Mushy — Cybernetic Slime Mold (2000)
Based on Toshiyuki Nakagaki et al. (Nature 2000) & Jeff Jones (2010). Demonstrates brainless distributed problem solving, shortest-path calculation, and organic transport networks.
🍄 Mushy
Toshiyuki Nakagaki et al. (2000) & Jeff Jones (2010)
Mushy is a digital simulation of Physarum polycephalum (slime mold) — a giant single-celled organism with no brain, neurons, or central nervous system. Yet, it exhibits astonishing distributed biological intelligence.
In a famous experiment published in Nature (2000), scientists placed slime mold in a maze with oat flakes at the exits. The organism retreated from all dead ends, retaining only the single shortest path connecting the food sources.
How to experiment:
• Thousands of autonomous micro-agents explore the canvas, dropping chemoattractant trails.
• Local feedback loops guide agents toward higher chemical concentrations.
• Click or drag on the canvas to place food or wall obstacles, and watch Mushy auto-organize optimal vein networks in real time!
• Use the 📸 Screenshot button to save your generative artwork.