Luc Turpin

The belief that science will "explain everything" helps explain why some think it already has, or will soon, provide answers to all questions about existence. The Theory of Everything, for instance, rests on the idea that uncovering universal laws will explain all phenomena. However, to achieve this ambitious goal, science requires more than just a reductionist approach. Emergent properties and the unpredictability of complex systems present significant challenges. A more holistic approach, one that accounts for subjective experience, might bring us closer to understanding reality, but it too may never fully achieve this ultimate goal. In contrast, religion embraces the existence of mysteries that transcend human comprehension, such as: Why are we here? What is the soul? What happens after death? The nature of the Divine — all remain profound mysteries of life. Rather than striving to fully understand these mysteries, religion regards them as central to existence, meant to be revered and accepted. By acknowledging these mysteries, religion fosters humility, recognizing that some parts of reality are beyond human grasp.

Agree!

The statement seemed to suggest that we were on the verge of resolving the issue, which is not the case. While it's true that unanswered questions in science do not serve as evidence for the existence of a supreme being, they may indicate "gaps" in our understanding of life itself.

Several scientists, including Smith, Sutherland, Kauffman, etc., argue that we are still far from understanding how life began. They contend that new insights are crucial to fully explain life's origins. The main challenges remain replicating the complex processes that lead to the creation of living matter, producing stable molecules under prebiotic conditions, explaining how DNA or RNA could arise from simple molecules, and understanding how simple protocells might evolve into fully functional living cells. Additionally, the difficulty of having random events occur naturally to result in life adds another layer of complexity. In summary, creating life from non-living matter remains an extraordinarily difficult challenge, with many unanswered questions regarding the necessary conditions and processes. To go from a bacterium to people is less of a step than to go from a mixture of amino acids to a bacterium. — Lynn Margulis On the RNA world: The undreamt-of breakthrough of molecular biology has made the problem of the origin of life a greater riddle than it was before: we have acquired new and deeper problems. — Karl R. Popper It goes without saying that the emergence of this RNA world and the transition to a DNA world imply an impressive number of stages, each more improbable than the previous one — François Jacob, There is no remnant or trace evidence of precellular life anywhere today. That it ever existed is entirely conjectural. Although its emergence from nonliving matter is hard to conceive, precellular life must have appeared almost immediately. There was almost no time for precellular life to evolve into the simplest bacterial cells. Precellular life has never been created in a lab. In spite of the RNA world, there is no consensus on the model for precellular life - Brig Klyce

The question of how life emerged from simple molecules remains unresolved. Various theories, such as prebiotic chemistry, the RNA world hypothesis, and protocell formation, offer some insights, yet the exact pathway from non-living matter to living organisms remains elusive. Great apes, dolphins, elephants, and certain birds like the magpie have passed the mirror test, indicating a level of cognitive self-recognition. Also, elephants, dolphins, great apes, crows, dogs, and whales display mourning behaviors, suggesting an emotional understanding of death. And animal intelligence spans a wide range of cognitive abilities, including tool use, problem solving, communication, and social intelligence. Therefore, while there is a clear gap between the non-living and the living, the cognitive divide between humans and other animals may not be as vast as often assumed.

