In this discussion, Dr. Michael Levin, a pioneering biologist at Tufts, delves into how cell collectives exhibit intelligence through bioelectric patterns and memory. He shares fascinating insights on regenerative capabilities, including programmable regeneration using bioelectric interfaces. Dr. John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist and philosopher, amplifies the conversation by examining embodiment beyond physical forms and ethical implications of manipulating biological systems. Together, they challenge conventional views on intelligence and biological integration.
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Cells As Goal-Directed Collectives
Michael Levin frames cells as collective intelligences that pursue goal-states via bioelectrical memories.
These pattern memories can be rewritten to change morphology without altering DNA.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Two-Headed Flatworm Lineages
Levin describes rewriting flatworm bioelectric patterns to make permanent two-headed lineages without genetic changes.
The genome remains normal while morphology follows the rewritten bioelectric memory.
insights INSIGHT
Speak The Cells' Language, Not Their Genes
Levin shows engineers can instruct agential biological material via persuasive signals rather than micromanaging genes.
Convincing the tissue produces complex organs or normalizes tumors by leveraging cellular competencies.
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Dr. Michael Levin is a professor in the Department of Biology at Tufts University and an associate faculty member at the Wyss Institute at Harvard. He directs the Allen Discovery Center at Tufts, where his team integrates biophysics, computational modeling, and behavioral science to study how cellular collectives make decisions during embryogenesis, regeneration, and cancer.
Levin’s research centers on diverse forms of intelligence and unconventional embodied minds, bridging conceptual theory, experimental biology, and translational work aimed at regenerative medicine. His lab also pioneers efforts in artificial intelligence and the bioengineering of novel living machines.
YouTube version: https://youtu.be/iwOJ9PWcPmo Read more about Dr. Michael Levin’s work: https://drmichaellevin.org/ X: https://x.com/drmichaellevin YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drmichaellevin John Vervaeke's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@johnvervaeke
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Timestamps: 00:00 - Coming up 01:14 - Intro music 01:40 - Introduction 02:23 - What Michael does 06:19 - Example experiments 07:51 - Memories outside the brain 12:46 - Terminology: memory 13:59 - Communicate to biological cells 15:54 - Limitations? 17:39 - Platonic patterns 34:06 - Incarnation and constraints 39:26 - Causes 49:28 - New beings in new spaces 52:25 - What the Enlightenment dismissed 55:32 - Molecular medicine 57:36 - Subtle bodies 01:00:45 - Ethics 01:03:37 - Medical and meaning applications 01:11:42 - Frightening 01:14:31 - Against the status quo 01:19:03 - Should we dabble in this technology?
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