Planetary And Interstellar Processes Relevant To The Origins Of Life

Author : D.C.B. Whittet
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 310 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 2013-03-14
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789401589079

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Planetary and Interstellar Processes Relevant to the Origins of Life by D.C.B. Whittet Pdf

These are exciting times for exobiology. The ubiquity of organic molecules in interstellar clouds, comets and asteroids strongly supports a cosmic perspective on the origin of life. Data from both ground-based telescopes and the recently launched Infrared Space Observatory are providing new insight into the complexity of carbon-based chemistry beyond the Earth. Meteorites give us solid evidence for extraterrestrial amino acids, and putative fossil evidence for life in a 3.6 billion-year-old Martian meteorite hints that life in our system might not be the sole prerogative of the Earth. Giant planets have now been discovered orbiting other stars, and although such planets seem unlikely to be habitable themselves, their existence strongly suggests what many astronomers have long believed - that planetary systems are commonplace. All these topics are reviewed in this volume by active researchers. The level is appropriate for graduate students in astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth sciences, physics, and related disciplines. It will also provide a valuable source of reference for active researchers in these fields.

Author : National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Planetary Biology and Chemical Evolution
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 161 pages
File Size : 47,5 Mb
Release : 1990-02-01
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309042468

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The Search for Life's Origins by National Research Council,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,Space Studies Board,Committee on Planetary Biology and Chemical Evolution Pdf

The field of planetary biology and chemical evolution draws together experts in astronomy, paleobiology, biochemistry, and space science who work together to understand the evolution of living systems. This field has made exciting discoveries that shed light on how organic compounds came together to form self-replicating molecules-the origin of life. This volume updates that progress and offers recommendations on research programs-including an ambitious effort centered on Mars-to advance the field over the next 10 to 15 years. The book presents a wide range of data and research results on these and other issues: The biogenic elements and their interaction in the interstellar clouds and in solar nebulae. Early planetary environments and the conditions that lead to the origin of life. The evolution of cellular and multicellular life. The search for life outside the solar system. This volume will become required reading for anyone involved in the search for life's beginnings-including exobiologists, geoscientists, planetary scientists, and U.S. space and science policymakers.

Author : Joseph Bevelacqua
Publisher : BoD – Books on Demand
Page : 236 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2021-07-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781839693120

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Solar System Planets and Exoplanets by Joseph Bevelacqua Pdf

Solar System Planets and Exoplanets provides a current viewpoint of planetary systems. The solar system’s planets and exoplanets are addressed in an overview manner, and specific space probe data are used to provide a current state of knowledge of Venus and Mars. Recent Mars data and associated observations are addressed in several chapters. Of particular interest are data that suggest the possibility that life could have existed on the planet’s surface during its past when Mars’ atmosphere was wetter and denser. The search for life on Mars is one of the main objectives of space missions, and it is an ongoing theme of this book. Key to the existence of life is the evolution of the radiation output of the Sun that is discussed and projected into the future. Space probe data related to the Asteroid Belt is also presented. Technological advances in terms of operating aircraft on Mars and propulsion systems provide useful commentary regarding future innovations that will enhance upcoming space missions and the search for life.

Author : Andrew M. Shaw
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
Page : 500 pages
File Size : 48,9 Mb
Release : 2021-11-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781119114741

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Astrochemistry by Andrew M. Shaw Pdf

A fully revised new edition of an introductory text to the dynamic and fascinating subject of astrochemistry Since the first edition in 2006 of Astrochemistry, the Mars rovers have driven 31.18 miles, there has been fly-by of Pluto changing it from a 4-pixel world on the Hubble Space Telescope into a mysterious non-planet. There have been visits to asteroids, revisiting Mercury, discovery of the Higgs Boson, discovery of over 2000 extrasolar planets and landing on the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko by Rosetta mission – hence the timely publication of this new edition. This core textbook now includes more detailed information on the kinetic modelling of chemistry in the interstellar medium, extending the same principles of physical chemistry to meteor ablation and finally atmospheres and oceans. The increase in density from near-emptiness to 1.35 x 1021 L of water in the world's oceans is used to take single collision kinetics into ensemble thermodynamics. A new introduction of thermodynamic using meteor ablation replaces traditional bomb calorimetry and per-biotic chemistry leads to spontaneous reactions. New to the second edition: An extended discussion on matter, dark or otherwise, interstellar and stellar chemistry and the origin of pre-biotic molecules Detailed chemical kinetic models for mechanisms of chemistry in the interstellar medium Origins of life in solution, enzyme kinetics and catalysis A review of Mars and Titan as habitats for life Fully referenced throughout to reflect the research frontier An introduction to the idea of analytical mathematical engines that can do all of the heavy mathematics and fostering the skill of setting up a model and testing it 200 problems with detailed solutions Written for undergraduate and postgraduate students in astrochemistry or more generally physical chemistry, the new edition of Astrochemistry is an important introductory text to the topic, the latest developments in the field and the ubiquity of physical chemistry.