The Life of a Thought in the Brain – Jon Lieff “With each mental event, dramatic structural changes occur inside large numbers of neurons1, outside of neurons in the extracellular space2, at the synapses between neurons3 and in glial brain cells4. Remarkably, these molecular changes occur instantaneously5 all over the brain in specific circuits using many different mechanisms (some have been described in previous posts). For each different momentary event, the same neuron can be used in completely different circuits6. Signals in the circuits occur simultaneously with other types of electrical communication7 including synchronous oscillations and changes in the extracellular electrical potentials. Also, with each new learning event new cells are minted from stem cells8 and incorporated into the neuronal circuits. This is just part of the life of a thought in the brain.” The excerpt is taken from Jon Lieff’s article here, which should be read in its entirety before attempting to answer the following questions: Can current molecular and brain theories fully explain what is happening in the brain? Can a theory of mind in all of nature9 best explain the phenomenon described in the article? I need to emphasise that both text and article are based on evidence. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ As for the excerpt, here are some of several studies that align with Jon Lief’s observations on how thoughts influence the brain, reinforcing his findings on the remarkable connection between mental activity and brain function. Note that evidence of mind in nature is provided at the end of this post (see below section9). 1-Structural changes occurring inside large number of neurons "Cognitive Training Changes the Structure of the Brain" (2020), Nature Neuroscience: The research finds that focused mental exercises can lead to significant changes in the brain's structure and neurons. "Mental Training Induces Structural Changes in the Amygdala and Prefrontal Cortex" (2021), Biological Psychiatry: This study suggests that mental training causes structural changes in brain areas involved in emotion regulation."Learning-Induced Structural Plasticity in the Adult Brain" (2021), Nature Communications: This research reveals that learning can cause significant structural changes in neurons, particularly in regions involved in memory and cognitive tasks. "Mindfulness Meditation and Structural Brain Changes"(2022), Psychiatry Research: This study finds that regular mindfulness meditation can cause significant structural changes in neurons in various brain regions 2-Structural changes occurring outside of neurons in the extracellular space "Learning-Induced Remodeling of the Extracellular Matrix in the Hippocampus" (2020), Nature Neuroscience: This study shows that learning causes changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the hippocampus, which is crucial for synaptic plasticity and memory formation. "Astrocytes and Synaptic Remodeling in the Adult Brain" (2021), Neuron: This research highlights that glial cells like astrocytes contribute to changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is essential for synaptic remodeling during learning and memory. "Glycosaminoglycans and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling During Learning and Memory" (2021), Journal of Neuroscience: This study reveals that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) in the ECM are key for synaptic remodeling during learning and memory, supporting synaptic plasticity and cognitive adaptability. 3-Structural changes at the synapses between neurons "Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampus and Its Role in Learning and Memory" (2018), Neuron: This study showed that learning and memory-related thoughts lead to changes in synapses in the hippocampus, altering their strength and structure. "Synaptic Changes in Memory Encoding and Retrieval" (2019), Nature Reviews Neuroscience: The review confirmed that memory encoding and retrieval of thoughts cause synaptic changes that affect their function and structure. "Cognitive Training Enhances Synaptic Plasticity in the Adult Brain" (2020), Science: This study demonstrated that focused mental training strengthens synapses, improving cognitive abilities and memory. "Chronic Stress Impairs Synaptic Plasticity in the Prefrontal Cortex" (2021), Journal of Neuroscience: The study showed that emotional stress weakens synaptic connections and impairs cognitive function. "Mindfulness Meditation Induces Structural Synaptic Changes in the Brain" (2022), Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging: This study found that meditation-related thoughts can enhance synaptic structure and function, leading to stronger neural connections. "The Role of Synaptic Plasticity in Emotional Memory and Fear Conditioning" (2021), Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience: This study showed that emotional thoughts, like fear, induce synaptic changes that enhance emotional memory. 4-Structural changes in glial cells "Glial Modulation of Synaptic Plasticity in the Hippocampus" (2020), Nature Neuroscience: Learning and memory processes affect glial cells, which release signals that modulate synaptic plasticity. "Learning-Dependent Changes in Glial Cell Dynamics and Synaptic Function" (2020), Cell Reports: Learning causes changes in glial cell activity that promote synaptic plasticity and strengthen neural circuits. "Chronic Stress Alters Microglial Activity in the Prefrontal Cortex" (2021), Journal of Neuroscience: Chronic stress alters microglial activity, causing neuroinflammation and impairing cognitive function. "Mindfulness Meditation Increases Astrocytic Activity in the Prefrontal Cortex" (2022), Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging: Meditation increases astrocyte activity, enhancing cognitive and emotional regulation. 