Thoughtforms Life

Dive into a thought-provoking discussion about the role of mathematics in identity and physics. Explore the intersection of atemporal pattern spaces and memory, and debate whether mathematical frameworks converge or diverge. Unpack the implications of Platonic spaces on experimental mapping and predictive power. Delve into the nature of agency beyond humans, and consider the evolution of mathematical creativity across cultures. The conversation challenges conventional boundaries and scales, promoting a richer understanding of our universe and its complexities.

In this engaging discussion, Mijail Serruya, a physician-scientist focused on brain-computer interfaces, and Wesley Clawson, a senior scientist in neuroscience, dive into groundbreaking topics. They explore the concept of living electrodes made from collagen and the idea of expanding brain functions beyond the skull. The duo also discusses the intriguing potential of crowd-sourcing in optimizing neural interfaces and the impact of vagus nerve stimulation on brain plasticity. The conversation culminates in the intersection of hypnosis and BCIs, revealing transformative possibilities for rehabilitation.

In this lively discussion, psychologist Lisa Feldman Barrett shares her insights on constructed emotions and allostasis. The conversation dives into the concept of bioelectricity as a conduit for collective intelligence in cells. They explore how cells solve problems collectively and the fascinating idea that anatomical changes can be guided by global electrical signals. Topics include how context affects development, the interplay between genetic specifications and environmental influences, and the potential of bioelectric patterns to dictate healing and growth.

This is a ~50 minute video on evolution from the perspective of diverse intelligence. I discuss 3 main things: the nature of the mapping between genotype and phenotype (an intelligent, problem-solving process that interprets genomic prompts, not simply a complex mechanical mapping), the implications for evolution of operating over such a multi-scale agential material, and a few recent findings about the origin of the intelligence spiral taking place before differential replication dynamics kick in. Editing by https://x.com/DNAMediaEditing CHAPTERS: (00:00) Framing evolution and intelligence (06:26) Morphogenesis as collective intelligence (12:06) Regeneration and downward causation (16:10) Bioelectric patterning and memory (21:05) Reprogrammable adaptive anatomies (26:06) Interpretation, plasticity and evolution (31:58) Competent matter and evolvability (35:45) Novel beings and emergence (41:54) Prebiotic learning and agency (46:43) Mind beyond life PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing SOCIAL LINKS: Podcast Website: https://thoughtforms-life.aipodcast.ing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pVafx6EZqXVI2V_Efu2uw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thoughtforms-life/id1805908099 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JCmtoeH53neYyZeOZ6ym5 Twitter: https://x.com/drmichaellevin Blog: https://thoughtforms.life The Levin Lab: https://drmichaellevin.org

Michael Levin, a renowned professor in developmental biology, explores fascinating intersections of behavioral science and bioelectricity. He discusses agential cells and goal-directed regeneration, revealing how living systems elegantly adapt. Levin showcases eye-building techniques via remote bioelectric signals and introduces innovative creatures like xenobots. He also touches on the ethical ramifications of interfacing with diverse intelligences, emphasizing the need for a responsible future in bioengineering. Expect mind-bending insights that redefine life and intelligence.

This is a ~54 minute conversation with Katrina Schleisman (https://www.galois.com/team/katrina-schleisman) and David Burke (https://www.galois.com/team/david-burke) about issues related to memory, Platonism, diverse intelligence, and similar topics. CHAPTERS: (00:00) Paper comments and impetus (01:38) Math-physics causal dualism (06:19) Unreasonable effectiveness and foundations (12:54) Active Platonic patterns learning (19:36) Verbs, affordances, pattern agency (29:04) Math gifts before evolution (35:43) Cognition, life, and idealism (43:21) Hidden messages and memory (47:42) Resonant patterns, chance, synchronicity PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing SOCIAL LINKS: Podcast Website: https://thoughtforms-life.aipodcast.ing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pVafx6EZqXVI2V_Efu2uw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thoughtforms-life/id1805908099 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JCmtoeH53neYyZeOZ6ym5 Twitter: https://x.com/drmichaellevin Blog: https://thoughtforms.life The Levin Lab: https://drmichaellevin.org

David Resnik, a philosopher and bioethics researcher affiliated with NIEHS, dives into the intriguing intersection of Platonism and biology. He and Michael Levin explore how mathematical structures underpin scientific explanations and shape evolutionary patterns. They discuss goal-directed morphogenesis, the limitations of chemistry-only perspectives, and the predictive power of mapping morphospace. Their conversation emphasizes the utility of Platonism in framing research strategies, while also pondering the broader implications for understanding life's complexities.

This is a ~57 minute discussion with Elan Barenholtz (https://mpcrlab.com/people/Elan-Barenholtz/) about language and its possible autonomy in brains, AI models, and other systems linking to our lab's work on active data and the thoughts-thinkers continuum. CHAPTERS: (00:00) Language As Auto-Generator (21:14) Virtual Governors In Physiology (30:37) Mathematics, Metaphysics, Free Lunches (40:40) Language Models As Evidence (49:46) Minimal Systems, Language Criteria PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing SOCIAL LINKS: Podcast Website: https://thoughtforms-life.aipodcast.ing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pVafx6EZqXVI2V_Efu2uw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thoughtforms-life/id1805908099 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JCmtoeH53neYyZeOZ6ym5 Twitter: https://x.com/drmichaellevin Blog: https://thoughtforms.life The Levin Lab: https://drmichaellevin.org

Diana Moga, a psychiatrist focused on autism and ketamine therapy, joins clinical psychologist Alexey Tolchinsky and researcher Chris Fields for an enlightening discussion. They dive into how ketamine opens inner experiences for autistic patients, defining autism as a unique cognitive pattern shaped by trauma and social mismatch. The conversation explores the often underdiagnosed female phenotype, presents thirteen behavioral patterns observed in autism, and discusses the complexity of diagnosing within a neurotypical range, all while interlinking neuroscience with therapeutic approaches.

This is a ~1 hour 5 minute conversation between Nora Belrose (https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=p_oBc64AAAAJ&hl=en) and me on the topics of consciousness, AI, and different views of the Platonic Space. CHAPTERS: (00:00) Introductions and Moral Risks (09:11) Intelligence, Sentience, Irreversibility (16:38) Digital Copies and Value (24:54) Dynamic Platonic Mindspace (35:19) Passable Forms, Cosmic Memory (44:06) Changing Forms, Light Cones (55:00) LLMs, Goals, Simulation PRODUCED BY: https://aipodcast.ing SOCIAL LINKS: Podcast Website: https://thoughtforms-life.aipodcast.ing YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3pVafx6EZqXVI2V_Efu2uw Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/thoughtforms-life/id1805908099 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7JCmtoeH53neYyZeOZ6ym5 Twitter: https://x.com/drmichaellevin Blog: https://thoughtforms.life The Levin Lab: https://drmichaellevin.org