Author : Victoria Meadows,Giada Arney,Britney Schmidt,David J. Des Marais
Publisher : University of Arizona Press
Page : 593 pages
File Size : 52,9 Mb
Release : 2020-07-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780816540068

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Planetary Astrobiology by Victoria Meadows,Giada Arney,Britney Schmidt,David J. Des Marais Pdf

Are we alone in the universe? How did life arise on our planet? How do we search for life beyond Earth? These profound questions excite and intrigue broad cross sections of science and society. Answering these questions is the province of the emerging, strongly interdisciplinary field of astrobiology. Life is inextricably tied to the formation, chemistry, and evolution of its host world, and multidisciplinary studies of solar system worlds can provide key insights into processes that govern planetary habitability, informing the search for life in our solar system and beyond. Planetary Astrobiology brings together current knowledge across astronomy, biology, geology, physics, chemistry, and related fields, and considers the synergies between studies of solar systems and exoplanets to identify the path needed to advance the exploration of these profound questions. Planetary Astrobiology represents the combined efforts of more than seventy-five international experts consolidated into twenty chapters and provides an accessible, interdisciplinary gateway for new students and seasoned researchers who wish to learn more about this expanding field. Readers are brought to the frontiers of knowledge in astrobiology via results from the exploration of our own solar system and exoplanetary systems. The overarching goal of Planetary Astrobiology is to enhance and broaden the development of an interdisciplinary approach across the astrobiology, planetary science, and exoplanet communities, enabling a new era of comparative planetology that encompasses conditions and processes for the emergence, evolution, and detection of life.

Author : G. Adler,H.E. Blum,M. Fuchs,E.F. Stange
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 616 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2004-08-17
Category : Medical
ISBN : 0792387988

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Gallstones by G. Adler,H.E. Blum,M. Fuchs,E.F. Stange Pdf

This book, the proceedings of the Falk Syposium No. 139 on "Gallstones: Pathogenesis and Treatment", held in Freiburg, Germany, on January 15-16, 2004, reflects the tremendous advances in the field of biliary diseases both at the genetic and cellular as well as the clinical levels. In industrialized countries, gallstones are a frequent clinical entity with a prevalence of 10-15%. In clinical practice one can differentiate between cholesterol stones, black pigment stones and brown pigment stones. 80-90% of gallbladder stones are cholesterol stones, 10--20% are black pigment stones. The prevalence of cholesterol stones increases with age and in Europe in the 70+ age group reaches about 20% in males and about 30% in females. Gallstones and gallstone diseases, therefore, are a frequent and important clinical problem. The book addresses the basic aspects of gallstone pathogenesis as well as the non-surgical and surgical treatment of gallstone diseases. Of particular interest are the epidemiology and genetics of gallstone formation, with definition of risk factors, in particular of genetic predispositions. Other major aspects are the hepatocellular and bilary transport mechanisms that predispose to the formation of gallstones. Apart from cholesterol and lipid transport and absorption, gallbladder function plays a central role in gallstone formation. Another clinically very relevant topic is the treatment of gallstone diseases by drugs, endoscopic and other non-surgical interventions, and surgery, as well as the long-term outcome of therapeutic interventions. The volume concludes with a state-of-the-art chapter on "Gallstone Research in the Post-Genomic Era". Gallstones: Pathogenesis and Treatment is an excellent update on the pathogenesis of gallstones as well as on the treatment of gallstone diseases, written by an international faculty of outstanding clinicans and scientists. The book will, therefore, be of great interest to hepatologists and gastroenterologists in academic institutions as well as in clinical practice.