5-Molecular changes occurring instantaneously "The Real-Time Molecular Responses in the Brain to Cognitive Activity: Signal Transduction and Immediate Gene Expression" (2017), Neuron: This study showed that cognitive tasks trigger instant molecular responses in the brain, including neurotransmitter release, gene activation, and synaptic changes. "Epigenetic Regulation of Immediate Gene Expression and Synaptic Plasticity in Response to Cognitive Activity" (2019), Neuron: This study found that thoughts lead to immediate epigenetic changes that regulate gene expression and contribute to synaptic modifications and neural adaptations. "Molecular Mechanisms of Synaptic Plasticity and Network Modulation by Thought Processes" (2020), Nature Neuroscience: This study demonstrated that mental activity causes immediate molecular changes that alter synaptic plasticity, enabling cognitive processes like memory and decision-making. "Real-Time Brain Network Modulation and Molecular Responses to Cognitive Effort and Mental Activity" (2021), Nature Communications: This research showed that cognitive effort and mental activity cause instant molecular changes that modulate brain network activity and support functions like attention and working memory. 6-For each momentary event, same neurons used in different circuits. "Momentary Reconfiguration of Prefrontal Cortex Circuits during Cognitive Control" (2020), Nature Neuroscience: Neurons in the prefrontal cortex can switch between multiple circuits based on cognitive demands. "Flexible Neuronal Circuit Recruitment during Decision-Making Tasks" (2020), Neuron: Neurons switch between circuits involved in value evaluation and motor output during decision-making, demonstrating flexible circuit recruitment. "Sensory Cortex Neurons Recruited into Different Circuits Based on Contextual Information" (2021), Journal of Neuroscience: Sensory cortex neurons are dynamically recruited into different circuits depending on the task and context. "Amygdala Neurons Flexibly Engage in Different Circuits During Emotional Processing and Regulation" (2022), Journal of Neuroscience: Amygdala neurons shift between circuits for emotional processing and regulation, showing context-dependent brain plasticity. "Hippocampal Neurons Engaged in Different Circuits for Memory Encoding and Spatial Navigation" (2021), Nature Neuroscience: Hippocampal neurons engage in separate circuits for memory encoding and spatial navigation, highlighting flexible neural circuit recruitment. 7-Signals occurring simultaneously with other types of electrical communication "The Role of Cortical Oscillations in Cross-Regional Communication" (2014). This research examines how synchronous oscillations in alpha, beta, and gamma rhythms across different brain regions facilitate cross-regional communication and synchronize brain circuits, coinciding with fluctuations in extracellular potentials during tasks involving attention, decision-making, and complex processing. "Synchronous Neural Firing and Extracellular Field Potentials in Cortical Networks" (2015) This study explores how synchronous neural firing in cortical networks, particularly during sensory processing, is accompanied by fluctuations in extracellular field potentials, reflecting the collective activity of large neuron populations and their alignment with oscillatory brain waves. "Extracellular Potentials and Dynamic Circuit Synchrony in Brain Networks" (2019), Nature Neuroscience: Synchronous neural activity and extracellular potentials work together to enhance communication across brain networks during high-level cognitive functions. "Gamma Oscillations and the Extracellular Electrical Potential: Coordinating Information Processing Across Cortical Circuits" (2020), Journal of Neuroscience: Gamma oscillations in cortical circuits are linked to synchronized neural firing and changes in extracellular electrical potentials, influencing signal propagation. "Synchronous Oscillations and Extracellular Potentials in Sensory Cortices: Implications for Sensory Processing and Integration" (2020), Journal of Neuroscience: Oscillatory activity and extracellular electrical potentials in sensory cortices are linked, aiding dynamic sensory information processing. Synaptic and Extracellular Electrical Changes During Cortical Oscillations: Evidence from LFPs and Multiunit Activity" (2021), Frontiers in Neuroscience: Synchronous neural oscillations and extracellular electrical potentials are closely connected and reflect coordinated communication during complex cognitive tasks. 8-Each new learning event mint new cells which are incorporated into neuronal circuits "Learning-Dependent Neurogenesis in the Adult Mammalian Brain" (2000), Proceedings of the National Academy of Science: This study reveals that learning, especially spatial tasks, triggers neurogenesis in the hippocampus, where new neurons help form memory circuits. "Adult Hippocampal Neurogenesis Is Required for Long-Term Memory Formation" (2012), Science: This study shows that learning generates new neurons in the hippocampus, which are integrated into existing circuits to support memory formation. "Cognitive and Physical Exercise Increases Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Learning" (2013), Science: This study demonstrates that both mental and physical exercise stimulate neurogenesis in the hippocampus, enhancing learning and memory. "Learning-Induced Neurogenesis in the Olfactory Bulb and Its Contribution to Olfactory Memory" (2014), Neuron: This study finds that sensory learning, like odor learning, stimulates neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb, with new neurons aiding in memory formation. "Learning-Dependent Changes in Adult Neurogenesis and Integration into Existing Circuits" (2016), Neuron: This research shows that learning events generate new neurons that integrate into hippocampal circuits, playing a role in memory and learning flexibility. "Learning-Induced Adult Neurogenesis and Its Role in Memory Encoding and Learning Flexibility" (2018), Nature Neuroscience: This study shows that learning promotes neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which supports memory encoding and cognitive flexibility. 