Physicists Discover How Slime Mold 'Makes Decisions' Without a Brain

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⭐ New research reveals slime molds like Physarum polycephalum don't use brains or nerves to make "decisions," but rely on rhythmic internal contractions and fluid flows.

⭐ Scientists used blue light traps (470 nm waves) to study how starving slime molds escape. These molds are averse to blue light and get "trapped" by it.

⭐ The slime mold explores escape routes by sending out protrusions. The study found escapes occur along the longest axis of the trap shape because this allows for more efficient mass relocation and pressure buildup via contractions.

⭐ This study offers insights into how organisms without neurons adapt their behavior based on environmental pressures, driven by mechanical processes rather than top-down control.

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