Understanding Complexity Through Slime

Can we learn anything new about mathematics, social and physical networks, biological design and self-organizing systems by experimenting with Physarum polycephalum (Slime Mould), a eukaryotic microorganism that lives in cool, moist areas.

What can be learnt from the semi-intelligent slime mould? Check out the stuff below to find out more:

Applications of behavioural ecology to economics, computer science and urban planning… and other stuff:

• Dr Tanya Latty: http://www.tanyalatty.com/

• How to explain consciousness: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhRhtFFhNzQ

• How Slime Mould Works; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lls27hu03yw
• Princeton biology professor emeritus John Bonner has studied slime molds for nearly 70 years: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmp1uopZKz8
• What humans can learn from semi-intelligent slime: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UxGrde1NDA
• Is Slime Mold Intelligent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXeygGxu8-8
• Puppies & Complexity Theory: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Y8-IzP01lw
• Choosing a quality meal in a nice setting: http://sydney.edu.au/news/sobs/1699.html?newsstoryid=4576
• The influence of social networks: http://www.ted.com/talks/nicholas_christakis_the_hidden_influence_of_social_networks
• Year of the Slime Mould: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GY_uMH8Xpy0
• Slime Mold To Run The Railways: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lnIS2jxc4kI
• The Slime Mould Collective: http://slimoco.ning.com/video

Our aim is to make science education easier for teachers and more interesting for students, so we choose new products that are innovative and at the leading edge, as well as being reliable and affordable:

• Southern Biological: http://www.southernbiological.com/about-us/
• Slime Mould: http://www.southernbiological.com/specimens/living-specimens-and-supplies/plants-and-physarum/l2-30-physarum-slime-mould-live/
• Agar plates: http://www.southernbiological.com/kits-and-equipment/microbiology-equipment-and-supplies/plates/med1-30-plain-agar-plates/
• Catalogue Price list: cataloguepricelist.pdf

• http://www.buildingthepride.com/faculty/pgdavison/PHYSARUM%20culture%20for%20web.html