Yes slime…but don’t be fooled we are not talking about DT Trump, JD Vance,Elon Musk or Kevin O’Leary…no, this slime is one of expanding scientific knowledge and understanding of the structure of the universe.
Scientific American,August 6,2024
| As Below, So Above Astrophysicists built an algorithm based on the movement of slime molds to model how the structure of the universe affects galaxy formation. The organisms are experts at expanding into new territories, pushing their membranes outward in a synchronized wave in every direction. When they find a food source, nearby membranes relax, and the molds push more material into that region. The scientists hypothesized that this natural behavior might serve as a good mapping model for the movement of galaxies in the early universe. What they found: Using their slime mold movement algorithm to model the universe’s formation, the researchers found that as the universe aged, it pulled cosmic material (dust, stars and even dark matter) into filaments, which in turn affected how stars formed in galaxies that ended up too close to each other. What the experts say: It’s been difficult to measure how the cosmic web, with its filaments, tendrils and empty voids, affects galaxy formation, says New York City College of Technology astrophysicist Ari Maller. “The use of the slime-mold algorithm seems to have accomplished that goal.” |