9-Mind in nature "The Foundations of Plant Intelligence" (2014) Trends in Plant Science. The author argues that intelligent behavior is not limited to neural systems, noting the similarities between the network of molecular interactions and the network of neuron connections, suggesting that intelligence can exist in systems without neural structures. "Cellular Intelligence: Microphenomenology and the Realities of Being" (2016) Springer. The author argues that cognition, response, and decision-making are intrinsic to living cells. He highlights examples, such as shell-building amoebae and the red algae Antithamion, that exhibit cellular intelligence not easily captured by conventional models or computational analysis. "How Brainless Slime Molds Redefine Intelligence" (2016) Scientific American. The author discusses the surprising abilities of the yellow slime mold Physarum polycephalum. This organism can solve mazes, replicate transportation networks, and select the healthiest food sources—all without a brain or nervous system. “Cellular Memory Hints at the Origin of Intelligence” (2017) Nature News. The study discusses how slime moulds exhibit remarkable rhythmic recall. "Collective Intelligence: A Unifying Concept for Integrating Biology Across Scales and Substates" (2017), Frontiers in Systems Biology. The study highlights examples of cellular decision-making, which exhibit cooperation toward specific homeo-dynamic outcomes. The authors argue that collective intelligence is not limited to animal groups, but also manifests at the cellular and organismal levels, drawing a parallel between the behavioral dynamics of animal swarms and the intelligence of biological systems at varying scales. "Molecular Basis of Plant Intelligence: Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of Cognition." (2021) Plant Physiology. This paper examines how genetic and epigenetic factors enable plants to exhibit behaviors like learning, memory, and adaptive responses to stimuli, providing molecular evidence for plant intelligence and challenging traditional views of cognition. "Cognitive Evolution in Invertebrates: A New Era of Discovery. (2022)" Trends in Cognitive Sciences. This study explores the surprising cognitive complexity of invertebrates like octopuses, bees, and ants, arguing that intelligence is not limited to vertebrates and challenging traditional views of animal cognition. "The Evolution of Cognitive Flexibility in Animals." (2022) Trends in Ecology & Evolution. This paper investigates cognitive flexibility across species, highlighting how animals like birds, primates, and mammals exhibit problem-solving, learning, and innovation to adapt to new environmental challenges, reflecting an evolved form of intelligence for survival. "Cognitive and Behavioral Plasticity in Spiders: Exploring the Evolution of Intelligence." (2022) Animal Cognition. This study highlights how spiders demonstrate cognitive and behavioral flexibility, using sensory cues, spatial memory, and learning to adjust their hunting and foraging behaviors, showcasing intelligence adapted to their ecological niche. "Ecosystem Intelligence: Understanding Complex Adaptive Systems." (2022) Ecology and Evolution. This paper explores "ecosystem intelligence," arguing that ecosystems, as complex adaptive systems, demonstrate forms of intelligence through their ability to respond to environmental changes, balance ecological interactions, and maintain stability via feedback loops "Swarm Intelligence and Collective Behavior in Nature." (2022) Nature Communications. This paper investigates swarm intelligence in social insects like ants and bees, showing how decentralized decision-making and collective behavior enable swarms to solve complex tasks such as foraging, nest building, and navigation. Multimodal perception links cellular state to decision-making in single cells (2022), Science. This study reveals that human cells process diverse signaling information in an adaptive manner, allowing them to make context-dependent decisions based on their internal state and surroundings, with signaling network heterogeneity contributing to this complex decision-making ability. "The Cognitive Ecology of Plants: A Review of Plant Intelligence (2023)." Plant Science. This paper reviews emerging evidence that plants exhibit intelligence through adaptive behaviors and communication, extending the concept of intelligence beyond animals to plant life. "Neural and Behavioral Complexity in Molluscs: Insights into Non-Human Animal Intelligence." (2023) Biological Reviews. This review examines the neural and behavioral complexity of molluscs, particularly octopuses and cuttlefish, emphasizing their intelligence, including learning, memory, and problem-solving, and advocating for broader definitions of intelligence in non-mammalian species. A heritable iron memory enables decision-making in Escherichia coli (2023) PNAS. This study reveals that Escherichia coli can "remember" prior swarming experiences through cellular iron levels, which influence future swarming efficiency, biofilm formation, and antibiotic tolerance across generations. "Network Motifs: Theory and Experimental Approaches". The author discusses how signaling networks within cells operate like decision-making systems, a key feature of cellular intelligence. A summary on microbial intelligence from Wikipedia reveals behaviors among bacterial colonies. Bacterial biofilms- which form through the collective behavior of millions of cells- demonstrate synchronized growth, nutrient maximization and survival strategies under stress. Bacteria recognize themselves under antibiotic stress, swap genes and even communicate through quorum sensing to coordinate actions such as biofilm formation and disease progression. Under certain conditions, bacteria can display forms of memory and decision-making. For example, bacterial biofilms exhibit a membrane potential based working memory that persists hours after stimuli. · https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3s0LTDhqe5A · https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZM9GpLXepU · https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6ChEmjsXCM

