@BOOK{NAP1541, author = "National Research Council", title = "The Search for Life's Origins: Progress and Future Directions in Planetary Biology and Chemical Evolution", isbn = "978-0-309-04246-8", doi = "10.17226/1541", abstract = "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.\nThis field has made exciting discoveries that shed light on how organic compounds came together to form self-replicating molecules\u2014the origin of life.\nThis volume updates that progress and offers recommendations on research programs\u2014including an ambitious effort centered on Mars\u2014to advance the field over the next 10 to 15 years.\nThe book presents a wide range of data and research results on these and other issues:\n\n The biogenic elements and their interaction in the interstellar clouds and in solar nebulae.\n Early planetary environments and the conditions that lead to the origin of life.\n The evolution of cellular and multicellular life.\n The search for life outside the solar system.\n\nThis volume will become required reading for anyone involved in the search for life's beginnings\u2014including exobiologists, geoscientists, planetary scientists, and U.S. space and science policymakers.", url = "https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/1541/the-search-for-lifes-origins-progress-and-future-directions-in", year = 1990, publisher = "The National Academies Press", address = "Washington, DC" }