A Japanese scientist is cultivating slime mold that is capable of finding its way out of a maze.
This all sounds a bit familiar.
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According to Professor Nakagaki. “Humans are not the only living things with information-processing abilities,” he said. “Simple creatures can solve certain kinds of difficult puzzles. If you want to spotlight the essence of life or intelligence, it’s easier to use these simple creatures.”
Slime molds are a very primitive form of life that feeds on rotting leaves and do not possess a brain.
The Doctor believes that studying the intelligence skills of the slime mold may ultimately lead to more efficient transportation and communications systems.
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“Computers are not so good at analysing the best routes that connect many base points because the volume of calculations becomes too large for them,” he said. “But slime moulds, without calculating all the possible options, can flow over areas in an impromptu manner and gradually find the best routes.”
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Be seeing you.
The Town Scryer is a mixed bag of humor, socio-political observations and ephemera from the perspective of a eclectic Pagan veteran of the counter-culture. Philip Posehn's main blog is at The Town Scryer.
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