Am-I adressing your issue with the following? ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ If intelligence exists in all living things, then there may be a purpose to life. Through science, we can observe hints of an intelligent fingerprint within all forms of life. This intelligence appears to be modular, evolving from simpler forms in lower organisms to more sophisticated expressions in complex organisms like humans. Below are studies that suggest even cells may exhibit some form of intelligence: Philip Ball, in his article "Cellular Memory Hints at the Origin of Intelligence", discusses how slime molds exhibit remarkable rhythmic recall. This supports my view that intelligence originates in cells, rather than emerging solely from neural networks, as TheVat suggests. Michael Levin and Patrick McMillen, in their paper "Collective Intelligence: A Unifying Concept for Integrating Biology Across Scales and Substates", highlight examples of cellular decision-making, which exhibit cooperation toward specific homeodynamic outcomes. They argue that collective intelligence is not limited to animal groups, but also manifests at the cellular and organismal levels, drawing a parallel between the behavioral dynamics of animal swarms and the intelligence of biological systems at varying scales. An intriguing article by Michael Levin on cellular intelligence challenges traditional views of DNA and biological systems. His work focuses on bioelectricity and its role in cellular behavior. Read more In "The Foundations of Plant Intelligence", Anthony Trewavas argues that intelligent behavior is not limited to neural systems, noting the similarities between the network of molecular interactions and the network of neuron connections, suggesting that intelligence can exist in systems without neural structures. Ferris Jabr, in "How Brainless Slime Molds Redefine Intelligence" (Scientific American), discusses the surprising abilities of the yellow slime mold Physarum polycephalum. This organism can solve mazes, replicate transportation networks, and select the healthiest food sources—all without a brain or nervous system. According to Chris Reid of the University of Sydney, slime molds challenge conventional definitions of intelligence. A summary on microbial intelligence from Wikipedia reveals behaviors among bacteria: Bacterial biofilms—which form through the collective behavior of millions of cells—demonstrate synchronized growth, nutrient maximization, and survival strategies under stress. Bacteria reorganize themselves under antibiotic stress, swap genes (including those for antibiotic resistance), and even communicate through quorum sensing to coordinate actions such as biofilm formation and disease progression. Under certain conditions, bacteria can display forms of memory and decision-making. For example, bacterial biofilms exhibit a membrane potential-based working memory that persists hours after stimuli. Myxobacteria exhibit social behavior by coordinating movements and forming complex structures, suggesting a higher level of collective intelligence. In "Cellular Intelligence: Microphenomenology and the Realities of Being", Brian J. Ford argues that cognition, response, and decision-making are intrinsic to living cells. He highlights examples, such as shell-building amoebae and the red algae Antithamion, that exhibit cellular intelligence not easily captured by conventional models or computational analysis. Uri Alon, in "Network Motifs: Theory and Experimental Approaches", discusses how signaling networks within cells operate like decision-making systems, a key feature of cellular intelligence. Gertz and Cohen, in their work "The Functional Role of Transcription Factor Binding In Vivo", explain how cells process information through the action of transcription factors, which are critical for cellular responses and decision-making. Schneider and Widder explore the dynamics of cellular networks, emphasizing how these networks maintain homeostasis through intelligent, adaptive control systems. Bassler and Losik, in "Bacterial Social Engagement", examine the concept of "quorum sensing," in which bacteria communicate and coordinate behaviors based on population density, displaying social learning and intelligence. These studies collectively suggest that intelligence is not confined to organisms with complex nervous systems, but may be a fundamental feature of all living things, extending to the cellular level. Whether through decision-making, coordination, or memory, intelligence appears to be embedded in life across diverse biological scales.

