Quote:
Originally Posted by a1call
I disagree, it is a false statement. If x number of tests are conducted to detect life and one of them shows a positive result which is then rendered inconclusive, it is false to state that the test results were negative and showed absolutely no life existed. .
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You are assuming the positive result of the LR means a positive result for life. It doesn't. Chemistry has been shown to replicate the results. I'm not suprised Levins own site denies that - but a few minutes with google finds that chemistry can repeat the results.
You also also assuming that 'not positive' must be 'negative'. This is not true.
I really hope you're not attempting to claim that the LR results are incontrovertible evidence of life on Mars. To do so would be totally unscientific.
Back on topic again - Emily's done a nice review of this in TPS's blog
http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00000998/
One thing not mentioned so far - as part of the remote sensing of Burns Cliff - extensive Mini-TES observations were taken. I am sure interesting data is in there that would refute Levins recent claims minerologically, which would top off the fairly damning topographic and morphological data. This is a start:
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/galle...20040517a.html
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/galle...20040602a.html
The seconds shows an interesting reading of approx 6 degrees C on Burns Cliff. Not suprising given its steep north facing slope.
FYI - for those still not grasping the sort of slope we're talking about here
http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/galle...B286R1_br2.jpg
Doug