Context
The argument was made in a preprint study that had not been peer-reviewed in the May 2021 issue of the journal Advances in Microbiology. In it, researchers claimed that NASA rovers and Mars orbiters collected visual evidence of fungi on Mars a claim that has been widely contested by the broader scientific community.
Origin
In early May 2021, several authors of a preprint study published in the scientific journal Advances in Microbiology argued that photographs collected by NASA rovers and Mars orbiters showed evidence of what they believed could prove that fungi were found growing on the red planet. Soon after, headlines and social media chatter sprouted up, claiming that science had found mushrooms on Mars.
PolitiFact s ruling: False
Here s why: A group of scientists claims they have found proof of life in the form of fungi on Mars, according to a blog post and posts on social media. Scientists Claim to Spot Fungus Growing on Mars in NASA Rover Photos, read a Futurism article headline. MARS’ MAGIC MUSHROOMS Life on Mars shock claim as ‘growing FUNGI’ spotted in Mars Curiosity Rover snaps, read another in The Sun.
The articles point to a study published by a group of scientists titled, Fungi on Mars? Evidence of Growth and Behavior From Sequential Images.
The posts were flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed.