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  "path": "/astronomy/mars/could-a-toxic-chemical-in-mars-dirt-help-us-build-a-red-planet-base",
  "publishedAt": "2026-02-05T16:00:00.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.space.com",
  "tags": [
    "Mars",
    "Astronomy",
    "Solar System"
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  "textContent": "Perchlorate, a toxic substance found in Mars dirt, could help the bacterium Sporosarcina pasteurii strengthen bonds between particles of regolith.",
  "title": "Could a toxic chemical in Mars dirt help us build a Red Planet base?",
  "updatedAt": "2026-02-04T20:13:14.000Z"
}