the 'open worm' - first digital organism (not a computer virus)

[oetzi13]

this should help answer some imortant questions:

OpenWorm

OpenWorm is an open source project dedicated to creating a virtual C. elegans nematode in a computer.

www.openworm.org

Creating the first virtual organisms: the OpenWorm digital life project

OpenWorm is an open-source project that aims to create a virtual nematode worm in a computer. Their GitHub wiki and code make it easy for anyone with coding skills to get involved. Provided these projects do not crumble under their own computation weight and distributed complexity, we should...

www.extremetech.com

 

[hixidom]

After reading the page I know that it is not, but when I first read the title I was hoping that the goal of this project was to create an evolving computer virus; not a destructive one, but one that can just be set free over the internet like the thing from Ghost In The Machine.

Still a cool project though.

 

[oetzi13]

txs for pointing that out. I will change the title

I wonder at wich point it will come alive, how much complextiy does that take?
We shall find out...

 

[RAM]

Thanks for the links! I am looking at their GitHub repos now. I am getting into coding and artificial intelligence myself, and although I am not pursuing it as a career path, I still find it very interesting. But I do know from biology that there are 7 characteristics of life as we know it ( http://infohost.nmt.edu/~klathrop/7characterisitcs_of_life.htm ).

They are: 1. Composed of cells 2. Different levels of organization 3. Use energy 4. Response to stimuli 5. Grow 6. Reproduce 7. Adapt

Viruses are an exception to this of course, as they are not composed of cells. But since this program is actually trying to create it in a computer, I suppose if they succeeded then it would be considered alive. The biggest hurdle I see is creating 3D cells, but I didn't read the site all the way yet so I'm not sure what their plan is regarding this.

This is a bigger milestone than most people think. I find it fascinating that animalistic traits and habits can be emulated with computer code. I once read a trip report on the Nexus about a person who saw a bunch of artificially intelligent robots working in some spaceship. They knew that the person was there and slightly acknowledged him/her, but otherwise they tended to their business.

Mastering the ability to have machines act intelligently is one of the next big steps in consciousness in my opinion. I don't think they will overtake us; I foresee that we will be able to work together to see a better life for man and machine.

 

[oetzi13]

I also think this is a big milestone, as it might answer fundamental questions about life, conciousness and other 'woo woo'.
I had no idea emulations can be this advanced myself, so I find this quite fascinating too.
I will keep my eye on it, and post further advancements.
cheers