ABSTRACT
A discussion of the risks posed by Xenobiology, both in terms of entirely new lifelines (not interrelated with existing biochemistry and genetics) and as a function of discovering compatible lifeforms in barriered habitats within and outside the planet (that may present explosive growth if transplanted or transferred to accessible environments) has been long overdue. The scientific community has always been appreciative of the said dangers; thus, measures were applied in space exploration and ground rules have been set. In many cases though, a robust public understanding and similar training and education for all the possibly concerned levels of society – from research and academia to industry – has been lacking. Not expecting a relative pandemic to bring the planet to speed would be a prudent policy, given the bitter experience of COVID-19. The different aspects of xenobiology, which are occasionally considered as entirely different disciplines, namely Exobiology and Astrobiology, call for occasionally different approaches that must be prioritized for exploration and funding by the combined weight of the prospective impact and the possibility of occurrence for each of them.
