Michael Levin

Michael Levin, a biologist at Tufts University, discusses groundbreaking insights into embryogenesis and the emergence of biological agency. He challenges traditional views on evolution by exploring the capabilities of xenobots and their implications for regenerative medicine. The conversation touches on bioelectricity's role in cell communication, the adaptability of life, and unconventional cognition across different organisms. Levin also reflects on the philosophical implications of synthetic biology and the quest for meaning in life and death.

Curt Jaimungal is joined by Michael Levin, a regenerative biology expert known for creating anthrobots, and Karl Friston, a leading neuroscientist who formulated the free energy principle. They delve into how self-organization shapes our reality through entropy and noise. The conversation highlights the adaptability of biological systems and the role of creativity in evolution, examining the intersections of noise and identity. They also discuss psychological patterns and how our understanding of selfhood affects perceptions of existence and consciousness.

Michael Levin, a distinguished professor at Tufts University known for his groundbreaking work in developmental biology, and Anna Ciaunica, a cognitive scientist and philosopher from the University of Lisbon, dive deep into the concept of consciousness. They challenge traditional views by proposing that intelligence extends beyond the brain, to single cells and bacterial colonies. The conversation also navigates the interconnectedness of memory and identity, the significance of goals in our self-concept, and how relationships shape our understanding of selfhood.

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.

Dr. Michael Levin, a Tufts University professor, is on a mission to transform medicine with his pioneering research in bioelectric medicine. He discusses how bioelectric signals can reprogram tissues, regenerate limbs, and even combat cancer by restoring cellular memory. Levin shares fascinating insights on the intelligence inherent in biological systems, likening it to a cognitive glue connecting simple goals into complex acts. The conversation also touches on the intersection of bioelectricity and artificial intelligence, hinting at a remarkable future for human health.

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.

Professor Michael Levin, a prominent figure in developmental biology and cognitive science, discusses the concept of diverse intelligence that transcends just brain power. He reveals how even simple biological systems demonstrate learning and memory through gene regulatory networks. The talk introduces intriguing ideas like 'cognitive light cones' and explores their transformative impact on cancer treatment and biological engineering. Levin challenges traditional views on intelligence, suggesting it’s a spectrum vital for understanding both biological and artificial systems.

Michael Levin, a pioneering biologist from Tufts University, and Matthew Segall, a philosophy professor, dive deep into the interplay between bioelectricity and consciousness. They discuss how cells communicate through bioelectric signals, revealing that life might be guided by intrinsic patterns. Topics include the innovative concept of anthrobots, the parallels between brain networks and galaxies, and the philosophical implications of considering the universe as a living entity. Their conversation challenges traditional views, suggesting a profound interconnectedness in all living systems.

Get your DEMYSTICON 2024 tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/demysticon-2024-tickets-727054969987 Tufts biologist Dr. Michael Levin is back for our third conversation about the future of biology, regenerative medicine, and embodied cognition. We unpack the successes and frustrations of mammalian and reptilian biobots, the reprogramming of cells, and the finer points of cellular intelligence. Welcome to the intersection of biology, technology, and the cosmos! This is the next generation of scientific discovery: biology unleashed. Tell us what you think in the comments or on our Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub Sign up for a yearly Patreon membership for discounted conference tickets: https://bit.ly/3lcAasB (00:00) Go! (00:04:48) The minimum unit of intelligence (00:27:54) Matching the time domain of evolutionary decisions (00:32:11) Biobots (00:42:53) Interface of aritifical and natural intelligence (00:51:10) Use cases for the biobots (00:57:13) Permissivity of biological systems (01:06:30) Generating functional organs (01:14:59) Source of the platonic biological form (01:24:25) Limits of synthetic organisms (01:28:24) Hard limits on the mind (01:42:02) Embodied artificial consciousness (01:46:59) Cognition at mega scales (01:56:34) Levin's evolutionary role (02:01:07) Closing thoughts #BioRobotics #RegenerativeMedicine #CellularIntelligence #FutureTech #ScienceRevolution #IntelligentCells #MindfulBiology #GalacticIntelligence #TechInnovation #BioTechBreakthroughs #AIRevolution #FutureOfMedicine #CellularAssemblage #NewScience #RoboticInnovation #GalacticMindset #BiologyUnleashed #NextGenTech #BioHacking #IntelligentDesign #RoboticRevolution #science #sciencepodcast Check our short-films channel, @DemystifySci: https://www.youtube.com/c/DemystifyingScience AND our material science investigations of atomics, @MaterialAtomics https://www.youtube.com/@MaterialAtomics Join our mailing list https://bit.ly/3v3kz2S PODCAST INFO: Anastasia completed her PhD studying bioelectricity at Columbia University. When not talking to brilliant people or making movies, she spends her time painting, reading, and guiding backcountry excursions. Shilo also did his PhD at Columbia studying the elastic properties of molecular water. When he's not in the film studio, he's exploring sound in music. They are both freelance professors at various universities. - Blog: http://DemystifySci.com/blog - RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/2be66934/podcast/rss - Donate: https://bit.ly/3wkPqaD - Swag: https://bit.ly/2PXdC2y SOCIAL: - Discord: https://discord.gg/MJzKT8CQub - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/DemystifySci - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DemystifySci/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemystifySci MUSIC: -Shilo Delay: https://g.co/kgs/oty671

Michael Levin, a developmental biologist at Tufts University, explores the intersection of biology and cognition. Karl Friston, a neuroscience pioneer from UCL, discusses the free energy principle's implications for consciousness. Chris Fields, a researcher in field theory, investigates what defines an observer. Together, they tackle the meta hard problem of consciousness, question the emergence of self-awareness, and delve into how embryonic dynamics reflect cognitive processes, likening cellular 'babbling' to human curiosity.