New Miscellany (General)

by David Turell , Thursday, January 23, 2025, 18:39 (7 days ago) @ dhw

LUCA

DAVID: The molecular clock approach uses sheer estimates. Earliest life was quite complex as LUCA is described.

dhw: And how does that tell you the length of time it normally takes for life to appear and complexify?

It doesn't. It tells when life appeared, not how long it took to develop.

The brain: concept cells

QUOTE: "It’s possible that these neurons can play different roles and take on different identities based on the task at hand,” Buffalo said. When it needs to be a concept cell for Jennifer Aniston, that’s what it is. When it needs to be a place cell to help you navigate toward the martini at the bar, it is a place cell. “That cell is like a Swiss Army knife,” Miller suggested.

dhw: I do like this. It suggests to me that cells are living, cognitive entities which can perform different activities and take on different roles according to different requirements. Very much in line with Shapiro, wouldn’t you say?

You wouldn't say.

No, I wouldn't say.

DAVID: very early tentative research into memory function. Identifying specific neuron function is amazing. Animals must have place neurons but not concept ones I assume.

dhw: Does that mean your dog doesn't recognize you?

DAVID: He sees me and reacts immediately.

dhw: So how does that mean he has no concept cells? And are you sure that his recognition is immediate, rather than taking 300 milliseconds?

Perhaps slower