Friends of Analogue
Friends of Analogue 01: The Vasculature That Thinks with Michael Edward Johnson
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Edward Johnson, a researcher exploring how blood flow — not just neurons — might be fundamental to how the brain computes. We talk about why vasculature may carry information, the limitations of the neuron-centric view in neuroscience, and how an emerging field — vasocomputation — could help us reframe the core assumptions of brain science.
Mike is an explorer of Analogue's Expeditions, which supports researchers working at the edges of disciplines, in spaces too early or underdefined for traditional academic funding. His work is part of a growing effort to investigate biological systems that don't yet have institutional labels, but could shape how we understand intelligence, perception, and computation over the next century.
Follow Michael on Twitter: @johnsonmxe
"Principles of Vasocomputation" (2023): Read the paper
Bio and research at QRI (Qualia Research Institute): View profile
Friends of Analogue 02: Mapping Mimetics with Omar Shehata
In this episode, we sit down with Omar Shehata, an engineer and researcher exploring how ideas move, mutate, and gain meaning in digital environments. We talk about the emerging field of Open Memetics—how it builds on insights from network science, collective intelligence, and internet culture—and why developing transparent, participatory ways of tracking narrative evolution could reshape how we understand digital society.
Omar is an explorer of Analogue's Expeditions, which supports researchers working at the edges of disciplines, in spaces too early or underdefined for traditional academic funding. His work is part of a growing paradigm shift to create tooling and theory for a world where memetic dynamics—not just economics or politics—drive change.
Follow Omar on Twitter: @defenderofbasic
Explore the Open Memetics Institute: Visit website
See Omar's personal site: omarshehata.me