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From: Stig Agermose <stig.agermose@get2net.dk>
Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 06:49:05 GMT
Fwd Date: Sat, 13 Feb 1999 10:33:48 -0500
Subject: Martian 'Bacteria' Matched To Earth


Source:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/low/english/sci/tech/newsid_277000/277674.stm

Stig

***

BBC News Online: Sci/Tech

Thursday, February 11, 1999 Published at 15:26 GMT

Martian 'bacteria' matched to Earth

By BBC News Online Science Editor Dr David Whitehouse

**
 Unusual features found on a Martian meteorite may be those of
fossilised alien bacteria after all, research suggests.

When Nasa researchers first made their claims about Martian
microfossils in 1996 they were greeted with scepticism by those
who believed the shapes were too small to have come from any
bacteria-like organisms.

But in a new study, scientists have shown that the tiny
fossilised structures can be produced after microbes have died.
The experiments have shown that certain parts of Earth bacteria
can also leave similar remains when they are fossilised.

"We believe we have clearly shown that features similar in size
and shape to those in the Martian meteorite do exist within the
biological record on Earth," said Kathie Thomas-Keprta of
Lockheed Martin Space Mission Systems and Services in Houston,
Texas.

But she warned that this does not prove definitively that the
meteorite features are fossilised organisms.


Fossilised filaments


The Earth bacteria, taken from rocks in Washington state, were
bred in conditions that simulated the environment deep beneath
the Earth's surface. When they died, they became fossilised in
only eight weeks.

Scientists saw that about 30% of the microbes grown in the
laboratory had filaments attached.

Crucially, filaments that were not attached to the organisms
also became fossilised. Researchers say it is the first time
such tiny parts of bacteria have been shown to become
mineralised in the same way as whole microbe.

It suggests the structures on the Martian rock may also be the
fossilised remains of filaments.


Original findings


The longest shapes identified on the meteorite are approximately
1/25 the diameter of a human hair. Dr Everett Gibson, a Nasa
planetary scientist who worked on the meteorite, says the new
study supports the original findings.

ALH84001, the potato-sized Martian meteorite is about 4.5
billion years, the period when Mars formed. It is believed to
have originated beneath the Martian surface.

It is believed that billions of years ago Mars was warmer and
wetter. The water is believed to have penetrated fractures in
the surface rock, forming an underground water system. This
system may have been the best location for life during much of
Mars's history.

The Earth bacteria used in this new experiment came from the
Columbia River basalt of Washington State. They are an example
of life thriving at depth in fractured rock where it is isolated
from light and protected from any harsh environment at the
surface.

So it may be a good example of what life was like on Mars.


Relevant Stories:

*The source of Martian water  (21 Jan 99 | Sci/Tech) *Rain check
on Mars  (11 Dec 98 | Sci/Tech) *Mars' north pole revealed in
stunning 3D  (08 Dec 98 | Sci/Tech) *New hope of finding life on
Mars  (22 Oct 98 | Sci/Tech) Red planet rock  (10 Aug 98 |
Sci/Tech)


Internet Links:

*Lockheed Martin Space Mission Systems and Services Life on
Mars? (Nasa)


The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.

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