The post is replete with examples of complexity of life. I did not invent them. Taken together they show complexity. A semblance of cognition was brought into the picture for two reasons: it was needed to show the level of complexity attained by cells; the search that I did on the matter was often bringing up this point on the subject of cell complexity. I brought electrical, magnetic and chemical reactions into the post not to clamour that they were new and revolutionary, but to show, again, the complexity of life.

I spent ten days working intermittently on the introductory post. The author provided the key bullet points and central concepts, while I contributed by conducting an extensive search for relevant examples to support and illustrate these ideas. The last three paragraphs are entirely my own. The main message of the post highlights the extraordinary complexity of biology, suggesting that such intricacy likely requires more than random chance reactions. I am not attributing consciousness to chemical reactions, nor is consciousness or cognition even the central focus of the post. Instead, my emphasis is on the notion that the complexity of life seems to point toward a sense of organization of some sort. I believe this is a highly valid point for discussion. My next step was to write a post on the physical changes the brain undergoes when a thought is formed, but I'm now uncertain if it’s still worth pursuing. This one also would have taken many days to prepare. I have been using "paradigm shift" for a while without mention that it came from Chat GPT.

Cellular Communication Inspired by Jon Lieff: The Intricate Web of Cellular Communication From the irrelevant, dismissive and certified crackpot Cellular communication is far more intricate and sophisticated than we once imagined. Cells don’t operate in isolation; they constantly interact to regulate vital processes like growth, healing, and immune defense. This communication is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, enabling organisms to respond to environmental challenges, and ultimately ensuring survival. Key Insights: • Complex Communication: Cells communicate using a vast array of signaling methods that go far beyond just hormones or neurotransmitters. These signals include electrical impulses, mechanical forces, and even light signals (known as biophotons). For example, some cells communicate through electrical synapses that transmit signals at lightning speed, while mechano-transduction allows cells to sense and respond to physical forces in their environment. In the nervous system, biophotons may help neurons communicate with each other by synchronizing their activity. This multimodal communication allows cells to coordinate complex processes like cell development, immune responses and tissue repair. As a result, cellular communication is involved in the adaptation of organisms to changes in their environment, helping them navigate everything from nutrient availability to injury. • Cooperation: Cells often rely on cooperation to perform complex tasks, such as immune defense or tissue repair. This cooperation can occur within a single tissue, among different tissues, or between distinct cell types. For example, during wound healing, fibroblasts and immune cells must work together to restore tissue integrity, with fibroblasts generating new tissue and immune cells clearing infections. Similarly, cells communicate through cytokines, which are signaling molecules that enable immune cells to collaborate and mount a defense against pathogens. Without such coordination, even simple biological processes would break down. This cellular cooperation ensures that our bodies can handle complex, dynamic tasks like fighting infections, responding to injury, and maintaining organ function. • Collective Decision-Making: Cells, especially in the immune system, don’t just respond passively to stimuli. They actively "decide" based on shared signals. This concept of collective decision-making is critical for processes such as immune responses. Immune cells like T-cells and macrophages exchange chemical signals that influence whether they attack pathogens, produce inflammatory molecules, or activate other parts of the immune system. Another good example of collaborative decision-making in cells is during the development of multicellular organisms, particularly when forming tissues and organs. Cells need to communicate and work together to achieve common goals. In embryonic development, cells coordinate their actions based on signals from neighboring cells and their environment. As indicated, collaborative decision-making is key for complex physiological phenomena. Research into cellular decision-making processes also suggests that cells might even "know" when to sacrifice themselves for the greater good of the organism—an example of programmed cell death or apoptosis in cancer suppression and immune responses. • Epigenetics and Adaptation: One of the most fascinating discoveries in biology is the role of epigenetics in cellular communication. External signals, including those from neighboring cells, the environment, or even microbiota, can activate or silence genes without altering the underlying DNA sequence. These modifications, like DNA methylation, allow cells to adapt to environmental changes in a flexible manner. For example, stem cells receive signals from their environment that direct them to become specific cell types, such as muscle, nerve, or skin cells, through epigenetic mechanisms. These changes don’t require a genetic mutation, allowing organisms to respond to challenges without permanently altering their genetic code. In essence, epigenetics represents a "memory" system that helps cells remember past signals and adapt future behavior accordingly. • The Brain-Body Connection: A growing body of research highlights the crucial role of the gut-brain axis—the communication system linking the gut and the brain. The gut sends signals to the brain through vagus nerve stimulation, hormones like ghrelin and leptin, and even neurotransmitters like serotonin. These signals can influence mood, cognition, and even stress responses. In return, the brain can modulate gut function, influencing digestion and immune responses. This bi-directional communication explains why gut health is so closely linked to mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and even autism spectrum disorders. It suggests that cellular communication extends beyond isolated organs and systems, showing how intertwined the body's various processes truly are. • The Microbiome: The microbiome, consisting of trillions of microbes residing in and on our bodies, has a profound impact on cellular communication, particularly in areas like immune function, metabolism, and mental health. These microbes produce a variety of molecules—such as short-chain fatty acids, neurotransmitters, and vitamins—that influence the cells of the digestive tract, immune system, and brain. Recent studies reveal that gut microbiota can shape immune responses by interacting with dendritic cells and T cells, which in turn influence inflammation and pathogen defense. Moreover, changes in the microbiome are linked to conditions like autoimmune diseases, obesity, and even neurodegenerative diseases. The microbiome is a perfect example of how cellular communication is not limited to human cells but extends to the microbial residents that live symbiotically within our bodies. Aside from the gut microbiome, there are also skin, oral and respiratory microbiomes. • Internal Cellular Communication: Within individual cells, communication between organelles is crucial for maintaining homeostasis. For example, mitochondria not only produce energy but also communicate with the nucleus to regulate processes like cell growth, apoptosis, and response to oxidative stress. This communication is essential for cellular health; disruptions in this internal network can lead to diseases such as mitochondrial disorders and cancer. The endoplasmic reticulum also communicates with the rest of the cell to maintain protein folding and calcium balance, and its dysfunction can lead to diseases like Alzheimer's. Organelles like the Golgi apparatus and lysosomes coordinate with each other to transport proteins and eliminate waste. Without these intricate systems of internal cellular communication, cells would be unable to maintain function, adapt to stress, or carry out their specialized roles. Life as a Web of Communication: At its core, life is about the constant exchange of information across cells, tissues, organs, and the environment. These interwoven networks shape the behavior of cells, influencing everything from how tissues develop to how they respond to injury or infection. Cellular behavior is not driven solely by a set of genetic instructions or chemical signals; it’s a continuous flow of information that comes from interactions between cells and their environment, as well as feedback loops between the body’s different systems. Things become even more complex and much more fascinating when the act of thinking—an intangible process—creates neuronal links, a tangible physical change. This intricate process involves thinking, molecular signaling, glial cell participation, feedback mechanisms, plasticity, and cognitive integration—though such a topic deserves a deeper exploration in another post. As our understanding of biology deepens, it becomes increasingly clear that life is governed by extraordinarily sophisticated systems, far more intricate than previously recognized. Cellular communication is a prime example of how these systems work together, creating a highly coordinated, adaptive network that sustains life. This interconnectedness challenges the traditional mechanical models of biology, which often see living systems as merely the sum of their parts. Rather, biology appears to be governed by principles of coordination and something akin somewhat to thought—the ability of cells to process, interpret, and respond to signals in ways that are adaptive, purposeful, and dynamic. A New Paradigm for Life: Could the emerging complexity of cellular communication suggest a deeper level of organization than we’ve recognized in biology? The more we study cellular behavior, the less it seems that life is merely the result of reactive processes. At the very least, the complexity inherent in nature makes it significantly harder to explain everything away with simplistic "just because" reasoning. Rather, biology points toward the involvement of complex, coordinated systems that exhibit behaviors. If cells can collectively make decisions, respond to environmental cues, and adapt to challenges in ways that appear to reflect some sort of action with an intended consequence, might there be something more to life than mere autonomic reactions?

