1.   ...fanciful ideas about Martian life.

2.   Although the initial response of scientists has been one of skepticism, though extreme interest, British scientists a week ago seemed to fan more speculation about Martian life.

3.   An understanding of Martian water is considered crucial to any investigation of Martian life.

4.   And could those wetter conditions have supported the origin of some forms of Martian life?

5.   Apparent microbial fossils recently discovered in a Martian meteorite also are indications of past Martian life.

6.   But believers in Martian life had one heartening gift from a Viking lander.

7.   But does that really mean they came from Martian life?

8.   But independent tests conducted since the meteorite announcement, scientists said, have shown that the supposed evidence for Martian life can be explained away in nonbiological terms.

9.   Current research that led to the supposed discovery of Martian fossil life began two years ago, mainly at the Johnson Space Center.

10.   Despite the demise of the theory about the canals, popular belief in Martian life remained strong.