XPost: rec.arts.sf.science, rec.arts.sf.written   
   From: genew@telus.net   
      
   On Sun, 29 Apr 2018 18:57:24 -0500, Cryptoengineer   
    wrote:   
      
   [snip]   
      
   >We have limited resources for searching. We do know one type of   
   >environment where life can arise, and its not a rare one. Can you   
   >present an argument for looking elsewhere, and suggest what we   
   >should look for?   
      
        We already know about that one.   
      
        Thinking about how *else* life could arise can help us understand   
   our case.  (Just as knowing more than one language helps one   
   understand one's own language better.)   
      
        One idea of mine is to look for systems that have chemicals   
   converting back and forth.  (As with the oxygen - carbon dioxide cycle   
   in Earth's biosphere.)  This is, of course, no guarantee of life, but   
   it is a start.   
      
        Another is to look at the differences between how life works with   
   various organisms on Earth and see what else seems reasonable.  IIRC,   
   Earth life has some interesting kludges.  Why are they there?  If the   
   kludges were not there, what differences would result?   
      
        I am no expert in the area, and for all I know, these are already   
   being done, and those who know more may well be able to suggest other   
   ideas.   
      
   Sincerely,   
      
   Gene Wirchenko   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)