<ul><li>Scientists have developed a powerful new method to detect life in Martian-like rocks.</li><li>A team including scientists from the University of Tokyo and NASA has successfully tested this new technique on ancient rocks from Earth, similar to those on Mars.</li><li>The breakthrough could strengthen safety protocols for handling Martian samples and preventing potential contamination of Earth.</li><li>The technique, optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy, uses infrared light to scan rocks and is more precise than older methods.</li></ul>

New tech makes Mars sample return safer than ever

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