Breakthrough Biology Research: Consciousness Beyond the Brain | Michael Levin & Anna Ciaunica

In this episode, developmental biologist Michael Levin and cognitive scientist Anna Ciaunica examine how cellular intelligence challenges our traditional understanding of consciousness. They explore how memory, embodiment, and our interactions with others fundamentally shape the self. As a listener of TOE you can get a special 20% off discount to The Economist and all it has to offer! Visit https://www.economist.com/toe A huge thank you to Dina Rudick, a four-time Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker / journalist, who expertly aided this production at the last minute. You can find more about her work at https://www.dinarudick.com. Definitely check out her films. Join My New Substack (Personal Writings): https://curtjaimungal.substack.com Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/SpotifyTOE Links Mentioned: Michael Levin’s website: https://drmichaellevin.org/ Anna Ciaunica’s website: https://annaciaunica.fr/ Curt’s previous talk with Michael: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8iFtaltX-s&t=3924s&ab_channel=CurtJaimungal Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening 01:42 – The Biggest Myths in Biology and Neuroscience 03:18 – Anna’s Take on How Self Emerges from “Bunches of Cells” 04:10 – Critique of Adult-Centric Perspectives 05:15 – Dropping Old Conceptual “Epicycles” 07:45 – Continuity from Single Cells to Human Minds 09:28 – On Memory, Metaphors, and Shifting Perspectives 10:46 – Bridging Disciplinary Silos & The Power of Interdisciplinarity 13:04 – Development, Evolution, and Goal-Directed Systems 17:05 – Expanding the Concept of “Goal-Seeking” in Biology 25:12 – Depression, Body States, and Self-Regulation 31:57 – Aging, Goals, and the Problem of “Having Nothing Left to Do” 41:10 – Pregnancy, Immune Systems, and “Sharing a Self” 51:08 – “Interconnectedness” as Fundamental to Selfhood 57:56 – The Story We Tell Ourselves vs. The Agency of Thoughts 1:07:00 – Rewriting “You”: Caterpillars, Butterflies, and Memory 1:16:15 – Final Thoughts: The Self as an Ongoing, Embodied Process 1:24:01 – Closing Remarks and Where to Find More Become a YouTube Member (Early Access Videos): https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdWIQh9DGG6uhJk8eyIFl1w/join Twitter: https://twitter.com/TOEwithCurt Discord Invite: https://discord.com/invite/kBcnfNVwqs #science #biology #research #scientist #consciousness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices