The Art of Evolutionary Computation

Computer scientists aren’t particularly considered to be the most artistically oriented. At first glance, it is hard to imagine how the awe striking painting of Mona Lisa could be associated with stacks of impenetrable lines of code vaguely allusive to the English language. Neither is it obvious why computer algorithms and theory of evolution should be in the same sentence. Finally, how could you possibly connect Einstein’s theory of relativity to evolution, art and computer programming? However as a special major in neuroscience and artificial intelligence, I say “Yes, we can!” In my research, I get to use programming techniques inspired by Darwin, chop up masterpieces in art and play around with the pieces combining them in different spatial and temporal dimensions to create art.

The project “Colormosaic” started in a course I took at Hampshire called “Radical Innovation in Digital Arts. 5000 particles (a circle or a rectangle) of various colors would swirl in a random fashion until a key is pressed and they all align themselves to form the specific target image which was imported into the program. During a casual conversation, I heard about a programming technique called genetic algorithm, inspired from Darwin’s ideas about evolution – survival of the fittest and natural selection. The field of evolutionary computation has added many valuable stochastic techniques to our problem-solving toolkit. It has diverse applications, such as in architecture to breed better buildings, in molecular biology to find the lowest energy protein configurations, and in artificial intelligence to teach robots how to walk!

The summer after taking this course I trained myself in GA by reading available literature. I used GA to implement an evolving colormosaic. Initially, I generate a population of say 300 images with random colors assigned to each particle. Their fitness is their resemblance to a given target image. Parents are chosen probabilistically on the basis of their fitness value. Each pair of parents exchange two parts of the image (analogous to crossing over of genes) and the resulting offspring are changed randomly by a tiny bit (mutated). Thus a new population is generated on the principle that the more adaptive organisms have a greater probability of passing on their genes to the subsequent generations. This process is repeated over hundreds of generations, by the end of which we get images that closely resemble the original. Admittedly climatic, this however is not the end of the story.

The following J-term, I took a course in Einstein’s relativity. Inspired by how the boldness and power of the relativistic equation in delineating a limit to nothing less than the speed of light itself, I began finding its parallels in GA. Observe that we have a similar limit – a 100% similarity to the target results in maximum possible fitness. The Lorenz factor, that appears in several equations in special relativity, including time dilation, length contraction, and the relativistic mass formula was easily modified. I incorporated it as a Relative Scaling Factor (RF) in my evolving colormosaic. After all, nature reveals its interconnectedness time and again in mysterious ways.

This brings us to the grand finale of this saga of interdisciplinary research. I ran experiments to on this simple GA application to analyze any advantages of using RF and sure enough. RF scaling enhanced the efficiency and performance of the algorithm. Owing to the generous support from the LITS department, specifically Jason Proctor and Sarah Oelker, my paper was accepted at GECCO (Genetic and Evolutionary Computation conference) where I presented my research this summer in Montreal. I was the only woman at the graduate and undergraduate level. I had an opportunity to meet some of the renowned figures including popular science author and computer scientist Peter Bentley and John Holland who pioneered the field in the 1970s! I was proud to represent MHC. I realized what an incredibly omnipresent network of connections to MHC I have when during a conversation with another attendee, I found out the perhaps unrelated but interesting information that he dated someone from MHC. I had a truly amazing experience at the conference and visiting such a vibrant city as Montreal. The sounds and cheers from the Montreal International Jazz festival would float through my window since my residence happened to be next to some of the concerts. The most vivid memory is of the breathtaking view of fireworks across the lake go off to synchronized music, interspersed with streaks of lightning and roars of thunder. For all the wonderful and intelligent people reading this article, I hope to convey the following heartfelt message through my story and through the following quote by Eleanor Roosevelt: “Life is what you make it. Always has been, always will be. “

Links:

1. Relative fitness scaling for improving efficiency of proportionate selection in genetic algorithms
2. Hod Lipson builds “self-aware” robots
3. Evolution of Mona Lisa

