Ancient Mars rain may have carried formaldehyde to the surface

Researchers modeled conditions on Mars about 3.8 to 3.6 billion years ago.

Their results suggest rain may have carried formaldehyde from the atmosphere into surface water.

In water, formaldehyde can help produce sugars, amino acids and other complex molecules linked to life.

The study does not show that life existed on Mars, but its map could help identify places for future missions to investigate.