Last month, scientists from Cambridge University found compounds that are considered hallmarks of life, in the atmosphere of a planet about 124 light years away from Earth.
It was described by the team as "the strongest evidence to date for biological activity beyond the solar system".
But that finding has been highly controversial in the science community, according to Caroline Freissinet.
She's a research scientist at the French National Centre for Scientific Research - in the Laboratory for Atmospheres and Space Observations.
She frequently collaborates with NASA and is currently leading the study-of-samples - found by NASA's Curiosity rover on Mars.
Caroline Freissinet. Photo: Supplied / Caroline Freissinet
