Cospar Life Sciences and Space Research, Volume XVI covers the proceedings of the Open Meetings of the Working Group on Space Biology of the 20th Plenary Meeting of COSPAR, held in Tel Aviv, Israel, on June 7-18, 1977. The book focuses on the developments in space explorations; approaches for the creation of extraterrestrial intelligence; and biochemical mechanism of the visual-light-flash phenomena. The selection first discusses the Viking Lander biology experiments on Mars. The experiments returned detailed picture of the Martian soil surface chemistry. The text also takes a look at a preliminary search for narrowband signals at microwave frequencies; observational program options and system requirements for the search of extraterrestrial intelligence; and public health considerations related to a Mars surface sample return mission. The book reviews planetary protection guidelines for outer planet missions, including Viking clean room technology, efficacy of clean room assembly, and Jupiter Orbiter Probe PP appraisal. The text also focuses on the effects of temperature, salinity, and other factors on the growth and formation of UV-absorbing substances by the fungus aspergillus; effects of gravitational and magnetic fields on transplanted neuroblastoma vascularity; and the roles of body mass and gravity in identifying the energy requirements of homoiotherms. The selection is a dependable reference for readers interested in space research.