If humans could get core samples and bag them up such as they did on the moon. They could refrigerate the bagged samples in temperatures that would mimic that of Mars for the ride home.
Think about it, the humans would be in space suits such as those of Neil and Buzz on the moon, so there would be no chance of dandruff, et al contamination.
I love robotics, I really do. I have a high regard for them, but when it comes to the study of this stuff, if they can't mimic us, if they are not an extention of us in the care of the science, it's not worth it.
But, again, we'll see what Phoenix has ultimately in store. It could pave the way for future robotic missions (if they could just put some in a bag to bring home/(or even ISS) to study.
There's time...
Space/Science » in reply to re: I am wondering why...
re: I am wondering why...