Reconfiguring SETI in the microbial context: Panspermia as a solution to Fermi's paradox

Area of Science:

• Astrobiology
• Exobiology
• Microbial Cognition

Background:

• Current Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) relies on anthropocentric definitions of intelligence.
• The Fermi paradox may stem from a misunderstanding of potential extraterrestrial intelligence forms.
• Neuronal intelligence, augmented by AI, is the assumed standard for cosmic interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose bacterial ensembles as a more probable form of dominant cosmic intelligence.
• To explore panspermia as a mechanism for the transfer of microbial intelligence.
• To challenge anthropocentric biases in SETI.

Main Methods:

• Conceptual analysis of intelligence definitions.
• Review of bacterial cognition and collective behavior.
• Exploration of panspermia as a biological transfer mechanism.

Main Results:

• Bacterial ensembles exhibit high levels of intelligence and cognition.
• Panspermia facilitates the cosmic distribution of microbial intelligence.
• Bacterial intelligence can operate via biological tropism for extraterrestrial communication.

Conclusions:

• Bacterial intelligence offers a plausible alternative to human-like intelligence in the cosmos.
• The bacteriosphere represents a potential network for cosmic-scale microbial communication.
• Rethinking SETI's anthropocentric approach is crucial for future discoveries.