Xenobiology: A Journey towards Parallel Life Forms

Chembiochem. 2020 Aug 17;21(16):2228-2231. doi: 10.1002/cbic.202000141. Epub 2020 Apr 22.

Abstract

Xenobiology is the science of estranged life forms. More specifically, this is an emergent technoscience that combines advances in genetic engineering with the design of biological systems based on unusual biochemistries delivered by chemical compounds of mostly anthropogenic origin. Xenobiology enables us to create and study strange new life forms, "aliens", not in the way science fiction books do it, but in terms of enlightened science, design, and engineering.

Keywords: alien life; biotechnology; engineering; synthetic biology; xenobiology.

Publication types

  • Editorial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology
  • Genetic Engineering
  • Synthetic Biology*