Ananova reports that the U.S. National Research Council, acting on a fear of extraterrestrial contamination, is urging NASA not to search for life when it eventually sends men to Mars. I can imagine the discussion inside the future Mars landing craft now:

Joe: "Here we are, the first humans on Mars. Isn't it incredible?"

Sue: "Yeah, it's ... hey, is that a little man over there?"

Joe: (nervously) "Heh heh, of course not Sue. Come help me with this map."

Sue: "No, I'm serious, that's a little man! He's waving at us."

Joe: "There's no man out there. Get away from that window."

Sue: "He's cute. (waving) Hi, sweetie!"

Joe: "Cut that out, and that's an order! You do not see a little man. Even if you see a little man, you do not see a little man. Catch my drift?"

Sue: "Look, we weren't supposed to look for life, and we didn't, okay? He found us (waves again)."

Joe: "You are so going to be in trouble when we get back."