Introduction

> Planarians hold the answer to deep questions of life due to their unique characteristics like true symmetry and immortality, challenging traditional theories of lifespan limitations. They offer a glimpse into the past, with planarians in labs today connected to those from 400 million years ago, highlighting their enduring presence and evolutionary significance. Biology and AI intersect, suggesting a mutual learning opportunity between the two fields, showcasing the potential for cross-disciplinary insights and innovation.

Embryogenesis

> Embryogenesis is truly one of the most profound processes, showcasing how we transition from "just physics" to cognition. It's a gradual journey without any magical moments; we evolve from a bag of chemicals to beings with rich inner lives, revealing the mystery of how mind emerges from matter.

> Moreover, my recent work with xenobots illustrates a fascinating aspect of embryonic cells: when freed from conventional roles, they reveal their potential for self-organization and replication. These cells don't just follow a predefined path; instead, they tap into deeper biological capacities, suggesting that the laws of biology are more about discovering potential than merely building structures.

Xenobots: biological robots

> Xenobots represent an exciting intersection of biology and robotics, where self-assembling cellular collectives can be guided to perform tasks through signals rather than genetic modifications. This approach allows us to leverage the innate behaviors and evolutionary programming of cells, making engineering biology less about micromanaging and more about understanding and collaborating with the cellular material.

> Traditional engineering relied on passive materials, while today we explore "agential" materials—cells and cellular collectives with their own goals, memories, and behaviors. This profound shift means recognizing cells as intelligent entities capable of learning and adapting, opening up revolutionary possibilities in regenerative medicine and beyond. One key aspect is their regenerative capacity, exemplified by how a salamander's limb regenerates to completion by stopping when the correct shape is restored.

> All biological intelligence is inherently collective. We, too, are collections of cells working together rather than centralized dictators. This understanding helps bridge the gap between individual cellular actions and the emergence of complex behaviors, whether in human cognition or cellular collectives. It's crucial to move beyond the notion that true cognition is only achieved through individual, undivisible intelligence and recognize the sophisticated, decentralized collaboration that defines both cellular and human intelligence.

Sense of self

> One key insight I shared with Lex was about the concept of selfhood and cognition. As I explained, the idea that true cognition appears suddenly in humans is quite misleading. Instead, I highlighted the gradual and continuous nature of cognitive development, from complex human cognition back to simpler forms, even reaching the level of a single-celled organism like a paramecium. This challenges the notion of a distinct moment of selfhood emergence and emphasizes the evolutionary continuum of cognitive abilities.

> Another significant point I made revolved around the origin of selves within embryos. I shared a fascinating story about the development of embryos from a flat disc of cells, where a symmetry-breaking event can lead to the formation of multiple individuals instead of just one. This illustrates the fluidity and multiplicity of selfhood within biological systems, showing that the number of selves is not predetermined but emerges through a complex interplay of cell interactions and goal-setting processes.

> Lastly, I delved into the role of evolution in shaping problem-solving mechanisms within biological systems. I emphasized that evolution does not just produce solutions tailored to specific environments but rather creates problem-solving machines capable of adapting to various challenges in different spaces. By evolving hardware that navigates different spaces using a diverse set of mechanisms, biology demonstrates a multi-scale competency architecture where every level, from molecular networks to organisms, possesses goals that contribute to innovative problem-solving strategies. This insight sheds light on how evolution operates through a combination of hardware modifications and software signaling adaptations to drive biological innovation.

Multi-scale competency architecture

> The concept of multi-hierarchical competence architecture fascinates me—it's incredible how evolution operates seamlessly, ensuring that at every level, "only the best get to stick around." Each part functions effectively within its limits, often without knowing the bigger picture, yet through cooperation and competition, they achieve extraordinary outcomes.

> Engineering provides a clear perspective on these biological systems, allowing us to focus on empirically useful terms like "competency" and "goal pursuit." By quantifying and objectively defining these terms, we can analyze complex systems more efficiently, sidestepping the philosophical debates that often cloud our understanding.

> There's a stark contrast between the self-organizing competency of biological systems and human bureaucracies. Unlike our collective efforts that often overlook individual goals, in biology, "each level bends the option space for the level beneath," allowing for flexibility and exploration. This insight challenges how we think about constructing ethical systems in human societies, reminding us of the inherent tensions between individual welfare and collective goals.

Free will

> Metabolic Constraints and Free Will: One major insight was how early organisms, due to metabolic constraints, evolved to make simplified models of their environment and themselves to save energy. This practice led them to perceive agency in their surroundings and, eventually, in themselves. I posited that what we call "free will" could very well be a narrative we constructed for efficient decision-making within these energy constraints. Essentially, free will might just be a useful hack born out of evolutionary necessity.

> Inter-species Awareness and Sensory Limitations: Another fascinating area we explored is our limited sensory bandwidth. For example, humans are only good at detecting medium-scale motions in three-dimensional space because that was evolutionarily advantageous. If we had evolved to sense our internal biochemistry with the same clarity, we could detect intelligent behavior in physiological spaces, understanding the complex functionalities of our organs. This idea speaks to our limited perception and the potential for vastly different sensory experiences.

