Conan the Bacterium (IMAGE) Northwestern University Caption Deinococcus radiodurans (affectionately known as “Conan the Bacterium”) is particularly well-suited to surviving Mars' harsh environment. In experiments, it survived astronomical amounts of radiation in the freezing, arid environment. Credit Michael J. Daly/USU Usage Restrictions Add credit License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.