1- Will get to that one later 2- They do naturally select, but also do evolve throught the aid of cognition 3- Disagree! more that that. Trees and plants are not passive—they actively perceive and respond to environmental stimuli to optimize their growth and survival. They can detect the direction and intensity of light through specialized receptors, and research shows that plants can "learn" from light patterns and adjust their growth accordingly (Sauer & Simpson, 2017). Plants also respond to touch and mechanical pressure by changing their growth patterns, like climbing plants that wrap around structures for support (Hickok, 2018). Plants can "learn" from experience, a phenomenon called "plant memory." For example, Gagliano (2014) showed that plants can modify their behavior based on past experiences, such as stopping the defensive leaf-folding response when repeatedly exposed to harmless stimuli. They also have memory for stress; plants exposed to mild stress can "remember" it for several days and respond more effectively to future stress (Bruce, 2007). Plants communicate through various methods: they release VOCs to signal other plants (Karban), use chemicals in their roots to interact with neighbors (Bever), and send electrical signals within their tissues (Pickard, 2008). They also make decisions about resource allocation, adjusting growth between roots and shoots based on environmental conditions (Farrar, 2011). Many plants form symbiotic relationships with other species, cooperating by releasing compounds that encourage beneficial plants to grow or suppress harmful ones (Simard, 1997; Callaway, 2007). Plants don’t have brains or nervous systems exhibit complex behaviors that mimic cognitive processes like perception, memory, learning, decision-making, and communication. These abilities allow them to adapt to their environment, survive, and interact with other organisms, which ultimately influences their evolutionary success. The growing field of plant cognition is revealing that plants are far more complex and dynamic than we once thought. I can prove that turtles are not stupid and will do just that once I get the time. And I will do insects also. And agree that your thing about moths is not cognition, but they do have cognitive abilities.

Getting there, slowly but surely.

I’ve recently received some feedback in this thread that could have been presented more constructively. The two main criticisms were: 1) cognition plays such a minor role in evolution that it can be ignored, and 2) I haven’t provided enough evidence for the connection between cognition and evolution. Let me address these points. Cognition has a direct impact on survival, reproduction, and adaptation. There is substantial evidence that cognitive traits like memory, learning, decision-making, and problem-solving significantly influence evolutionary outcomes. Cognitive abilities are essential in natural selection. Research by Sherry & Schacter shows how spatial memory in birds aids in foraging, a critical factor for survival and reproduction. Similarly, predator recognition and avoidance are vital for survival. Species with superior cognitive abilities to avoid predators live longer, improving their chances of passing their genes to offspring. Cognition also plays a key role in mate selection. A study by Catchpole found that female starlings prefer males with more complex songs, which may indicate higher cognitive abilities. Dunbar’s "social intelligence hypothesis" suggests that primates evolved larger brains due to the cognitive demands of social living. Being able to navigate social relationships and form alliances provides reproductive advantages. Cognition is also crucial for adapting to changing environments. Crows and octopuses use tool-making and problem-solving to exploit new ecological niches. This adaptabilityis linked to advanced cognitive capacities and contributes to evolutionary success. Griesser’s research on birds shows that cognition helps species adjust their strategies for predator avoidance more effectively. In humans, cognitive abilities have been pivotal to our evolutionary success. Complex traits like language, abstract thinking, and problem-solving offered definite advantages in survival. Tomasello argues that the evolution of language, for example, enabled better communication, knowledge-sharing, and cooperation, providing humans with a distinct evolutionary edge. In conclusion, evidence demonstrates that cognition plays a crucial role in evolution. It drives survival, reproduction, and adaptation, influencing both natural and sexual selection.

Trillions upon trillions of cognitive interactions, spanning billions of years and countless species, yet almost no influence on evolution?, should have been my statement. So why almost no mention of it in the theory of evolution as one of it's fundamental elements? As for evidence, I have provided some and will get much more to share. Also, single-celled organisms have cognitive abilities as well as being influenced by random mutations. So why call one out and not the other? When is cognition talked about with random mutations in a conversation on evolution?

Cognition is a fundamental aspect of all living organisms, yet it has often been overlooked as a driving force in the natural sciences. From cellular cognition—such as sensing and cooperative behaviors—to plant cognition, which includes environmental sensing, communication, and decision-making, to animal cognition, encompassing spatial memory, problem-solving, tool use, and social behaviors, the cognitive processes within living systems are far-reaching and complex. Yet, despite the trillions upon trillions of cognitive interactions that have occurred since the emergence of life, I must ask: why would it not have had an impact on nature and why science has ignored this? Nothing to add here

Some evidence seems to suggest, at the very least, that both baguettes and marmalade nourish the violinist playing music and the construction worker building churches. I may be mistaken, but I am certainly not a crackpot. My goal is not to overturn anything, but to offer new information or a different perspective of things that could enhance our understanding of what we already know. The recent posts clearly demonstrate that we are not engaging in scientific inquiry, but rather resorting to character assassination.

