Scientists look for clues on life's 'common ancestor'
New evidence from meteorites suggests that the basic building blocks of life are present on Mars, a study published in the journal Science shows.
A team of scientists based at the Carnegie Institution for Science, based in Washington DC, found "reduced carbon" in the meteorites and says it was created by volcanic activity on Mars.
Dr Andrew Steele, the team's leader, says the discovery begs a new set of questions - over whether the chemistry evolved to produce life.
25 May 2012
- From the section US & Canada