A Trip to New York

As the bus picked speed, I could see the red brick buildings rushing past me, a whirl of red in a sea of white snow. Each building seemed to stand tall in all its majesty. These quaint, white-capped houses were telling me that their cozy spaces can match up to any 101 floor building that I might glimpse in NY. Soon, the mall, bank and food outlets gave way to the highway and we were racing to New York! The afternoon sun cast a yellow-orange glow; I was exhilarated, in spite of the sparse 2 hours of sleep I got the night before. The lecture from my relativity class that morning, and the notes from the orientation society meeting were still swirling in my head like white wisps of smoke. I think they were undergoing a chemical reaction – the knowledge of physics transformed into ideas related to investment banking and the orientation arrangements into the organization of my future answers during the interview for a position in Information Technology. Now when I think about it, it was ironic that I was not carrying my laptop; I reasoned that the distance would help articulate my passion for technology, just like thirst helps appreciate the taste of water.

     
I admit that at the ticket station, I was thankful that only the machines could see my nervousness – for one thing, there were something like 7 options at every stage of buying the ticket, not to mention that the station looked deserted and I had never traveled alone on a subway. Real life, as it turns out, is much kinder than I visualized in my head. My journey went smoothly and before I knew it, I was lifting my eyes to assorted glassy buildings reaching into the clouds, bordering the Wall Street. Each one seemed to announce an intention, their majestic presence rooting for the power in numbers. Walking amidst these giant structures, I strangely did not feel intimidated. Perhaps, it was the visual appreciation of the reflective surfaces, the play of light caused due to different angles in the architecture that took away the weight of its enormity. Perhaps, it was the thrill of being more than a mere spectator, of being invited into one of these buildings.

Lady luck was with me, and I needed her. The express bus that could have taken up to 45 minutes arrived within 5 minutes of my reaching the stop. A kind lady sold me a metro ticket and even had the right change when I needed to pay her. As I got off at my bus stop (whose name took awhile to learn), the bus driver kindly honked and let me know I was walking in the wrong direction. The weather was exceptionally good for the middle of New York winter – the wind in my face at 44 F felt amazing. My friend’s mother (whom I call ‘aunty’) gave me a warm welcome along with some delicious ziti with marinara sauce. After a lively discussion about the program and my interview, we retired to bed. I slept a blissful 8 hours, and wake up a few minutes before my alarm. By another stroke of luck I discovered a toothbrush that I had kept in my back some time ago – shiny teeth never hurt your chances in an interview. Fortunately, Aunty’s brothers who live/have lived downtown could help me research the New York transport system. I was ready to fly across Manhattan!
 
My interview lasted long, or so it seemed. Then again, it seemed like a terribly short time to say all that I had prepared. Ultimately, I think that it is not the quantity but quality that matters, not the numbers themselves, but the value they hold, and their relationships to each other that makes them significant. I managed to feel good, and I managed not to feel better than I should. The details of the interview will follow later when they are not as vivid as they are now, when I have gained enough distance in time.

India, unite against terrorism

It has happened before. It was a time when India was prospeous and developed – the villages, the agriculture, the industries, the technology, the transportation, the medicine were all flourishing. Mahmud of Ghazni raided temple towns as Indian temples of cash, golden idols, diamonds, and jewellery; India, the golden bird could do nothing to prevent this. Now, as India is on the path to rapid development, gunmen execute seven attacks at strategic places in the financial capital of India. Our hollow security watches helplessly as 186 people get killed and more than 300 are injured. For heaven’s sake, they get into the richest and the largest buildings and we remain oblivious till we hear a BANG! Time and again, our security is brought to test. Again and again, we fail the test. I believe It is time to take notice our vulnerability along with progress. A bird must build a strong iron cage before she lays a golden egg.

