Breakthrough Biology Research: Consciousness Beyond the Brain | Michael Levin & Anna Ciaunica

In this episode, developmental biologist Michael Levin and cognitive scientist Anna Ciaunica examine how cellular intelligence challenges our traditional understanding of consciousness. They explore how memory, embodiment, and our interactions with others fundamentally shape the self.

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A huge thank you to Dina Rudick, a four-time Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker / journalist, who expertly aided this production at the last minute. You can find more about her work at https://www.dinarudick.com. Definitely check out her films.

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Links Mentioned:

Michael Levin’s website: https://drmichaellevin.org/

Anna Ciaunica’s website: https://annaciaunica.fr/

Curt’s previous talk with Michael: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8iFtaltX-s&t=3924s&ab_channel=CurtJaimungal

Timestamps:

00:00 – Opening

01:42 – The Biggest Myths in Biology and Neuroscience

03:18 – Anna’s Take on How Self Emerges from “Bunches of Cells”

04:10 – Critique of Adult-Centric Perspectives

05:15 – Dropping Old Conceptual “Epicycles”

07:45 – Continuity from Single Cells to Human Minds

09:28 – On Memory, Metaphors, and Shifting Perspectives

10:46 – Bridging Disciplinary Silos & The Power of Interdisciplinarity

13:04 – Development, Evolution, and Goal-Directed Systems

17:05 – Expanding the Concept of “Goal-Seeking” in Biology

25:12 – Depression, Body States, and Self-Regulation

31:57 – Aging, Goals, and the Problem of “Having Nothing Left to Do”

41:10 – Pregnancy, Immune Systems, and “Sharing a Self”

51:08 – “Interconnectedness” as Fundamental to Selfhood

57:56 – The Story We Tell Ourselves vs. The Agency of Thoughts

1:07:00 – Rewriting “You”: Caterpillars, Butterflies, and Memory

1:16:15 – Final Thoughts: The Self as an Ongoing, Embodied Process

1:24:01 – Closing Remarks and Where to Find More

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#science #biology #research #scientist #consciousness

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