Astrobiological neurosystems
Subtitle: rise and fall of intelligent life forms in the universe
By: Jerry L. Cranford
Series: Astronomers' universe; Astronomers' universe
Publisher: Springer International Publishing; Imprint: Springer
Published: 2015
Language: eng
Number of pages: 204
ISBN-13: 9783319104188
Subjects: Exobiology; Popular works; Neurobiology; Life on other planets
Other titles: Rise and fall of intelligent life forms in the universe
Description: This book explains why scientists believe that life may be more common in the Universe than previously considered possible. It presents the tools and strategies astronomers and astrobiologists are using in their formal search for habitable exoplanets as well as more advanced forms of life in other parts of our galaxy. The author then summarizes what is currently known about how and where organic molecules critical to our form of carbon-based life are manufactured. The core of the book explains (and presents educated guesses) how nervous systems evolved on Earth, how they work, and how they might work on other worlds. Combining his knowledge of neuroscience, computers, and astrobiology the author jumps into the discussion whether biological nervous systems are just the first step in the rise of intelligence in the Universe. The book ends with a description from both the psychologist’s and the neuroscientist’s viewpoints, exactly what it is about the fields of astrobiology and astronomy that “boggles the minds” of many amateur astronomers and interested non-scientists. This book stands out from other popular science books on astrobiology by making the point that “astro-neurobiologists” need to begin thinking about how alien nervous systems might work.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (pages 193-198) and index.
Table of contents: title: Scientists believe intelligent life may be more common in the universe than previously considered possible; title: When will mankind achieve "first contact" with extraterrestrial life forms; title: If other kinds of nervous systems exist in the universe, how do we locate them?; title: Evolution of intelligent nervous systems on other worlds in the universe; title: Are biological nervous systems just the first step in the rise of intelligence in the universe?; title: Just how hostile is our universe to the development and survival of life forms?; title: Some final thoughts from this "amateur" astronomer on makind's imminent discovery that we are not alone in the universe.