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Scientists examine Chile desert to study life on Mars

Friday, 07 April 2017 9:47 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 07 April 2017 9:47 AM ]

Chilean biologists Cristiana Dorador and Jonathan Garcia search for rock samples to analyse them in Yungay, Atacama desert, some 80 kilometres south of Antofagasta, Chile on March 7, 2017. (Photo by AFP)

Scientists are searching for clues of life in the Chilean desert of Ata-cama in a place that very much resembles the planet Mars.

The desert is located in northern Chile and its weather like Mars, is dry, hot and dusty. Researchers say life exists in Atacama. Tiny algae and bacteria have changed to survive in the desert.

Experts analyze the fragments in a mobile laboratory which they drive around the desert in search of tiny life forms. Meanwhile, NASA says Mars’ grey rocks look much like those of Atacama.

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