Macromolecular networks and intelligence in microorganisms

Abstract

Living organisms persist by virtue of complex interactions among many components organized into dynamic, environment-responsive networks that span multiple scales and dimensions. Biological networks constitute a type of information and communication technology (ICT): they receive information from the outside and inside of cells, integrate and interpret this information, and then activate a response. Biological networks enable molecules within cells, and even cells themselves, to communicate with each other and their environment. We have become accustomed to associating brain activity – particularly activity of the human brain – with a phenomenon we call “intelligence.” Yet, four billion years of evolution could have selected networks with topologies and dynamics that confer traits analogous to this intelligence, even though they were outside the intercellular networks of the brain. Here, we explore how macromolecular networks in microbes confer intelligent characteristics, such as memory, anticipation, adaptation and reflection and we review current understanding of how network organization reflects the type of intelligence required for the environments in which they were selected. We propose that, if we were to leave terms such as “human” and “brain” out of the defining features of “intelligence,” all forms of life – from microbes to humans – exhibit some or all characteristics consistent with “intelligence.” We then review advances in genome-wide data production and analysis, especially in microbes, that provide a lens into microbial intelligence and propose how the insights derived from quantitatively characterizing biomolecular networks may enable synthetic biologists to create intelligent molecular networks for biotechnology, possibly generating new forms of intelligence, first in silico and then in vivo.

Beyond AI: Multi-Intelligence (MI) Combining Natural and Artificial Intelligences in Hybrid Beings and Systems

“…Moreover, even brainless tiny lifeforms can exhibit formidable problem solving capabilities. For example, bacteria exhibit microbial intelligence as they adapt to prosper against the onslaught of human-made pesticides and pharmaceuticals intended to eradicate them [7].…”

“…When the nature of intelligence is considered in fundamental terms such as problem solving capabilities involving self-awareness and robust adaptation, sophisticated intelligence is found in many forms of life [4][5][6][7]. For example, post-anthropocentric research indicates that dogs have intelligence attributes, which humans do not develop at any age.…”

“…This is because framing provides lasting rationale for thoughts, decisions and actions-even when risks and failings are evident [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. Widening the current framing can be accomplished with reference to scientific research and theories concerned with the nature of intelligence across lifeforms [4][5][6][7]; causation amidst unplanned and planned complexity [44,45]; and emergence from edge effects between formal and informal organizations [79][80][81]. Figure 2 provides a conceptual framework encompassing alternative pathways for the development of new types of intelligence.…”

“…MI hybrid systems exist as a result of, for example, organizations deploying non-human natural intelligence as a better alternative than AI [3]. Here, intelligence is considered in fundamental terms, which scientific research reveals to be found in many forms of life, such as problem solving capabilities involving self-awareness and robust adaptation [4][5][6][7]. It is important to note that MI does not refer to two or more different manifestations of intelligence from one type of contributor, such as different manifestations of intelligence from a human being.…”

Is it Quantum Sentience or Quantum Consciousness? A Review of Social Behaviours Observed in Primitive and Present-Day Microorganisms

“…This kind of intelligence cannot be compared to the intelligence observed in higher organisms, but does show some overlap in areas of mental activity, memory and learning (Westerhoff et al, 2014). Eukaryotic microorganisms demonstrate the presence of intelligence in its lowest form, which has evolved to a higher state as a form of adaptation by means of cell division and cell differentiation in higher organisms depicted by similarity in social behaviours (Marijuan et al, 2013).…”