A single person cannot change the situation. But a single person can raise their voice and demand action. Echoing her message: As a sign of support and concern for victims & hostages of recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai lets start by putting this badge on our blogs/websites/social networks.

 

Thank you friends, for making my birthday so special!

Speech, President Barack Obama

We share the gift of music with birds, whales and many animals; however, the level of sophistication in language that we have acquired is unique to the human species. Possibly, a longer evolutionary history with abstract sounds may have made musical rhythm more fundamental and deep seated in our consciousness than the higher level language processing. Hence, it is not surprising that in the past years, research has revealed great intimacy between musical rhythm and language.  I reckon that the rhythmic component of speech may give clues about various subjective and emotional qualities of speech.   

Let us consider the rhythmic aspects of the speech delivered by Barack Obama on being elected as the president of the United States. Firstly, his articulation is clear and strong, and his speed of talking is comfortably intense.  The flow of eloquent sentences laden with vision and inspiration create a sense of momentum. At the same time, the last words of his sentences end at a lower pitch, perhaps signifying stability. While his sentences have an even rhythm, these are also the words on which he lays major stress. This rhythmic structure forms a ‘base pattern’, which helps create the necessary sense of anticipation. However, he bends and shakes the structure through subtle changes to create a greater effect at certain points. Most of these actions are probably subconscious or unconscious. For example, when he refers to the outrageous comments of John Mc Cain, he faintly clips the rhythmic duration of words, as if making a suggestion that they are short-lived, if not downright misplaced. [“Senator Mc Cain likes to talk about judgment, but really, what does it say about your judgment if you think George Bush has been right 90 percent of the time”]. The rhythm of his one sentence unites with those of its successors and thus, emphasizes them; these words, in turn, reinforce the previous ones.

When I listen to him speak, his accent and his choice of words become secondary – they recede into the background. What stands out is the point he is trying to make. He employs repetitions often, in words that are not of a great importance in themselves (like ‘more’), but form the backbone of a greater idea (‘more Americans have tuition beyond your reach’). Perhaps, he intended us to not distract ourselves with the specific words in his speech, and turn our focus, instead to the spirit of his words. One may observe that compared to John Mc Cain’s oration, every sentence spoken by President Obama systematically traverses a great range of pitches. The flow of his words contains an internal rhythm that radiates steadfastness, hopefulness, passion as well as levelheadedness, diligence, persistence and triumph. When speaking passionately, president Obama projects his voice towards the audience and stays for a longer duration at higher pitches. During these moments, there is also a change in the timbre and intonation of his voice. I believe that the greatness of the speech relies at least partially on the interplay of rhythm and words; the energy of his speech exemplifies his sincere promise of change, he etches the milestones towards the goal with his simple and powerful words.

Change

A requisite for change in one’s attitude or behavior is a mapping from the original pattern of synapses to new ones (this is not consciously done, ofcourse). This mapping would specify how each old behavior and thought pattern must be changed to arrive at the new one. However, this mapping is not linear or direct. Saying that element A goes to element B or a frown goes to a smile, if you like, simply does not work. Then again, this is not surprising, given the high degree of interconnectedness in our brain. Unlike a machine, almost every action of ours influences many others in obvious or imperceptible ways. To change the pattern of activity would involve some change at a deeper level – at the level of inspiration.The intermediary for change is switch of focus from familiar definitive actions to a relatively abstract drive (eg a new idea, emotion, ambition…) to reach a new place, a different place.

Step 1) Bring the rules of the old attitudes to the memory.

Step 2) Replace the old rules with the new motivation. Motivation could take the form of vivid sights, sounds, feelings, and the taste of the change. This will be incompatible with the original rules. However, the new rules are not explicitly dictated – only the new motivation is experienced. Sustained motivation and enthusiasm ensures that the rules naturally follow from here.

