Ep 9. Secret Mind of Slime

NOVA season 49 episode 9 is named "Secret Mind of Slime". This episode explores how slime mold, a type of protist that can grow up to four meters per day, can be used to learn more about various phenomenon in the natural world. The episode follows researchers as they study the behavior and decision-making abilities of slime mold. Scientists have discovered that slime mold can navigate mazes, find the shortest route between two points, and even solve mathematical problems.

The show begins with a brief history of the study of slime mold, which dates back to the 19th century. Modern-day researchers are studying the ways in which slime mold is capable of such complex behavior, often using it to represent networks or brain-like structures. One researcher, Jeff Jones, is using slime mold to study the evolution of altruism, or how organisms make decisions for the greater good.

The episode also explores how slime mold can be used to create efficient transportation networks. By studying the way that slime mold spreads out and explores its surroundings, scientists are able to create algorithms that mimic its behavior. These algorithms can be applied to the optimization of transportation networks, such as the design of highways and public transportation systems.

Another area of study for slime mold is their cooperative behavior in the creation of fruiting bodies. These fruiting bodies resemble mushrooms, and are the result of thousands of individual slime mold cells working together. Scientists are studying this behavior as a way to understand how cooperation and communication have evolved in other organisms, including humans.

Overall, "Secret Mind of Slime" showcases the fascinating and complex abilities of a seemingly simple organism. By studying slime mold, researchers are gaining insight into various aspects of the natural world, from evolution to transportation design. The episode serves as a reminder that there is still much to learn about the world around us, and that sometimes even the tiniest creatures can hold the key to some of our biggest questions.