Author : Ana I. Gomez de Castro
Publisher : Elsevier
Page : 178 pages
File Size : 46,7 Mb
Release : 2021-03-27
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780128191712

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Ultraviolet Astronomy and the Quest for the Origin of Life by Ana I. Gomez de Castro Pdf

Ultraviolet Astronomy and the Quest for the Origin of Life addresses the use of astronomical observations in the ultraviolet range to better understand the generation of complex, life-precursor molecules. The origin of RNA is still under debate but seems to be related to the generation of pools of complex organic molecules submitted to heavy cycles of solution in water and drying. This book investigates whether these cycles require a planetary surface or may occur in space by examining both the theoretical and observational aspects of the role of UV radiation in the origin of life. This book offers the latest advances in these studies for astronomers, astrobiologists and planetary scientists. Addresses both the theoretical and observational aspects of the role of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the origin of life Builds on the requirements to produce prebiotic molecules in space and the implications for the origin of RNA Investigates the use of ultraviolet observations related to planetary system formation, the evolution of young planetary disks, and the interaction of stars with planetary atmospheres

Author : Douglas Whittet
Publisher : Morgan & Claypool Publishers
Page : 198 pages
File Size : 44,9 Mb
Release : 2017-12-07
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781681746791

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Origins of Life by Douglas Whittet Pdf

Origins of Life: A Cosmic Perspective presents an overview of the concepts, methods, and theories of astrobiology and origins of life research while presenting a summary of the latest findings. The book provides insight into the environments and processes that gave birth to life on our planet, which naturally informs our assessment of the probability that has arisen (or will arise) elsewhere. In addition, the book encourages readers to go beyond basic concepts, to explore topics in greater depth, and to engage in lively discussions. The text is intended to be suitable for mid- and upper-level undergraduates and beginning graduate students and more generally as an introduction and overview for researchers and general readers seeking to follow current developments in this interdisciplinary field. Readers are assumed to have a basic grounding in the relevant sciences, but prior specialized knowledge is not required. Each chapter concludes with a list of questions and discussion topics as well as suggestions for further reading. Some questions can be answered with reference to material in the text, but others require further reading and some have no known answers. The intention is to encourage readers to go beyond basic concepts, to explore topics in greater depth, and, in a classroom setting, to engage in lively discussions with class members.

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 the Origins and Evolution of Life
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 93 pages
File Size : 42,7 Mb
Release : 2005-06-25
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309096270

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The Astrophysical Context of Life 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 the Origins and Evolution of Life Pdf

In 1997, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) formed the National Astrobiology Institute to coordinate and fund research into the origins, distribution, and fate of life in the universe. A 2002 NRC study of that program, Life in the Universe: An Assessment of U.S. and International Programs in Astrobiology, raised a number of concerns about the Astrobiology program. In particular, it concluded that areas of astrophysics related to the astronomical environment in which life arose on earth were not well represented in the program. In response to that finding, the Space Studies Board requested the original study committee, the Committee on the Origins and Evolution of Life, to examine ways to augment and integrate astronomy and astrophysics into the Astrobiology program. This report presents the results of that study. It provides a review of the earlier report and related efforts, a detailed examination of the elements of the astrobiology program that would benefit from greater integration and augmentation of astronomy and astrophysics, and an assessment of ways to facilitate the integration of astronomy with other astrobiology disciplines.

Author : S. A. Haider
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 259 pages
File Size : 48,5 Mb
Release : 2023-08-17
Category : Science
ISBN : 9789819931385

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Aeronomy of Mars by S. A. Haider Pdf

“Mangalyaan was launched on November 5, 2013, to Mars by Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). On October 2, 2022, ISRO declared that Mangalyaan had lost communications with Earth. Mars Color Camera (MCC) on-board Mangalyaan has taken thousands pictures of Mars. A full disk of Mars image observed by Viking is shown on the cover page of this book. Mars is covered by the dust as observed by Mangalyaan (from Arya et al., 2015). This book presents the atmospheric and ionospheric results obtained from all missions to Mars. It also covers various atmospheric and ionospheric models of Mars. Broadly speaking, the planet’s atmosphere can be divided into two regions: lower and upper. These two regions can be coupled due to the propagation of energy from the lower to the upper atmosphere. The first-ever book on the aeronomy of Mars, this work is intended to help students and researchers familiarize themselves with the field of aeronomy. In addition, it helps planetary probe designers, engineers, and other users in the scientific community, e.g., planetary geologists and geophysicists”.