> Bioelectricity and Cellular Memory: The concept of bioelectricity as fundamental to cellular memory was another highlight. Neurons and their electrical networks didn't start with the brain; they evolved from ancient cellular networks that solved various problems like body shape control. The machinery for neurotransmission and ion channel function existed long before complex brains, even in simple bacterial biofilms. This ancient system underpins our more complex cognitive processes, showing the deep evolutionary roots of bioelectricity in information integration and memory.

Bioelectricity

> Bioelectricity is a privileged computational layer that gives access to the cognition of tissues, merging developmental biophysics with ideas of computation. The importance of electricity in life has been recognized for a long time, but a new perspective is focusing on bioelectricity as a fundamental aspect of understanding physiology and development.

> Gap Junctions in cells play a crucial role in communication, allowing for the propagation of voltage differences between cells. This unique form of communication through Gap Junctions can lead to a collective intelligence and shared memories, contributing to a primitive form of collective cognition.

> The future of programming for humans could involve a shift towards configuring systems akin to biological networks, allowing for adjustments and feedback loops within the system. This approach aligns with regenerative medicine efforts, emphasizing a somatic psychiatry approach that focuses on understanding the intelligence of our internal subsystems and using it to address goals and achieve desired outcomes in a more holistic manner.

Planaria

> Planarians hold incredible secrets about life, including their immortality and remarkable regeneration abilities. "These guys just tear themselves in half... and each piece grows into a perfect little worm." Their unique biology challenges our understanding of aging, suggesting that aging theories may need a serious reconsideration.

> The relationship between a creature's genome and its physical capabilities is far more complex than we initially thought. Planarians exhibit a "junk" genome yet possess "rock solid" anatomical control; they effectively demonstrate that "genomics alone doesn't determine fitness"—it's the intricacies of cellular communication and memory that shape their resilience.

> I believe evolution favors systems that prioritize problem-solving over simply recalling past experiences, leading to greater adaptability. "Biology is this way in general—evolution doesn't take the past too seriously," illustrating a fascinating interplay between an organism's capabilities and its environmental pressures that could redefine our approach to understanding life itself.

Building xenobots

> The concept of "xenobots" is indeed contentious, as traditional definitions of robots versus biological organisms are evolving. The binary terms we use now won't survive the coming decades. Xenobots demonstrate that with the right manipulation and communication, biological cells can be directed to create machine-like structures with useful purposes, underscoring the inherent intelligence and plasticity of biological systems.

> The development of embryonic cells showcases the incredible problem-solving capacity of biology. For instance, a newt can form the same anatomical structure via different molecular mechanisms depending on cell size, highlighting the remarkable flexibility and adaptive capabilities of living organisms. This capacity to achieve the same goal through varied means epitomizes intelligence.

> The human brain is exceptional, but not the sole locus of computation or intelligence in biology. The whole organism participates in cognitive processes. Recognizing this can expand our understanding and respect for different biological architectures, possibly including synthetic organisms or even future alien life forms.

> Creating synthetic life, like xenobots or hybrid organisms, helps break out of the narrow scope of life as defined by Earth's evolutionary history. This experimentation is vital as it could lead to the discovery of new principles of biology and cognition that transcend our current understanding, nudging humanity to broaden its notion of intelligence and the potential for diverse life forms.

Unconventional cognition

> Unconventional cognition is a dynamic term shaped by the times, encompassing cognition beyond typical milestones like brain structures, especially when dealing with synthetic, engineered, or alien systems.

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> Engaging with unconventional cognition, such as cellular automata, reveals the beauty of creating complexity from simple elements and underscores the need to understand a system's medium, saliency, and persuadability for effective communication.

> Sentience and consciousness are complex topics, with a focus on cognition over philosophical debates, emphasizing an engineering perspective to analyze what helps advance research and experimentation effectively.

> Exploring consciousness delves into the challenge of predicting its nature and format in theories, potentially requiring artistic expressions like poetry to convey subjective experiences, while recognizing the implications for interactions with varied intelligent entities on Earth and possibly beyond.

Origin of evolution

> The essence of evolution isn't just a blind stumble; it includes a kind of "multi-scale competency" that hints at problem-solving abilities and potential foresight, suggesting that while the process appears random, it may not be entirely without direction or purpose. I believe "there might be a kind of imperative for life" driving us toward something greater, and it's crucial to acknowledge this broader trajectory.

> As we create more complex systems, particularly in technology and social structures, we need to develop methods to "predict the cognitive goals" of these composite entities. It’s essential to understand the emergent intelligence that arises, as we're increasingly becoming cogs in these systems. Our lack of foresight could lead us into existential challenges, making it imperative that we learn how to manage these developments responsibly.

Synthetic organisms

> "My ultimate goal is to achieve a radically different regenerative medicine through understanding the embodied intelligence of organs and tissues, leading to an anatomical compiler—basically, a tool where you design an organ or body part, and it translates that design into cellular stimuli to build it." This vision, if realized, could potentially eliminate conditions like birth defects, traumatic injuries, and degenerative diseases, fundamentally changing medical and economic landscapes.

