Novel Image-Analytic Approach Reveals New Insights in Fine Tuning of Slime Mould Network Adaptation

This study introduces a novel methodology to explore the network dynamics of Physarum polycephalum, an organism celebrated for its remarkable adaptive capabilities. We used two innovative techniques to analyse its growth behaviour and network modifications under varying stress conditions, including starvation and differential epinephrine exposures. The first method provided a quantitative assessment of growth and exploration over time, revealing significant reductions under stress. The second method provided a detailed examination of vein diameter and contraction patterns, illuminating the physiological adjustments P. polycephalum undergoes in response to environmental challenges. By integrating these approaches, we were able to estimate the total network volume of the organism, with a focus on the normalised estimated volume, unveiling insightful aspects of its structural adaptations. While starvation reduced the volume, indicating a significant structural compromise, low and high epinephrine concentrations maintained a volume-to-area ratio comparable to the control. These methods, unprecedented in their application to P. polycephalum, enhance our ability to measure complex biological phenomena and offer a replicable framework for future research in similar systems. This research establishes a foundation for exploring complex network behaviours in biological systems, highlighting the potential of the organism in bioengineering and adaptive network design.