Success!! The first round of UV irradiation experiments were grown overnight on solid media and showed excellent growth today.

Some samples clearly showed UV sensitivity with reduced growth compared to non-irradiated controls, while other UV irradiated samples grew equally as well as the controls showing UV resistance.

Correlations between field sample composition and microbial growth (including UV resistance) will be made and summarized in future biology reports for Expedition Gamma.

The use of LB growth medium, made using water containing dissolved minerals from each sample site instead of just using sterile water, resulted in improved microbial growth.

This should be noted for future biological experimentation at MDRS.

The remaining samples will be irradiated and additional samples from evaporate deposits will be taken during future EVAs during this mission, including one sample taken today from Candor Chasma. The sample was taken from the mud (with a crust of evaporate deposit) beside a standing pool of water (waypoint coordinates same as for geology sample CC01).