Is it life? We can't tell': Nasa's Curiosity rover finds organic molecules on Mars

"Five of the seven molecules identified in a dried lakebed near the equator had never previously been observed on the red planet. The analysis cannot establish whether the organic compounds are linked to potential ancient life on Mars or were delivered by meteorites or formed through geological processes."

"We think we're looking at organic matter that's been preserved on Mars for 3.5bn years. Is it life? We can't tell, based on this information."

"There's no known reason why it shouldn't have started on Mars as well. However, scientists have been unsure whether the chemical traces of life from this window of habitability would have survived to the present day."

"It's really exciting to see [that] large complex material can survive in that harsh radiation environment."

NASA's Curiosity rover has identified organic molecules on Mars, including five previously unseen compounds in a dried lakebed. These findings do not confirm ancient life but suggest that if microbial life existed, chemical traces may remain. The rover has been exploring Gale crater since 2012, despite harsh conditions. Mars once had liquid water and a protective atmosphere, raising the possibility of life. Scientists previously believed organic matter would degrade, making the preservation of complex materials surprising and significant for understanding Mars' history.

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