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Universe Today
• Laurence Tognetti
How long could Earth microbes survive on Mars? New estimates sharpen planetary‑protection and sample‑integrity concerns
Researchers are assessing survival times for terrestrial microbes under Martian conditions to better quantify forward‑contamination risk. Reliable survival estimates are critical to avoid confusing Earth life with indigenous Martian biology and to shape NASA's mitigation measures for sample collection and return.
