle Thaller said: "On Mars we see chemistry that on Earth, if it were here, we would say is due to life.
"But the question is, how well do we understand Mars and are we being fooled by something?"
Signs of ancient life that we're used to spotting on Earth may not necessarily mean the same thing when found on the Red Planet.
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However, Dr. Thaller told The U.S. Sun she's certain we'll find alien life in our Solar System.
The chemical substances discovered may be potential signs of ancient life but Dr. Thaller did not describe the exact chemical.
Mars could also become liveable by the creation of small islands that mimic the Earth's greenhouse effect.
A two centimetre thick "miracle gel" shield would be effective in insulating the planet and melting ice beneath the surface for permanent water, scientists say.
