TED: The electrical blueprints that orchestrate life | Michael Levin

The video explores the role of DNA in biology, highlighting its limitations in explaining complex biological phenomena. It introduces the concept of bioelectricity, where cells communicate using electrical signals, forming networks that guide development and regeneration. The discussion includes planarian regeneration, showcasing how bioelectric manipulation can alter anatomical outcomes. The video also presents xenobots, novel life forms created from frog cells, demonstrating cellular plasticity. The potential of bioelectricity in regenerative medicine is emphasized, offering insights into future medical advancements.

What is the traditional view of DNA in biological systems?

• DNA is only found in non-living things.

• DNA is irrelevant to biological development.

• DNA is the hardware of the body.

• DNA is the software that builds the hardware of the body.

What is bioelectricity?

• A type of mechanical force.

• A form of neural communication.

• A biochemical signal.

• Electrical signals used by all cells to communicate.

What role do electrical signals play in cell communication?

• They are used only by nerve cells.

• They are used by all cells to communicate and coordinate development.

• They are irrelevant to cell communication.

• They are used only in emergency situations.

How do bioelectric networks in cells function?

• They process information and pattern memories.

• They form static structures.

• They only control cell division.

• They are irrelevant to anatomical structures.

What is the potential of understanding bioelectric networks?

• It could allow for the reprogramming of cellular networks to achieve different outcomes.

• It is only useful for understanding plant biology.

• It could lead to new insights into machine code programming.

• It has no practical applications.

What is a significant feature of planarian regeneration?

• They can regenerate only their heads.

• They can regenerate only their tails.

• They cannot regenerate any body part.

• They can regenerate from any body part, even if cut into 200 pieces.

How do planarians demonstrate the concept of bioelectric memory?

• They forget their original form after regeneration.

• They cannot regenerate at all.

• They regenerate randomly without any pattern.

• They can be reprogrammed to regenerate with different anatomical structures.

What is a Xeno bot?

• A type of computer program.

• A traditional biological organism.

• A novel life form created from frog cells.

• A genetically modified organism.

What is a potential application of Xeno bots?

• They are used to study plant growth.

• They are only theoretical and have no practical use.

• They can be programmed to perform tasks like cleaning up toxins.

• They can be used to create new species.

What is the significance of bioelectricity in regenerative medicine?

• It is a minor aspect of regenerative medicine.

• It has no significance.

• It could lead to new methods of controlling cell growth and regeneration.

• It is only relevant to plant biology.