> "Beyond the practical applications, I hope to drive a reconsideration of ethical norms, focusing deeply on agency and the capacity to suffer. As we break down artificial barriers, we need ethical and sustainable systems that go beyond our Earthly history and fundamentally respect all forms of intelligence and life." This reflection is essential as we blur lines between synthetic and biological entities.

Regenerative medicine

> Regenerative medicine today involves 3D printing and stem cell transplants for simpler structures like bladders or ears. But for complex organs like eyes or hands, understanding how these structures are naturally motivated to form is key for successful regrowth. The ultimate goal is to instruct cells to build whatever is needed, similar to how planarians can regrow body parts effortlessly.

> In terms of progress, a solution for limb regeneration has been achieved in frogs through a simple intervention involving a wearable bioreactor delivering signals to promote regrowth. This hands-off approach triggers cell regeneration early on and allows the natural process to unfold, leading to successful regeneration without further intervention.

Cancer suppression

> Understanding cancer isn't about asking why it exists; instead, it's about recognizing that the breakdown of cooperation among cells gives rise to it. “When that process of cooperation breaks down, you've got a cell that is isolated from that electrical network,” which leads to a return to a much smaller self, ultimately driving cells to proliferate and metastasize.

> By mastering the bioelectric state of these cells, we can manipulate their interactions and keep them aligned with larger tissue-level goals. “If you can keep the cells harnessed towards organ-level goals, then nobody will be making a tumor or metastasizing.” This insight opens up exciting possibilities for genuinely effective cancer therapies that prioritize restoring communication over the traditional toxic methods.

Viruses

> The concept of what constitutes living versus non-living gets pretty murky. I find it almost impractical to draw a strict line. What's far more actionable is asking questions like, "Can I have a relationship with it? Can I control it? Should I be listening to it?" We're essentially defining our connections and interactions, which is crucial for understanding complex biological systems and even engineering.

> The idea of anthropomorphizing in science is something I believe we should move past. Instead of viewing anthropomorphizing as a fallacy, we should consider it an engineering hypothesis. When we say an entity predicts, hopes, or wants, we should back it up by asking for the engineering protocol that proves its utility. Ultimately, this could lead to breakthroughs like the "Anatomy Compiler," where we can design organisms directly by specifying shapes and stimuli, merging our digital and physical realities in unprecedented ways.

Cognitive light cones

> When I first came up with the concept of the cognitive light cone in 2018 during a conference challenge, I realized that all cognitive agents, regardless of their nature, share the commonality of having some degree of competency to pursue a goal. This led me to create a framework where one can estimate the spatial and temporal goals different creatures are capable of pursuing, distinguishing between goals of a tick, a dog, a human, and potentially even greater intelligences.

> Additionally, terms like "target morphology" and "ionoseuticals" in the field of regenerative medicine caught my interest. Target morphology focuses on the idea that biological systems work towards specific anatomical targets, different from mere emergent properties. Understanding interventions like ionoseuticals, which target cellular decision-making processes and bioelectrics, opens up new possibilities in the space of regenerative medicine.

Advice for young people

> Surrounding yourself with brilliant minds can be incredibly beneficial, but it’s crucial to differentiate between constructive criticism and generalized advice. “Specific critique is gold,” as it sharpens our skills, while “what a successful person thinks you should be doing” often falls short and can dim your ambition.

> Moreover, challenging the status quo is vital in your journey. Just because many people dismiss an idea doesn’t mean it’s a failure; it might be your chance to explore something groundbreaking. “You can't take that advice as actual data,” so trust your instincts and pursue what excites you, even if it goes against the grain. Life and science may be tough, but they should be a pursuit of ideas that truly ignite your passion.

Death

> Death in biological systems is fascinating because it promotes change and turnover, giving rise to new possibilities. There's an intriguing perspective where organisms may not truly die but rather transform; their cells disperse and potentially take on new roles. Cells like those in planarians or the HeLa cell line defy the traditional concept of death, introducing a complex relationship between cellular life and organismal death.

> The human relationship with death is uniquely complex, marked by a cognitive awareness of mortality and the ability to form long-term goals that extend beyond one's lifetime. This existential awareness can drive profound psychological effects, such as the phenomenon of 'giving up' seen in mammals—a behavior that suggests survival isn't always the top priority. This complexity is mirrored in our struggles with the notion of a 'good death,' illustrating how deeply intertwined our understanding of life and death really is.

Meaning of life

> The fundamental aspect of existence is our primal experience - the backstory doesn't matter. What truly matters is our first-person perspective and the exploration of our own consciousness. Studying consciousness involves being our own experiment, where we are altered by the process, integrating both first and third-person aspects into a rational investigation of our world.

> I believe that we are at the beginning of understanding important things, and most of what we are sure of now will look hilarious in the future. When I talk about science and nothing else, I include exploring our own minds, as we are our own experiments - interacting with others, creating a continuous process of learning and growth.