Theories of Everything with Curt Jaimungal

Michael Levin on Morphogenetics, Regeneration, Consciousness, and Xenobots

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Nov 17, 2021
Guest
Michael Levin
Michael Levin, a developmental and synthetic biologist at Tufts University, discusses the groundbreaking role of bioelectricity in regeneration and cancer treatment. He shares insights on creating xenobots and how DNA acts like hardware while bioelectric signals serve as software in biological processes. The conversation explores profound questions about identity, consciousness, and even immortality through a lens of innovative research. Levin's work promises to unravel the mysteries of life itself, blurring the line between biological and engineered forms.
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INSIGHT

Non-Neural Bioelectricity

  • All cells, not just neurons, possess ion channels, electrical synapses, and neurotransmitter pathways.
  • These components, older than nervous systems, enable cells to communicate electrically and control anatomical structure.
INSIGHT

Bioelectricity as Software

  • DNA encodes the hardware of cells (proteins), while bioelectric dynamics act as the software.
  • This software layer links the genome to anatomical outcomes, mediating development and regeneration.
ANECDOTE

The Electric Face

  • An "electric face" pre-pattern exists in embryos before gene activation for facial features.
  • Manipulating this pattern can induce eyes in abnormal locations, like the gut, demonstrating bioelectricity's control over development.
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