Have you ever wondered how an octopus seamlessly blends into its surroundings or how your brain knows just where to place your hand to catch a ball? In this talk, we will explore octopuses, brains, and the physics principles that help us understand both. 

The intricate patterns and colors that octopuses exhibit for camouflage involve the precise coordination of hundreds of thousands of pigment cells, guided by a network of neurons. These pigment cells, under the guidance of a vast network of neurons, dynamically adjust their color and pattern to mimic diverse environments — a feat that highlights how adaptive and precise biological systems can be. Similarly, the brain, with its intricate web of neurons, manages everything from basic motor skills to advanced logic. These functions emerge from interactions between millions of individual nerve cells.

As theoretical physicists, we hope to unravel the underlying simplicity behind these complex biological phenomena. By seeking fundamental rules and principles, we elucidate how information is processed, coordinated, and optimized within biological systems — be it the camouflage strategies of octopuses or the cognitive mechanisms of our brains.

Learn more about Leenoy’s research with Octopuses here.