Physarum polycephalum is a single-celled organisms that defies traditional definitions of intelligence. Despite lacking a brain or having any nervous system to speak of, they exhibit remarkable problem-solving abilities, such as navigating complex mazes and efficiently re-constructing networks. These behaviors challenge our understanding of cognition, suggesting that intelligence can and does manifest in many different ways. In this episode, Dr. Murugan explains how her research on P. polycephalum can inspire new approaches to decentralized computing and problem-solving.  By studying these simple yet clever organisms, Dr. Murugan is uncovering new perspectives on learning, memory, and decision-making, potentially informing advancements in artificial intelligence and complex system management.