The premier issue of Astrobiology, an innovative
multidisciplinary peer-reviewed journal that deals with fundamental
questions about life’s origin, evolution, distribution, and destiny in the
universe, has been launched by publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. Editor in
chief of the new journal is Sherry L. Cady, Ph.D., of the Department of
Geology of Portland State University, Portland, OR. It is published both in
print and online.

“Astrobiology provides a forum for investigators around the world to
disseminate original research papers and reviews and to share their
findings,” said Dr. Cady, who heads the Geomicrobiology Electron Microscopy
Laboratory at Portland State. “Scientists are intrigued by the questions
posed by astrobiology and its implications for addressing complex
environmental and health concerns of this new millennium. Advances in
biomedical research, biotechnology, genomics, and bioinformatics will make
contributions to this field.”

Volume 1, Number 1 of Astrobiology is dedicated to one of the founding
fathers of astrobiology, the late Gerald A. Soffen (1926-2000), National
Aeronautics & Space Administration project scientist for the Viking missions
that landed on Mars in 1976 and a guiding light in the creation of the new
NASA Astrobiology Institute, a virtual organization designed to meld
interdisciplinary research at various institutions via the internet. A
tribute to Dr. Soffen by Michael A. Meyer entitled “A Lasting Legacy” and a
remembrance by H. P. Klein are featured in the issue.

“Astrobiology in its broadest sense is developing as an area of distinct
academic endeavor,” said Mary Ann Liebert in announcing the new publication.
“This quarterly journal, which will be published both in print and online,
will play an important role in the growth of this fascinating field.”

The journal’s international editorial board includes 75 noted scientists
from 16 countries whose expertise covers the fields of meteoritics,
cosmochemistry, gravitational biology, planetary geology and habitability,
exobiology, microbial paleobiology, ecogeology, origins of life,
bioastronomy, life detection and space exploration technology, microbial
ecology, genomics, computational biology, and proteomics, among others.

The first issue include a focus paper on the NASA astrobiology program, plus
six research papers on topics ranging from a new approach to life detection
on other planets to the geology and habitability of Mars, as follows: “A
Non-Earthcentric Approach to Life Detection,” “Cave Biosignature Suites:
Microbes, Minerals, and Mars,” “Microbial Influences on Local Carbon
Isotopic Ratios and Their Preservation in Carbonate,” “Location and Sampling
of Aqueous and Hydrothermal Deposits in Martian Impact Craters,” “The
Physics, Biology, and Environmental Ethics of Making Mars Habitable,” and
“Importance of a Martian Hematite Site for Astrobiology.” For a complete
table of contents and authors, a listing of editorial board members, and
subscription information, visit www.liebertpub.com/ast.

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishes authoritative peer-reviewed journals in
the most promising areas of science and biomedical research, including
Cloning and High Altitude Medicine and Biology. . Its biotechnology trade
magazine, Genetic Engineering News (GEN), was the first in its field and is
today the industry’s most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list
of the firm’s publications is available at www.liebertpub.com.

Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Two Madison Avenue, Larchmont, NY 10538 (914)
834-3100.