Leading article:Life on Mars: don't panic

So, was there life on Mars? Most of us will struggle to make sense of the scientists' revelation about the discovery of a Martian fossil. But no one should work themselves up with Independence Day invasion fears, or, indeed, expect to encounter alien civilisations in the next week or two.

The primary significance of finding relic evidence of micro-organic life on a planet in such close proximity is what it will tell us about our own creation. Once again, science fact may prove more wonderful than fiction.