Images from the surface of Mars reveal the presence of mushrooms, a group of scientists claim in a controversial new study.

It states some images captured by NASA's Curiosity show fungi is growing on the surface of the supposedly barren planet.

The claims have yet to be confirmed or refuted by NASA.

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A study claims some objects captured by NASA's Curiosity show fungi is growing on the surface of the supposedly barren planet (pictured)

The research lists 15 images as evidence of algae, lichens and 'Martian mushrooms'.

Photographic evidence of such flourishing lifeforms, should the discovery be confirmed, would likely revolutionise our understanding of Mars and life outside of Earth.

Dr Regina Dass, of the department of microbiology at the school of life sciences, India, the study's co-author said: 'There are no geological or other abiogenic forces on Earth which can produce sedimentary structures, by the hundreds, which have mushroom shapes, stems, stalks, and shed what looks like spores on the surrounding surface,' the Express reports.

'In fact, fifteen specimens were photographed by NASA growing out of the ground in just three days.'

It remains unknown why life may have sprouted on Mars but it is possible conditions are more suitable for cultivating life underground than on the surface.

The claims have been published in Journal of Astrobiology and Space Science Reviews.

A controversial piece of research such as this is subjected to extensive vetting by peers within the scientific community.

The research states 15 images include evidence of algae, lichens and 'Martian mushrooms' (pictured). The claims have been published in Journal of Astrobiology and Space Science Reviews

Photographic evidence of such flourishing lifeforms, should the discovery be confirmed, would revolutionise our understanding of Mars. Images from the rover include purported evidence of 'life' on martian rocks

Editors of the journal say six independent scientists and eight senior editors were recruited to scrutinise the study.

Eleven recommended publication on the grounds certain revisions were implemented and three rejected the results.

Other academics proposed an alternative explanation and say it is more feasible the specimens are hematite, a form of iron oxide.

The journal stated: 'Evidence is not proof and there is no proof of life on Mars.

'Abiogenic explanations for this evidence can't be ruled out.'