GMU:DIY Bio: doing things with biology/Niloofar Ghanavati/References

Projekt

                                                                  PHYSARUM is
                                                  the singular aroma of a cool damp forest 
                                                      the vibrant yellow of a saucy lemon
                                             the relentless rhythyms of nature of multiple cycles
                                                     the storehouse of countless answers
                                                  the tantalizing challenge that lures us on

Physarum Polycephalum Literature

This Blog was established to provide a convenient point of connection for all those who are interested in Physarum polycephalum and related organisms. It is meant to serve not only the interests of scientists who are doing 'cutting edge' research using one of these remarkable biological systems but also the general public and young scientists who are deciding what research path(s) to pursue.

Physarum "Intelligence"?

A growing number of scientists are rethinking the question of intelligence. Defined by many as "purposeful action", intelligence is being recognized in - or at least suggested to be manifested by - various animals and even plants. Not to be left out, the community of scientists studying Physarum has reported on "intelligent" behavior by the true slime mold. Because this literature is so new (and somewhat controversial), we will be very selective in our coverage of such publications. But the fact is that a large number of people are attracted to Physarum by this literature and we as a community ought to acknowledge that growing interest, even if those of us who are 'rigorous scientists' feel obliged to treat the published findings (or the interpretation of those facts) with some skepticism.

Another reason for including some material in this section is that the interest in 'intelligence' has sparked the attention of some very gifted communicators and they are actually blurring the 'line' between reporting facts in conventional ways, with publicizing slime mold in a fashion that is almost media coverage. So, in the same sense that we often give consideration to reports that have some errors - because they also contain a great deal of 'truth' - we chose not to reject such coverage but to 'cover' it ourselves because we want to attract attention to our 'favorite' model system, even if we may be forced to explain what is fact and what is 'fancy'.