"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis

Dr. Michael Levin on Embodied Minds and Cognitive Agents

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Feb 9, 2024

Dr. Michael Levin, a renowned biology professor at Tufts University, explores the fascinating intersection of biology and artificial intelligence. He discusses embodied minds and the potential of bioelectricity in limb regeneration. The conversation dives into innovative research on cellular behavior, highlighting genetic algorithms and the emergence of intelligence in simple biological systems. Levin challenges traditional definitions of life and machines, proposing a future where cognitive agents blur those boundaries, and emphasizes the ethical implications of these advancements.

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INSIGHT

Embodied Minds Research

Michael Levin's lab studies embodied minds and cognitive agents in unusual substrates.
Their work explores collective intelligence in cells, regeneration, cancer normalization, and Xenobots.

ANECDOTE

Rewriting Bioelectrical Memories

Levin's team rewrites bioelectrical memories in flatworms, creating two-headed worms.
They also give tadpoles eyes on their tails, demonstrating plasticity of life.

INSIGHT

Bioelectric Communication and Anatomy

Cells communicate electrically to determine anatomical outcomes like head or tail.
Rewriting this electrical communication can permanently alter an organism's form.

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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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@labenz (Nathan)

@drmichaellevin (Michael)

@CogRev_Podcast

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.