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Data from NASA's Curiosity rover has revealed the Martian
environment lacks methane. This is a surprise to researchers because previous
data reported by U.S. and international scientists indicated positive
detections.
The roving laboratory performed extensive tests to search
for traces of Martian methane. Whether the Martian atmosphere contains traces
of the gas has been a question of high interest for years because methane could
be a potential sign of life, although it also can be produced without biology.