Earnest Di Mauro Book order (chronological)

How Did Life Begin? This text explores two scientific views on the origins of life: Earthly Abiogenesis, which posits that life began on Earth, and Extraterrestrial Abiogenesis, suggesting life has a cosmic ancestry and may have originated on numerous planets. Both theories embrace abiogenesis, arguing that life could have emerged through similar mechanisms across the universe. Over 30 leading scientists contribute to over 20 chapters that delve into these theories. Part I focuses on Earthly Abiogenesis, addressing questions such as why life starts and how we might find it. Key topics include the emergence of life from high enthalpy and low entropy beginnings, the role of polyphosphate-peptide synergy, and the significance of amino acid homochirality in the RNA world. Other chapters discuss metabolic networks, redox homeostasis, and the molecular origins of life, alongside the interplay between viruses and life itself. Part II shifts to Extraterrestrial Abiogenesis, examining biological cosmology and the potential for life in primordial oceans on other planets. It also considers genetics as evidence for extraterrestrial origins, emphasizing the interconnectedness of life across the cosmos. This revolutionary work invites readers to reflect on the fundamental questions surrounding life's beginnings and its potential existence beyond Earth.