Meet the Neighbors

Has NASA already found life on Mars? * Scientific American *
The most engaging popular science book I’ve read this year – Brian Clegg * Popular Science *
a bold claim well supported by this absorbing, convincing book … a captivating tale of misunderstood planetary biochemistry and its impact – Paul Marks * New Scientist *
If Benner is right - and there is extant life on Mars - the consequences could be colossal – Michael Segalov * Guardian *
Bravo to Benner, one of the world’s most accomplished chemists, for putting the possibility of extant Martian life back on the scientific agenda – Paul Davies, author of Quantum 2.0
[Benner] clearly explains the science and history, but most of all the machinations and philosophy of how science works … extremely enlightening – Kate Gardner * Physics World *
Benner pulls no punches in drawing powerful conclusions based on both his own research and an encyclopedic knowledge of the work of the astrobiology community * National Review *
Robust, detailed and unapologetically argumentative – Stuart Clark * Astronomy Now *
In his terrific new book, Benner draws powerful conclusions … He assembles an impressive body of evidence to support his bold claim that there is almost certainly life on Mars and that, furthermore, life originated on the Red Planet before it appeared on Earth, and in all probability was the source of life here – Robert Zubrin, President of the Mars Society
one of the book’s strengths is its accessibility, with an easy-to-follow and engaging narrative. The discussions on the possible nature of Martian life are particularly fascinating … Benner has convinced me that Mars remains a planet of interest. At a time when new Mars missions are taking shape, this book is sure to reignite fascination with the possibility of life on the Red Planet – Penelope Wozniakiewicz * BBC Sky at Night Magazine *

Steven A. Benner is a chemist, synthetic biologist, paleogenetist, and astrobiologist. His research began at Harvard University and continued at ETH Zurich and the University of Florida. Following successes in inventing medical and biotechnology products, he founded The Westheimer Institute for Science and Technology at the Foundation for Applied Molecular Evolution. His work has significantly influenced the modern definition of life and the search for extraterrestrial life. In 2023, he received the Harold Urey Medal from the International Astrobiology Society for his contributions to the study of the origin of life.

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