The hunt for ancient life on Mars just got an important test run. Scientists confirmed that the Rosalind Franklin rover's sophisticated instrument can detect subtle differences in two stable molecules that could preserve evidence of past life for billions of years. But the team also uncovered a surprise: organic molecules in the Murchison meteorite appear to have been contaminated by fossil fuel pollution during their journey through Earth's atmosphere.

Life on Mars: Scientists have detected complex organic matter in an ancient river valley on Mars, specifically within Jezero Crater. This discovery, made by NASA's Perseverance…

NASA's Perseverance rover uncovers signs of ancient organic matter on Mars, hinting at potential past life in Jezero Crater.

The hunt for ancient life on Mars just got an important test run. Scientists confirmed that the Rosalind Franklin rover's sophisticated instrument can detect subtle differences in…