From Fossils To Astrobiology

Author : Joseph Seckbach,Maud Walsh
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 539 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 2008-11-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781402088377

Get Book

From Fossils to Astrobiology by Joseph Seckbach,Maud Walsh Pdf

From Fossils to Astrobiology reviews developments in paleontology and geobiology that relate to the rapidly-developing field of Astrobiology, the study of life in the Universe. Many traditional areas of scientific study, including astronomy, chemistry and planetary science, contribute to Astrobiology, but the study of the record of life on planet Earth is critical in guiding investigations in the rest of the cosmos. In this varied book, expert scientists from 15 countries present peer-reviewed, stimulating reviews of paleontological and astrobiological studies. The overviews of established and emerging techniques for studying modern and ancient microorganisms on Earth and beyond, will be valuable guides to evaluating biosignatures which could be found in the extraterrestrial surface or subsurface within the Solar System and beyond. This volume also provides discussion on the controversial reports of "nanobacteria" in the Martian meteorite ALH84001. It is a unique volume among Astrobiology monographs in focusing on fossil evidence from the geological record and will be valuable to students and researchers alike.

Author : Kevin W. Plaxco,Michael Gross
Publisher : JHU Press
Page : 348 pages
File Size : 48,6 Mb
Release : 2011-09-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781421401942

Get Book

Astrobiology by Kevin W. Plaxco,Michael Gross Pdf

Informed by new planetary discoveries and the findings from recent robotic missions to Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn, scientists are rapidly replacing centuries of speculation about potential extraterrestrial habitats with real knowledge about the possibility of life outside our own biosphere—if it exists, and where. This second edition of Kevin W. Plaxco and Michael Gross’s widely acclaimed text incorporates the latest research in astrobiology to bring readers the most comprehensive, up-to-date, and engaging introduction to the field available. Plaxco and Gross expand their examination of the origin of chemical elements, the developments that made the Universe habitable, and how life continues to be sustained. They discuss in great detail the formation of the first galaxies and stars, the diverse chemistry of the primordial planet, the origins of metabolism, the evolution of complex organisms, and the feedback regulation of Earth's climate. They also explore life in extreme habitats, potential extraterrestrial habitats, and the current status of the search for extraterrestrial life. Weaving together the relevant threads of astronomy, geology, chemistry, biophysics, and microbiology, this broadly accessible introductory text captures the excitement, controversy, and progress of the dynamic young field of astrobiology. New to this edition is a glossary of terms and an epilogue recapping the key unanswered questions, making Astrobiology an ideal primer for students and, indeed, for anyone curious about life and the Universe.

Author : Muriel Gargaud,Ricardo Amils
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 1890 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2011-05-26
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
ISBN : 9783642112713

Get Book

Encyclopedia of Astrobiology by Muriel Gargaud,Ricardo Amils Pdf

Astrobiology is a remarkably interdisciplinary field. This reference serves as a key to understanding technical terms from the different subfields of astrobiology, including astronomy, biology, chemistry, the geosciences and the space sciences.

Author : Julian Chela-Flores
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 359 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 2011-07-28
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789400716278

Get Book

The Science of Astrobiology by Julian Chela-Flores Pdf

Since the publication of The New Science of Astrobiology in the year 2001—the first edition of the present book—two significant events have taken place raising the subject from the beginning of the present century to its present maturity. Firstly, in 2001 the Galileo Mission still had two years to complete its task, which turned out to be an outstanding survey of the Jovian system, especially of its intriguing satellite Europa. Secondly, the Cassini Huygens Mission was still on its way to Saturn. Its present success has surpassed all expectations of ESA and NASA. Astrobiologists still did not know that Titan was the fifth body in the Solar System that possibly contained a water ocean (including the Earth and the three Galilean satellites other than Io). For these reasons the book includes overviews of the evolutionary and molecular biology that are necessary. There is a discussion of other sectors of culture that are the natural frontiers of astrobiology, especially the humanities.

Author : Susan M. Gaines,Geoffrey Eglinton,Jurgen Rullkotter
Publisher : Oxford University Press
Page : 376 pages
File Size : 46,5 Mb
Release : 2009
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780195176193

Get Book

Echoes of Life by Susan M. Gaines,Geoffrey Eglinton,Jurgen Rullkotter Pdf

This work is a story about organic molecules that can elucidate the long, interlinked history of the Earth and life, namely fossil molecules, found in rocks and petroleum. It is also the story of how a few maverick organic chemists and geologists reunited chemistry, biology and geology in a common endeavour.

