The Curiosity rover discovered organic molecules on Mars, which scientists have called one of the most compelling pieces of evidence yet that life may have once existed on the planet. Among the discovered molecules are compounds that serve as the basis for the origins of life on Earth, including a nitrogen-containing molecule reminiscent of the precursors of DNA. However, further research is in jeopardy: the program to return Martian samples to Earth was canceled in January due to funding shortages. The White House administration, which had previously attempted to cut NASA's budget, is now proposing a further 23% cut, a decision planetary scientists have called "deeply disappointing." Definitive confirmation of possible traces of life requires returning Martian rock samples to Earth.
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