Gagarin Readings--Unconventional Computing, Space Exploration and Origin of Life.

This article summarizes the "Gagarin Readings" workshop held in April 2024, which focused on unconventional computing, space exploration, and the origin of life. The special issue presents ten papers from international researchers exploring bio-inspired computing, materials science, and novel electronics, including studies on biomaterial-based sensors, bioelectric cellular models, neuromorphic systems, and chemically inspired cellular automata. Additional topics include molecular-agent-based computing models for NP-complete problems, energy efficiency comparisons between biological systems and AI, and the use of fungi and kombucha mats as sustainable intelligent materials. The issue concludes with investigations into colloidal suspensions for reservoir computing and the potential of liquid cybernetic systems for autonomous space exploration.