"Life makes our planet an incredibly exotic place compared to the rest of the known universe," says astrobiologist Betül Kaçar, whose research uses statistics and mathematical models to simulate ancient environments and gather insights into the origins of existence. In this fascinating talk, she explores how a deeper understanding of chemistry could lead to the "secret sauce" for sparking life on other planets -- and asks us to ponder an important question: If we could kick-start life in the universe, should we?

Betül Kaçar: We could kick-start life on another planet. Should we?

We could kick-start life on another planet. Should we?

Scientist, evolutionary biologist, astrobiologist

Exploring ancient DNA, scientists activate molecules from billions of years ago to understand life's origins and future.

Imagining seeding life across the galaxy raises ethical dilemmas about our responsibility and the nature of existence itself.

Exploring chemistry's role in life origins may guide us in sparking life on other planets, reshaping our universal journey.