Author : Barbara Cavalazzi,Frances Westall
Publisher : Springer
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2018-10-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 3319961748

Get Book

Biosignatures for Astrobiology by Barbara Cavalazzi,Frances Westall Pdf

This book aims at providing a brief but broad overview of biosignatures. The topics addressed range from prebiotic signatures in extraterrestrial materials to the signatures characterising extant life as well as fossilised life, biosignatures related to space, and space flight instrumentation to detect biosignatures either in situ or from orbit. The book ends with philosophical reflections on the implications of life elsewhere. In the 15 chapters written by an interdisciplinary team of experts, it provides both detailed explanations on the nature of biosignatures as well as useful case studies showing how they are used and identified in ancient rocks, for example. One case study addresses the controversial finding of traces of fossil life in a meteorite from Mars. The book will be of interest not only to astrobiologists but also to terrestrial paleontologists as well as any reader interested in the prospects of finding a second example of life on another planet.

Author : National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Life Sciences,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on an Astrobiology Strategy for the Exploration of Mars
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 130 pages
File Size : 49,7 Mb
Release : 2007-07-26
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309108515

Get Book

An Astrobiology Strategy for the Exploration of Mars by National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Life Sciences,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on an Astrobiology Strategy for the Exploration of Mars Pdf

Three recent developments have greatly increased interest in the search for life on Mars. The first is new information about the Martian environment including evidence of a watery past and the possibility of atmospheric methane. The second is the possibility of microbial viability on Mars. Finally, the Vision for Space Exploration initiative included an explicit directive to search for the evidence of life on Mars. These scientific and political developments led NASA to request the NRC's assistance in formulating an up-to-date integrated astrobiology strategy for Mars exploration. Among other topics, this report presents a review of current knowledge about possible life on Mars; an astrobiological assessment of current Mars missions; a review of Mars-mission planetary protection; and findings and recommendations. The report notes that the greatest increase in understanding of Mars will come from the collection and return to Earth of a well-chosen suite of Martian surface materials.

Author : Joseph Seckbach,Helga Stan-Lotter
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 416 pages
File Size : 51,8 Mb
Release : 2021-01-13
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781119591689

Get Book

Extremophiles as Astrobiological Models by Joseph Seckbach,Helga Stan-Lotter Pdf

The data in this book are new or updated, and will serve also as Origin of Life and evolutionary studies. Endospores of bacteria have a long history of use as model organisms in astrobiology, including survival in extreme environments and interplanetary transfer of life. Numerous other bacteria as well as archaea, lichens, fungi, algae and tiny animals (tardigrades, or water bears) are now being investigated for their tolerance to extreme conditions in simulated or real space environments. Experimental results from exposure studies on the International Space Station and space probes for up to 1.5 years are presented and discussed. Suggestions for extaterrestrial energy sources are also indicated. Audience Researchers and graduate students in microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology and astrobiology, as well as anyone interested in the search for extraterrestrial life and its technical preparations.

Author : Charles S. Cockell
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 646 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2020-06-15
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781119550358

Get Book

Astrobiology by Charles S. Cockell Pdf

A guide to understanding the formation of life in the Universe The revised and updated second edition of Astrobiology offers an introductory text that explores the structure of living things, the formation of the elements required for life in the Universe, the biological and geological history of the Earth, and the habitability of other planets. Written by a noted expert on the topic, the book examines many of the major conceptual foundations in astrobiology, which cover a diversity of traditional fields including chemistry, biology, geosciences, physics, and astronomy. The book explores many profound questions such as: How did life originate on Earth? How has life persisted on Earth for over three billion years? Is there life elsewhere in the Universe? What is the future of life on Earth? Astrobiology is centered on investigating the past and future of life on Earth by looking beyond Earth to get the answers. Astrobiology links the diverse scientific fields needed to understand life on our own planet and, potentially, life beyond. This new second edition: Expands on information about the nature of astrobiology and why it is useful Contains a new chapter “What is Life?” that explores the history of attempts to understand life Contains 20% more material on the astrobiology of Mars, icy moons, the structure of life, and the habitability of planets New ‘Discussion Boxes’ to stimulate debate and thought about key questions in astrobiology New review and reflection questions for each chapter to aid learning New boxes describing the careers of astrobiologists and how they got into the subject Offers revised and updated information throughout to reflect the latest advances in the field Written for students of life sciences, physics, astronomy and related disciplines, the updated edition of Astrobiology is an essential introductory text that includes recent advances to this dynamic field.

Author : Charles S. Cockell
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 470 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2015-12-14
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781118913321

Get Book

Astrobiology by Charles S. Cockell Pdf

Astrobiology is an interdisciplinary field that asks profound scientific questions. How did life originate on the Earth? How has life persisted on the Earth for over three billion years? Is there life elsewhere in the Universe? What is the future of life on Earth? Astrobiology: Understanding Life in the Universe is an introductory text which explores the structure of living things, the formation of the elements for life in the Universe, the biological and geological history of the Earth and the habitability of other planets in our own Solar System and beyond. The book is designed to convey some of the major conceptual foundations in astrobiology that cut across a diversity of traditional fields including chemistry, biology, geosciences, physics and astronomy. It can be used to complement existing courses in these fields or as a stand-alone text for astrobiology courses. Readership: Undergraduates studying for degrees in earth or life sciences, physics, astronomy and related disciplines, as well as anyone with an interest in grasping some of the major concepts and ideas in astrobiology.

