Topic: Are We Contaminating Mars?

[sam]

With Mars seemingly the destination of choice in NASA's future, researchers are taking a look at what kinds of things we want to bring with us when we go to Mars. But also, just as important is what we don't want to take with us. A new study by the University of Central Florida reveals that bacteria common to spacecraft may be able to survive the harsh environment of Mars long enough to inadvertently contaminate the Red Planet with terrestrial life. So, if we do find life on Mars, the question might be: is it them, or is it us?

http://www.universetoday.com/2010/04/27/are-we-contaminating-mars/

quite probably - but we wouldn't be the first...

[Clive]

I have always suspected we might do that.   

[sam]

oh well, never mind... we will find alien life at some point... 

[Rik]

Just go to Liverpool. 

[Simon]

That's scousist! 

[Rik]

I know, but I think they're not covered by the Act.

[Simon]