Thoughtforms Life

This is a ~54 minute talk I gave, titled ""Bioelectricity: a bridge between physics and cognition, by way of biology", at the National Institute of Health Interest Group "Quantum SIG" (https://oir.nih.gov/sigs/qis-quantum-sensing-biology-interest-group). My talk doesn't contain any quantum biology content per se, but I discuss the idea of top-down control and cognition all the way down, from abstract mental goals to molecular pathways, with bioelectricity as a tractable medium for the communicat... CONNECT WITH ME: Podcast Website YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Twitter Blog The Levin Lab

Explore the fascinating world of intrinsic motivation in biological and engineered systems. The discussion navigates the continuum from rewiring systems to those that respond to social cues. Discover how morphogenesis acts as collective problem-solving and how agency exists at the molecular level. Delve into how regeneration connects with goal-directed behavior and the ethical stakes of creating hybrid beings. The introduction of xenobots reveals surprising self-organization and motivation, while the implications for AI and evolving technologies spark thought-provoking questions.

This is a 1 hour 11 minute talk by me called "Against Mind-Blindness: recognizing and communicating with Agential Materials and Beyond". It is a slightly longer, updated version of this talk from last month, containing a bit of new material and a somewhat differently-ordered presentation. CONNECT WITH ME: Podcast Website YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Twitter Blog The Levin Lab

Dive into the fascinating parallels between biological processes and technological information processing. Discover how insights from nature can inform advancements in artificial intelligence. The conversation also delves into the intricate relationships between biology, physics, and mathematics, challenging conventional views on life's complexity. Explore the ethical considerations and implications for developing diverse intelligences in our increasingly tech-driven world!

This is a ~46 minute talk given at a conference on consciousness, presenting my lab's data on cognition in body organs outside the brain and then some speculations about the mind-body connection more generally (fleshing out my Platonic space model with symmetries between brain:mind relationships and mathematics:physics relationships). CONNECT WITH ME: Podcast Website YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Twitter Blog The Levin Lab

This is a ~1 hour 7 minute talk I gave at the SEMF Interdisciplinary School (July 2025, https://semf.org.es/school2025/#speakers-container) on agency ways to think about expanding our ability to detect and communicate with unconventional minds. The same talk but with a lengthy Q&A will be up on the SEMF website. CONNECT WITH ME: Podcast Website YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Twitter Blog The Levin Lab

Explore the fascinating relationship between biology and complexity, discussing embodied intelligence and the evolving understanding of synthetic life. Discover how collective intelligence, illustrated by axolotl regeneration and cellular signaling, is shaping regenerative medicine. Delve into metamorphosis as caterpillars transform into butterflies, revealing insights into memory and adaptation. Finally, investigate the challenges of formal models in complexity, advocating for bio-inspired approaches to technology and innovation.

Discover how biological materials can be collaborative partners in biomedicine and bioengineering. The discussion highlights the intersection of neuroscience and behavior to innovate research funding. Explore the fascinating synergy between bioengineering and robotics, revealing the importance of sound in biological mechanisms. The talk emphasizes unique approaches, like training cells and experimenting with flatworms, to unlock new advancements in tissue engineering.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Michael Johnson, an expert on consciousness and cellular dynamics, dives into the intriguing world of awareness at the cellular level. He discusses the potential for cellular consciousness and its implications in biology. Johnson explores the balance of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in both biological and algorithmic systems, challenging conventional views on intelligence. Key concepts like symmetry breaking and the role of geometry in biological adaptations provide a unique lens on collective intelligence and consciousness.

Dive into the intriguing intersection of consciousness and intelligence. Discover how both biological and artificial forms can reshape our understanding of cognition. The discussion on how cells collectively make decisions challenges traditional views of intelligence. Explore the continuum of consciousness, moving beyond binary definitions. Finally, ponder the evolution of human understanding and the practical applications of these philosophical insights, all while emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.