The experience Andy and his colleagues are getting with analyzing ancient bones, and using clean room facilities, body suits, facemasks, etc. to avoid contamination are the very skills that will be needed in twenty years when astronauts return from Mars  with samples to test for traces of ancient life.  [previous post: Ancient DNA Centre]

Then, as now, the challenge will be uncovering the biomolecular markers preserved inside and proving any positive findings derive from the sample and not mishandling.  So we study our sloths to better understand them and the effects of global climate change, and prepare for the future. . . and maybe to visit the stars. . . . Dave