Japanese researchers at Hokkaido University used slime mold to replicate the Tokyo Metro System’s layout. Initially, it sounds odd, but the aim was to explore the efficiency of biological systems in solving complex spatial problems.
The slime mold, placed on a map of Tokyo with oat flakes representing urban hubs, demonstrated an ability to find the most efficient routes, closely mirroring the actual metro system.
This experiment highlighted the potential of using biological principles for network design, showcasing slime mold’s knack for solving labyrinthine challenges and efficient pathfinding, despite its simplicity as a single-cell, brainless organism.
This case is part of a broader field called biomimicry, where natural systems inspire solutions to human challenges, illustrated further by the design of the Shinkansen’s nose, modeled after the kingfisher bird. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to appreciate the connections between nature and human engineering achievements.