Yes, not a doctor, but a pretentious S.O.B I am! 😊

I am making a strong effort to expand both my own and others' understanding of current knowledge, but I admit I'm struggling to convince anyone that there may be more to it than what science currently reveals.

Was not thinking as usual: now I get it! Yes, it might be me in the same situation or might be me representing others that are not in the same predicament as I. I am not always smart, but most of the time, I am not driven by hubris. Not as smart as you dimreepr, not as smart as many on these forums, but I have ideas, mostly from others, that need to be shared

I don't seem to get the drift of it 😑

If the field of cognitive genomics is so active, why is there little discussion about its role in shaping evolution in the same way as genes, chemicals, and random events? Why has it not been incorporated in some shape or form into the theory? Why is there resistance towards this? The ideas presented here include some of my own, as well as many from others, which I aim to share as accurately as possible. I do not claim to have originated most of them. Additionally, the concepts discussed have been explored by professionals who have faced challenges in effectively communicating their ideas. My only presumption is that a prevailing mindset in science is hindering the consideration of ideas that extend beyond the current scientific paradigm.

1- The theory of evolution primarily emphasizes biological processes.. It does not delve into cognition—the mental processes involved in perception, memory and reasoning. So, how can one claim that it does? 2- My understanding of the topic is irrelevant to the fact that the theory of evolution does not address cognition. 3-Discussing cognition in the context of evolution does not require focusing on where it is coming from. Therefore, the conversation should not be dismissed based on this assumption. My understanding is that humans using technology to genetically modify organisms can be considered part of evolution, but it is a form of evolution that is much more directed than usual with natural evolution.

The question of whether cognition is independent or not is irrelevant; what truly matters is whether cognition plays a role in evolution and whether it has been adequately considered—which it has not. Cognition exists as a fundamental aspect of reality, yet it is overlooked or dismissed within a mechanistic worldview. Therefore, the worldview is vastly defficient and incomplete I named cognition and it is being ignored. That the environment plays a role and that it has been know for century is not new to me. The point remains. Cognition exists and is being ignored by evolution and almost all of science.

Time does not negate the fact that cognition exists and might have played a role in evolution

In this post, I will put forth the idea that evolution is often viewed as an entirely chance-driven process, and that alternative factors, such as cognition or cell communication, might play significant roles in shaping life’s complexity. While evolution is indeed driven by genetic variation and natural selection, it’s important to consider whether the purely mechanistic view of life—which focuses solely on genes, chemicals, and random events—can fully explain the complexity and adaptability seen in biological systems. Regarding cognition and cellular communication: while it’s commonly accepted that genetic inheritance and biochemical reactions drive much of evolution, the role of cellular communication cannot be underestimated. Cells communicate through intricate signaling pathways that determine processes like growth, differentiation, and response to the environment. These processes suggest that organisms are not simply passive reactors to random genetic mutations but are actively engaging with and adapting to their environments through highly sophisticated systems. For instance, when cells in multicellular organisms communicate to coordinate immune responses or repair damaged tissue, they are making decisions based on information, not just reacting mechanically to stimuli. This type of behavior implies that some degree of “cognitive” processing may be occurring at cellular and molecular levels, challenging the purely chemical, deterministic model. To suggest that birds, or any other organisms, are solely propelled by non-intentional autonomic reflexes or randomness also overlooks the adaptability and purposefulness inherent in many biological behaviors. Birds migrate not to random destinations, but with a high degree of navigational precision. They rely on environmental cues for orientation. This suggests that their behavior is guided by a complex system of responses, not merely mechanical reflexes or randomness. Evolution has equipped them with remarkable cognitive tools that aid in these processes, and it’s crucial to recognize that not all biological systems are mere machines operating without intent. Moreover, the focus on randomness and mechanistic processes can limit our understanding of the full range of factors at play in evolution. There might be additional variables, such as emergent (the word I hate to use) properties or even forms of intelligence within biological systems, that are often overlooked when we insist on reducing everything to genetic and chemical interactions. A more holistic view would consider that evolution is not just the outcome of random mutation and selection, but may also involve intricate feedback loops, cooperation among cells, and the “decision-making” of biological systems at various levels. To summarize, while the mechanistic view of evolution driven by random mutations and natural selection is undeniably fundamental, it’s essential not to disregard the potential roles of cognition, communication, and other emergent properties in the evolution of life. These factors do not negate the principles of evolution but may add depth and complexity to our understanding of how life develops and adapts. In embracing these additional variables, we open up the possibility for a more nuanced view of the evolutionary process.