Science
Slime mould research fuels dispute among scientists over the definition of intelligence
The Guardian reports that experiments with brainless organisms have sparked debate among researchers over cognition.
The short version
- Experiments by Toshiyuki Nakagaki showed slime moulds navigating mazes in 2000 and replicating Tokyo rail routes using oat flakes in 2010.[The Guardian]
- Traditional scientists reject applying cognitive labels to brainless life forms, arguing such concepts are merely catchphrases.[The Guardian]
- The scientific debate continues over whether basic decision-making in simple organisms warrants classification as intelligence.[The Guardian]
Key facts
- In 2000, Toshiyuki Nakagaki published findings showing a slime mould could solve a maze puzzle.[The Guardian]
- Nakagaki conducted a 2010 study where Physarum spread over oat flakes arranged like Tokyo and surrounding satellite towns.[The Guardian]
- A group of scientists signed a declaration in 2007 asserting that plants lack intelligence.[The Guardian]
- Plant physiologist Lincoln Taiz criticized biogenic theorists by asserting they have brain envy.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- Researchers remain fundamentally divided on whether complex behaviours in brainless organisms constitute intelligence or non-cognitive biological mechanisms.[The Guardian]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.
- ‘This is dangerous’: slime moulds and the bitter debate over the nature of intelligenceThe Guardian - Science