Frances Chance

Discover the genius of natural intelligence with topics ranging from the carnivorous Venus Fly Trap to the problem-solving skills of African dung beetles. Explore the resilience and sensitivity of plants, the intelligence in nature displayed by slime molds and crows, and how AI can learn from dragonflies. Learn about the influence of cytokines on mood, the brain-immune system connection, and decoding animal communication with AI and bioacoustics.

Greg Gage is a neuroscientist who explores plant behaviors and even slime mold as a single-cell 'computer'. He reveals how the Venus flytrap counts to catch prey and how plants adapt their growth in response to touch. Frances Chance studies dragonfly brains, showcasing how they perform fast computations that could inspire energy-efficient AI. Keely Muscatell explains the connection between our immune system and social behavior, revealing how inflammation affects mood. Karen Bakker discusses decoding animal communications with AI, emphasizing the hidden wisdom found in nature.

In this fascinating discussion, neuroscientist Greg Gage, known for his work on plant intelligence, joins computational neuroscientist Frances Chance, psychology professor Keely Muscatell, and environmental researcher Karen Bakker. They delve into the wonders of natural intelligence, from the intricate behaviors of honeybees to the sophisticated signaling of our immune system. The conversation highlights how these insights can inspire technology, inform environmental practices, and ultimately reshape our understanding of intelligence itself.