Protoplasmic Tube Theory
Updated 2026-08-15
INTRODUCTION
English translation pending.
CORE DEFINITION
A slime mould has no nervous system, yet it finds short paths through mazes and reproduces the layout of the Tokyo rail network when food sources are placed at the corresponding cities. Tubes carrying more protoplasm widen while unused ones shrink, so the network self-organizes through local reinforcement rules rather than centralized planning.
SCAFFOLDING EFFECT
Reduce cognitive load
- Design the feedback: specify the rule by which high flow strengthens a path and low flow weakens it - Remove the planner: let paths compete locally rather than assigning routes centrally - Read the emergent network: treat the resulting structure as evidence about which routes actually carry demand
Anchor fast decisions
Each tube widens in proportion to the flow passing through it and narrows when flow falls, so frequently used connections strengthen while idle ones atrophy. Because the flow depends on the current network, the rule produces a positive feedback loop that concentrates resources on efficient routes. No component needs global information, since the network's shape emerges from many local adjustments.
MINIMUM ACTION
In progress 0/1Practice this model in one real situation:
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Source support: Explicit
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slime_moldverified
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