#62 Michael Levin - Embodied Minds - AI, Synthetic Bioengineering, & Collective Intelligence

Michael Levin - PhD, Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, United States, 1996 BS, Computer Science and Biology, Tufts University, Medford, United States, 1992
The capacity to generate a complex, behaving organism from the single cell of a fertilized egg is one of the most amazing aspects of biology. The Levin lab integrates approaches from developmental biology, computer science, and cognitive science to investigate the emergence of form and function. Using biophysical and computational modeling approaches, we seek to understand the collective intelligence of cells, as they navigate physiological, transcriptional, morphognetic, and behavioral spaces. We develop conceptual frameworks for basal cognition and diverse intelligence, including synthetic organisms and AI. Practical applications of our work involve repair of birth defects, regenerative medicine, cancer reprogramming, and synthetic bioengineering.

Summary
Michael Levin delves into the fascinating world of bioelectricity and its implications for understanding cognition, collective intelligence in cells, and recent discoveries in cancer research and regeneration. He describes the creation of xenobots and anthrobots, the nature of self and consciousness, and the challenges of interdisciplinary collaboration in science. The conversation also touches on the role of culture, the future of AI, and the ethical considerations surrounding synthetic life forms, ultimately emphasizing the importance of curiosity and kindness in navigating the complexities of existence.

Chapters

03:23 Understanding Cognition and Collective Intelligence
06:18 Bioelectricity and Its Role in Cellular Communication
09:12 Applications in Cancer Research and Birth Defects
12:26 Regeneration and the Concept of Physiological Software
15:28 Interdisciplinary Challenges in Scientific Communication
18:21 The Nature of Self and Consciousness
21:46 Collective Intelligence and Development
22:43 Embryonic Development and Individuality
24:09 Meaning-Making and Human Experience
25:18 Storytelling as a Fundamental Process
26:48 Bioelectricity: The Cognitive Glue
28:58 The Role of Culture in Collective Intelligence
30:52 Understanding Intelligence through Experimentation
32:44 Collective Cognition in Societal Structures
34:37 Ethics and Implications of Bioelectricity Research
41:02 Exploring Mitochondria and Xenobots
43:24 Exploring the Plasticity of Life
46:22 The Capabilities of Xenobots and Anthropobots
50:09 Understanding Morphogenetic Codes
52:30 AI and Human Evolution
57:01 The Future of Augmented Humanity
01:00:41 Embracing Possibilities and Kindness
01:04:24 Podcast exit terence - 8:9:24, 8.01 PM.mp3

https://thoughtforms.life
The Levin Lab https://drmichaellevin.org/
Music for every episode

Intro and exit music used: Strange the dreamer by Savfk - www.youtube.com/@savfkmusic

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Keywords

bioelectricity, cognition, collective intelligence, cancer research, xenobots, anthrobots, consciousness, AI, ethics, human evolution