Understanding electrical communication and manipulating patterns in cells

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This chapter explores an experiment involving worms and electrical networks, where researchers use pharmacological compounds to manipulate how cells communicate electrically. They discuss various techniques such as voltage-sensitive dyes, computational modeling, and optogenetics to study and manipulate the electrical system, highlighting its role as an interface in their experiments.

In this episode, Dr Michael Levin, Distinguished Professor of Biology at Tufts University, joins Nathan to discuss embodied minds, his research into limb regeneration and collective intelligence, cognitive light cones, and much more. Michael and the Levin Lab work at the intersection of biology, artificial life, bioengineering, synthetic morphology, and cognitive science.

LINKS:

The Levin Lab and Dr. Michael Levin’s research: https://drmichaellevin.org/resources/

Dr Michael Levin’s blog: https://thoughtforms.life/about/

Tufts University Faculty Profile: https://as.tufts.edu/biology/people/faculty/michael-levin

Michael Levin @ Wyss Institute: https://wyss.harvard.edu/team/associate-faculty/michael-levin-ph-d/

Dr. Levin’s Research on Limb Regeneration: https://news.uchicago.edu/how-bioelectricity-could-regrow-limbs-and-organs

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Preview

(01:07) Intro and summary

(05:40) Xenobots, anthrobots and the other creatures created by Mike Levin

(09:39) Bioelectric memory rewriting

(15:01) Sponsor | BraveSearch API

(16:09) The difficulty of conducting simulations, which involve running forward passes to predict and alter electrical patterns

(20:30) The concept of backpropagation and mode switching in AI models

(23:06) Why humans do not regenerate their limbs

(37:10) Sponsor | Netsuite

(39:40) Learning from small and biological systems onto the concept of possible emergence

(45:16) The criticality of multiple scale questions and would a single scale?

(55:49) The concept of the cognitive light cone

(59:43) Advice on habits of mind and suggestions for inspiration on the AI side

(1:13:36) Mike's suggested directions for the AI developers

(1:24:49) Wrap & Sponsor | Omneky

This show is produced by Turpentine: a network of podcasts, newsletters, and more, covering technology, business, and culture — all from the perspective of industry insiders and experts. We’re launching new shows every week, and we’re looking for industry-leading sponsors — if you think that might be you and your company, email us at erik@turpentine.co.