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Levin & Straat 1977
Levin, G.V. and Straat, P.A. (1977). Recent results from the Viking labeled release experiment on Mars. Journal of Geophysical Research 82: doi: 10.1029/JB082i028p04663. issn: 0148-0227.

Additional results have recently been obtained from the Labeled Release (LR) life detection experiment on Mars. On Viking Lander 2 an experiment using surface material obtained from under a rock shows a response essentially identical with those obtained from other surface samples. Further, after a second nutrient injection, there is an initial drop in the level of radioactive gas present in the test cell, followed by a slow, gradual evolution of radioactivity over the long incubation period. This gas evolution, which proceeds at a rate declining with time, attains a final level similar to that seen just prior to second injection. Following completion of this experimental cycle a fresh Martian surface sample was heat sterilized for 3 hours at 46¿C prior to nutrient injection. The resultant evolution of radioactive gas is substantially reduced in agreement with results reported previously. These results are consistent with a biological response and also greatly narrow the number of possible chemical reactants. The current status of the Labeled Release experiment on Mars is summarized.

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Journal of Geophysical Research
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