A Question Regarding 1960s "Mars Jars"

In the mid 1960s, several scientists duplicated the (known) Martian surface conditions, using large glass jars. Various earh plants, insects, lichens, etc. were placed in these jars, and monitored.
I recall that most earth species died in the harsh conditions, but some survived.
Does anybody have any knowledge of this? Of course, we know much more now-it would be interesting to repeat these experiments.