Is there life on Mars? NASA rover makes another significant discovery
Nasa's Mars rover Perseverance takes a selfie on 10 September, 2021 (Nasa)
NASA's Perseverance rover has uncovered new evidence of chemical activity on Mars, suggesting the planet may have once been habitable.
Samples of mudstones from the Jezero crater revealed carbon matter and unusual mineral assemblages, indicative of conditions suitable for life.
Acting Nasa administrator Sean Duffy described these findings as potentially the clearest sign of life ever found on Mars.
Researchers, however, are hesitant to draw definitive conclusions, noting the discovered matter could be explained by both biological and non-biological processes, requiring further analysis.
The crucial Mars Sample Return program, vital for Earth-based analysis of these samples, faces budget constraints and funding cuts under President Donald Trump's administration.