[caymanjim]

I don't think this is egregiously hyperbolic. "Ancient organic material" is exactly what they found. They go out of their way in the article to emphasize that organic molecules exist in many naturally occurring forms that are not indicative of life processes, but that life processes can not be ruled out either. The same applies to the methane finding.

I don't think it's fair to criticize the article itself. It's well-written, level-headed, and self-critical. I think it's fair to criticize their calling a press conference to announce it, rather than just releasing a notice or allowing the articles to be published in due course.

I'm inclined to cut them slack on the marketing style. NASA lives and dies by the whims of a fickle Congress, and they have few opportunities to make headlines. There's a bit of sensationalism or grandstanding at play here. The actual announcement is good science, and plays into their desire for funding to follow up.