Astrobiology for a General Reader II: Recent Developments

Surprising sudden advances in Artificial Intelligence will affect various sub-fields of Astrobiology in the near future, but perhaps most exciting of all has been the success of sample return missions from two asteroids whose organic molecules include building blocks of life, plus the discovery of samples on Mars with "reduction spots" whose chemistries are potential biosignatures of past life on the red planet.In this book, the authors have implemented several outstanding features which are helpful to the general reader. The organization of the book is in the format of Questions and Answers (Q&A), an approach unique in the field of Astrobiology. Consequently, it is engaging and easy to follow. The Q&As are linked in a conversation-like style, with each new question following from the previous answer, which aids the learning process. The book is organized into 18 chapters of broad and comprehensive topics, with over 200 questions answered.While the book is written for general readers who are assumed to have an interest in science, but not necessarily with an extensive background, it will also be helpful to the beginner student and those who wish to pursue further one or more aspects of the field. It provides the reader with a comprehensive set of further readings.

About the Author :
Vera M. Kolb obtained degrees in chemical engineering and organic chemistry from Belgrade University (Serbia), and a PhD in organic chemistry from Southern Illinois University (USA). Presently, she is Professor Emerita of Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside (USA). From 1992-1994 she worked with Dr Leslie Orgel at the Salk Institute (USA) and Prof Stanley Miller at University of California (UC) San Diego (USA), at the NASA Specialized Center of Research and Training (NSCORT) in Astrobiology. Prof Kolb has edited/authored several recent books: Astrobiology, An Evolutionary Approach (2015), Green Organic Chemistry and its Interdisciplinary Applications (2016), Handbook of Astrobiology (2019), Astrobiology for a General Reader: A Questions and Answers Approach (with Benton Clark) (2020), Systems Approach to Astrobiology (with Benton Clark) (2023), and Guidebook for Systems Applications in Astrobiology (2023).Benton C. Clark obtained degrees in physics and nuclear engineering from the University of Oklahoma and the University of California (Berkeley), both based in the USA, and a PhD in Biophysics from Columbia University (USA). In space exploration, he designed radiation monitors for the Gemini spacecraft and the instrument for Viking which first analyzed the composition of Martian soil. He has been a science team member for all rover missions to Mars, as well as sample return missions from comets and asteroids. Dr Clark has consulted with NASA for the NSCORT, Exobiology and Astrobiology programs.