Author : Vinod Tewari,Joseph Seckbach
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 739 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2011-03-23
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789400703971

Get Book

STROMATOLITES: Interaction of Microbes with Sediments by Vinod Tewari,Joseph Seckbach Pdf

STROMATOLITES: Interaction of Microbes with Sediments provides an overview and latest information about the formation of Stromatolites as a result of interaction of microbes with sediments. Eighty-three expert scientists from twenty-seven countries present the chapters in this volume which have been reviewed by thirty four referees. The volume deals with ancient to modern examples of stromatolites and microorganisms which are observed in various diverse environments, such as: marine, nonmarine, lacustrine and extreme geographical areas covering almost the whole earth. The reviews are original articles written by leading experienced experts, some chapters deal with latest instrumental techniques used for the study of microbes and Stromatolites. Other chapters have been contributed by young researchers who revealed updated data on Stromatolites. The astrobiological implications of early microbiota, sulfur isotopic ratios, microbialites in extreme conditions on earth has opened up new vistas in the search of extraterrestrial life.

Author : Vera M. Kolb
Publisher : CRC Press
Page : 500 pages
File Size : 53,6 Mb
Release : 2014-08-22
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781466584624

Get Book

Astrobiology by Vera M. Kolb Pdf

Astrobiology: An Evolutionary Approach provides a full course in astrobiology with an emphasis on abiogenesis and evolution. The book presents astrobiology both as a developing science and as the science of the future.The origins of life and the possibility of life elsewhere continues to be a subject of scientific and philosophical examination. The

Author : Richard B. Hoover,Roland Paepe
Publisher : IOS Press
Page : 232 pages
File Size : 55,9 Mb
Release : 2005
Category : Electronic books
ISBN : 9781586035129

Get Book

Perspectives in Astrobiology by Richard B. Hoover,Roland Paepe Pdf

Author : Julian Chela-Flores,Guillermo A. Lemarchand,J. Oró
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 396 pages
File Size : 43,5 Mb
Release : 2000-09-30
Category : Science
ISBN : 0792365879

Get Book

Astrobiology by Julian Chela-Flores,Guillermo A. Lemarchand,J. Oró Pdf

The proposal of the School was made in 1998 to three institutions, which responded enthusiastically: The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), its main co-sponsor, the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, both in Trieste, Italy, and the Chancellor's Office, Universidad Simon Bolfvar (USB). The secretarial and logistic support was provided in Trieste by the ICTP and in Caracas by USB and the IDEA Convention Center. In addition the event was generously supported by the following institutes, agencies, foundations and academies: NASA Headquarters, European Space Agency, TALVEN Programme, (Delegacion Permanente de Venezuela ante la UNESCO), The SETI Institute, Centro Latinoamericano .de Ffsica, The Third World Academy of Sciences, Academia de Ciencias Ffsicas, Matematicas y Naturales, Red Latinoamericana de Biologfa, The Planetary Society, The Latin American Academy of Sciences (Fondo ACAL), Alberto Vollmer Foundation, Inc, Fundacion J. Oro, Associated to the Catalonian Research Foundation, Red Latinoamericana de Astronomfa and Colegio Emil Friedman. A total of 36 lectures were delivered by 20 lecturers, of which 14 were from the following countries: Argentina, Mexico, Italy, Spain and the USA. Six lecturers were from the host country. In addition there were 5 chairpersons from the host country that were not participants; two participants acted as chairpersons (Pedro Benitez and Tomas Revilla).

Author : Muriel Gargaud,Philippe Claeys,Purificación López-García,Hervé Martin,Thierry Montmerle,Robert Pascal,Jacques Reisse
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 371 pages
File Size : 41,7 Mb
Release : 2007-07-05
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780387450834

Get Book

From Suns to Life: A Chronological Approach to the History of Life on Earth by Muriel Gargaud,Philippe Claeys,Purificación López-García,Hervé Martin,Thierry Montmerle,Robert Pascal,Jacques Reisse Pdf

This review gathers astronomers, geologists, biologists, and chemists around a common question: how did life emerge on Earth? The ultimate goal is to probe an even more demanding question: is life universal? This not-so linear account highlights problems, gaps, and controversies. Discussion covers the formation of the solar system; the building of a habitable planet; prebiotic chemistry, biochemistry, and the emergence of life; the early Earth environment, and much more.