Scientists have identified at least seven carbon-rich molecules that NASA’s Curiosity rover detected on Mars, and they’re more complex than any found before. Curiosity’s Mastcam captured this mosaic on February 3, 2019, of the Glen Torridon region on Mount Sharp, where lots of clay-bearing rocks formed when lakes and streams were present billions of years ago. The “Mary Anning 3” sample was found in this clay-enriched region. NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS The Curiosity team has reported the detection of seven carbon-rich molecules never before detected on Mars. Some of them incorporate nitrogen and sulfur atoms in their structures — these molecules, like amino acids, are considered precursors to life. The results were published in Nature Communications . Modern-day Mars is incredibly hostile to carbon-based chemistry; its ground and air are full of oxidizing compounds that tear such organic molecules apart.…