By Canaan Arinda
Tufts University biologist Michael Levin has revealed the remarkable memory capabilities of planaria, flatworms known for regenerating heads and tails. Despite decapitation, the worms retained memories, suggesting intelligence beyond traditional brain functions.
Levin, renowned for his research on planaria, states, “All intelligence is really collective intelligence because every cognitive system is made of some kind of parts.”
Part of the emerging field of basal cognition, his work challenges the belief that intelligence is exclusive to brains. The study indicates that regular cells, not just neurons, can store and act on information through subtle changes in electric fields, paving the way for a new understanding of collective intelligence.
The implications extend to plants, with research revealing surprising behaviors, challenging preconceptions about them being mere mindless beings.
Pamela Lyon of the University of Adelaide, a scholar and key figure in basal cognition, notes, “We’ve been ripped from every central position we’ve inhabited.”
The once-dominant notion that real cognition is exclusive to humans is giving way to an understanding of intelligence as a broader phenomenon. This shift is gaining traction across scientific disciplines, including robotics, where researchers like Josh Bongard envision building deeply intelligent machines from the bottom up.
Medical specialists explore potential applications for awakening cells’ innate healing and regenerative powers. Josh sees this as a departure from brain-centric models, stating, “Brains were one of the most recent inventions of Mother Nature, the thing that came last.”
Pamela Lyon emphasizes the shift away from human exceptionalism. The belief that only humans possessed real cognition is crumbling as researchers uncover the rich inner lives of diverse creatures, from apes and dolphins to insects and plants.
The journey into basal cognition challenges assumptions about intelligence, raising questions about the nature of thinking itself. With evidence mounting in unexpected corners of the natural world, the exploration of cognition beyond brains is poised to redefine our understanding of intelligence and consciousness.
As the study of basal cognition gains momentum, the scientific community confronts long-standing assumptions about intelligence, promising to reshape our understanding of consciousness.
Comments are closed.