Modernizing Planetary Protection: Less Restrictive “Bioburden” Rules Would Make Mars Missions Simpler

Mars scientists now know where to look for life

Rocks on floor of Jezero Crater, Mars, show signs of sustained interactions with water

Colonizing Mars could kick human evolution into overdrive, says evolutionary biologist Scott Solomon. The increased radiation exposure may quickly lead to the development of oddly-colored skin pigments, and natural selection may actually favor shorter people with denser bones.