If there aren't any organics, that may suggest there's something on the planet destroying these molecules, says James Wray, assistant professor of Earth and atmospheric sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology and collaborator on the Curiosity science team.

CNN: Rover Curiosity near Mars landing

Dr Victoria Coker will use her For Women In Science Fellowship to support her research at the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the University of Manchester.

UNESCO: 2011 UK and Ireland Winners

Dr Victoria Coker Dr Victoria Coker will use her For Women In Science Fellowship to support her research at the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences at the University of Manchester.

UNESCO: 2011 UK and Ireland Fellows