Neuroastrobiology: A Proposed Framework for Investigating the Evolution of Biological Information Processing and Cognition in the Universe

This white paper presents an initial conceptual framework proposing Neuroastrobiology as an interdisciplinary research approach dedicated to investigating the relationship between planetary environments, biological evolution, information processing, and cognition. Neuroastrobiology integrates concepts from astrobiology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, planetary science, physics, artificial intelligence, and bioengineering to explore how biological systems capable of perception, adaptation, and cognitive processes may emerge under different environmental conditions. The central question guiding this framework is: How does the Universe produce biological systems capable of processing information, adapting to their environments, and developing cognition? This document introduces the conceptual foundations, research domains, potential hypotheses, methodological approaches, and future directions for Neuroastrobiology as a proposed interdisciplinary research framework. The proposal does not assume specific forms of extraterrestrial life or intelligence. Instead, it aims to establish a scientific perspective for investigating general principles connecting planetary conditions, evolutionary processes, biological complexity, and cognition. Version 0.1 represents the initial conceptual formulation and is intended to encourage scientific discussion, interdisciplinary collaboration, critical evaluation, and future research development.