#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