Author : Astronomisches Rechen-InstitutARI
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 1746 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 2013-11-11
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783642517587

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Literature 1997, Part 1 by Astronomisches Rechen-InstitutARI Pdf

Astronomy and Astrophysics Abstracts is devoted to the recording, summarizing and indexing of astronomical publications throughout the world. Two volumes are scheduled to appear per year. Volume 67 records 10,903 papers covering besides the classical fields of astronomy and astrophysics such matters as space flights related to astronomy, lunar and planetary probes and satellites, meteorites and interplanetary matter, X rays and cosmic rays, quasars and pulsars. The abstracts are classified under more than one hundred subject categories thus permitting quick surveying of the bulk of material published on the same topic within six months. For instance, this volume records 119 papers on minor planets, 155 papers on supernovae, and 554 papers on cosmology.

Author : Muriel Gargaud,Purificación López-Garcìa,Hervé Martin
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 547 pages
File Size : 55,5 Mb
Release : 2011-01-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781139494595

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Origins and Evolution of Life by Muriel Gargaud,Purificación López-Garcìa,Hervé Martin Pdf

Devoted to exploring questions about the origin and evolution of life in our Universe, this highly interdisciplinary book brings together a broad array of scientists. Thirty chapters assembled in eight major sections convey the knowledge accumulated and the richness of the debates generated by this challenging theme. The text explores the latest research on the conditions and processes that led to the emergence of life on Earth and, by extension, perhaps on other planetary bodies. Diverse sources of knowledge are integrated, from astronomical and geophysical data, to the role of water, the origin of minimal life properties and the oldest traces of biological activity on our planet. This text will not only appeal to graduate students but to the large body of scientists interested in the challenges presented by the origin of life, its evolution, and its possible existence beyond Earth.

Author : FIELD,CHAISSON
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 193 pages
File Size : 40,7 Mb
Release : 2012-12-06
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781461581840

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The Invisible Universe by FIELD,CHAISSON Pdf

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 the Origins and Evolution of Life,Committee on the Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems
Publisher : National Academies Press
Page : 116 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 2007-07-26
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780309104845

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The Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems 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 the Origins and Evolution of Life,Committee on the Limits of Organic Life in Planetary Systems Pdf

The search for life in the solar system and beyond has to date been governed by a model based on what we know about life on Earth (terran life). Most of NASA's mission planning is focused on locations where liquid water is possible and emphasizes searches for structures that resemble cells in terran organisms. It is possible, however, that life exists that is based on chemical reactions that do not involve carbon compounds, that occurs in solvents other than water, or that involves oxidation-reduction reactions without oxygen gas. To assist NASA incorporate this possibility in its efforts to search for life, the NRC was asked to carry out a study to evaluate whether nonstandard biochemistry might support life in solar system and conceivable extrasolar environments, and to define areas to guide research in this area. This book presents an exploration of a limited set of hypothetical chemistries of life, a review of current knowledge concerning key questions or hypotheses about nonterran life, and suggestions for future research.

Author : D. W. Deamer,Jack W. Szostak
Publisher : Cold Spring Harbor Perspective
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 53,8 Mb
Release : 2010
Category : Science
ISBN : 193611304X

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The Origins of Life by D. W. Deamer,Jack W. Szostak Pdf

Life arose on Earth more than three billion years ago. How the first self-replicating systems emerged from prebiotic chemistry and evolved into primitive cell-like entities is an area of intense research, spanning molecular and cellular biology, organic chemistry, cosmology, geology, and atmospheric science. Written and edited by experts in the field, this collection from Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology provides a comprehensive account of the environment of the early Earth and the mechanisms by which the organic molecules present may have self-assembled to form replicating material such as RNA and other polymers. The contributors examine the energetic requirements for this process and focus in particular on the essential role of semi-permeable compartments in containment of primitive genetic systems. Also covered in the book are new synthetic approaches for fabricating cellular systems, the potentially extraterrestrial origin of life's building blocks, and the possibility that life once existed on Mars. Comprising five sections Setting the Stage, Components of First Life, Primitive Systems, First Polymers, and Transition to a Microbial World it is a vital reference for all scientists interested in the origin of life on Earth and the likelihood that it has arisen on other planets