In research conducted on Mars, chains consisting of a dozen carbon atoms were identified in an ancient lake bed. The chains detected in an ancient lake bed on Mars could serve as a significant clue about the history of life on the planet. These findings were collected by the sampling equipment on NASA’s “Curiosity” rover and verified in a laboratory on Earth by an international team. The study was led by analytical chemist Caroline Freissinet at the French National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). NASA researchers stated in the published report that “the origin and distribution of these molecules are of great interest in investigating potential biological signatures on Mars.” It was noted that Curiosity’s goal is to gather clues that could determine whether there is life on Mars.