43 research outputs found
Slime mould computes planar shapes
Computing a polygon defining a set of planar points is a classical problem of
modern computational geometry. In laboratory experiments we demonstrate that a
concave hull, a connected alpha-shape without holes, of a finite planar set is
approximated by slime mould Physarum polycephalum. We represent planar points
with sources of long-distance attractants and short-distance repellents and
inoculate a piece of plasmodium outside the data set. The plasmodium moves
towards the data and envelops it by pronounced protoplasmic tubes
Physarum machines for space missions
A Physarum machine is a programmable amorphous biological computer experimentally implemented in plasmodium Physarum polycephalum. We overview a range of tasks solvable by Physarum machines and speculate on how the Physarum machines could be used in future space missions
Slime mould imitation of Belgian transport networks: redundancy, bio-essential motorways, and dissolution
Belgium is amongst few artificial countries, established on purpose, when
Dutch and French speaking parts were joined in a single unit. This makes
Belgium a particularly interesting testbed for studying bio-inspired techniques
for simulation and analysis of vehicular transport networks. We imitate growth
and formation of a transport network between major urban areas in Belgium using
the acellular slime mould Physarum polycephalum. We represent the urban areas
with the sources of nutrients. The slime mould spans the sources of nutrients
with a network of protoplasmic tubes. The protoplasmic tubes represent the
motorways. In an experimental laboratory analysis we compare the motorway
network approximated by P. polycephalum and the man-made motorway network of
Belgium. We evaluate the efficiency of the slime mould network and the motorway
network using proximity graphs