The authors of the report concluded the results support most Viking scientists' conclusions that the LR results were the result of chemistry. Robert has fixated on the one claim that supports Barry's ilk rather than the conclusion he doesn't like. They noted levels of organics below what Viking could have detected. Unfortunately, I have seen no technical discussion of the data to support the scientist's conclusion that the results were chemistry based. The articles focus primarily as Robert does on the open question of organics on Mars. The claim that low levels of organics could have escaped detection and therefore other counter evidence for life should be rejected ignores the fact that detectable levels of organics were expected and that something has to account for the low levels found. Most possibilities suggest an environment hostile to life.

Frankly if they had concluded that the Altecama results were due to life rather than chemistry and were supported by the scientific community, I think Levin's claims would carry more weight.

see ya