1. Submicrometer-Sized Vaterite Tubes Formed Through Nanobubble-Templated Crystal Growth Is there life on Mars? Andrew van Bommel February 14 th, 2006

2. Martian Encounter Worm-like shaped carbonate and carbonate-containing minerals found on Martian meteorites In the lab, mineralization has only been carried out with the intervention of organic molecules Organic = life on Mars?

3. The Conspiracy From UBC (United Bureau of Conspiracies)

4. The “Study” Electrochemical System: Potentiostat Silicon wafer working electrode (cathode) Solution of Ca 2+ and HCO 3 -

5. Results Vaterite nanotubes with: –OD = 150-300 nm –ID = 80-200 nm

6. Reactions at Cathode Either of these reactions occurs at the cathode: 2H + + 2e -  H 2 (g) ϕ = -1.2V 1/2O 2 (aq) + H 2 O + 2e -  2OH - ϕ = -0.9V The pH is increased near the cathode, causing local supersaturation and precipitation of calcium carbonate onto the cathode

7. Nanobubbles SEM images show hollow hemispheres and early-stage tube growth

8. Nanobubbles Small holes 50-100 nm suggested that there were nanometer sized gas bubbles (H 2 ) existing on the cathode surface before the vaterite layer deposition

9. Supporting Evidence Adding H 2 O 2 to the solution altered the cathode reaction from reduction of H 2 O to reduction of H 2 O 2 (ϕ = -0.5V  -0.8V) –No bubbles at the cathode, no CaCO 3 tubes Hydrophobicity of the silicon surface decreased upon oxidation (nanobubbles have been reported to grow on hydrophobic surfaces) –No tube formation

10. BUT WAIT!!!!!! 3-electrode electrochemical systems and potentiostats have yet to be found on Mars (not to mention Martian life or robots to run the systems)

11. Therefore, Life on Mars Exists!