[Analogy: Let us think of the old attitude as ‘darkness’, and dub the newer, stronger attitude as ‘light’.  In the physical world, we must switch on the lamp to illuminate the surroundings. However, in the territory owned by our brain, the light itself arises to switch on the lamp. That is to say, the essence of changing a deep-seated behavioral habit is not the articulation of new rules, rather in creating the right mental condition which would then turn the switch on, i.e. usher the new way of thinking.]

Step 3) Because the neuronal interconnections evolve over time in a dynamic way, it is important to allow oneself to feel like an empty chalice, not yet containing directions on how to act.  During the process of change there is a certain excitement about starting afresh, special joy in not knowing the details, only the inspiration guiding oneself. However, choosing not to delve into the specific does not ensure their absence; in fact, the opposite is true. Underlying the conscious abstinence from commitment to details of changes, is a pathway to ideas, thoughts, plans, and actions leading to the wonderful, new self one visualized. Under the veil of mystery and excitement the neurons are firing away earnestly, forging connections to the new regions that may be employed, and sparking previously dormant synapses with fervent activity. Real estate of many lonely cortical towns is brought to life and their potential is tapped into to fuel change. The familiar symbols and images bring new perceptions; take on different meanings and messages.

If the new perception is sustained over time it becomes the way one sees. Then one would know that thye are a changed person.

 

- Surabhi

 

 

 

The Sound of Laughter

My eyes opened to the world, to meet its vivid, awe-striking, vibrant imagery. I remained motionless, not wishing to disturb the steady balance of my eyes, frozen in space and time, lost in sheer curiosity and silent delight of visualizing the world. My gaze drank from this novel experience with light and flirted with my surroundings. At that moment, within my soft skull that enveloped my teeming brain, I could sense a billion of tiny, sparkling nerve impulses, dancing with excitement of feeling the touch of “Time”. A feeling of overwhelming joy courses through my little body, in anticipation of the events that would invariably occur and their influence on my brain and, indeed, my being.I felt as if I’d just watched a deeply moving movie that spanned the evolutionary and spiritual past of organisms on earth… and now, I was here to direct a sequel, with all the experience and lessons yearning to take shape. From the time I was conceived, my body has “evolved” in my mother’s womb from an amoeboid-shaped cell to fish-looking organism, to an amphibian, to a reptile and finally after mimicking many evolutionary phases, in the form as it is today. Ernst Haeckel, Darwin’s friend knew that Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny. He was truly a great man of profound insights. What is it that I hear…?“You are just a newborn baby! How could you possibly know of this?”

The most tenable and satisfactory answer to your question would be my innocent, resonating laughter. But adults don’t remember a lot…they do not “see” what is so crystal clear, beautiful and precious right there, before them, but gaze at the other side of the fence… I will do my best to translate the thrill of my laughter in your language. Listen closely… Everyone, including me, is born with an innate, incredible plasticity, and immense capability of prodigious thinking.

“Huh. Just like that?”

“Yes, the divine wisdom is all thanks to the great job of the Master Spirits.”

“Who is He?”

“Hmmm. Never mind. Let me put forth another perspective. Everyday, every hour and every minute, I am forming new synapses through specific patterns of neuronal activity. If I find a pure and intense desire, passion and love for a goal, then the connections and associations in my brain will align in the precise form and pattern to make my dream a reality. A process of selection will stimulate my dream and inhibit the patterns that go against it. My power derives from my purity. The swift developments in my brain arise from the inherited capacity to perceive and control of my ancestors.

Now, I am capable of “downloading” a certain kind of software that may be understood as a blueprint or a pattern, a set of mental rules or algorithm that form the basis of the challenge that I am eager to pursue. My love for it grows in harmony as my “hard work” results in establishing within me, the energies that correspond to my target. In this way, I can “tune in” to that pattern. Now, I could alter my synaptic development to cater to my desires. This information pertaining to my penchants, functions as a reference level for a perceptual control process in my brain. This process would compare the current state of affairs with the reference level and generate a negative feedback if they differ. This would then trigger actions that would bring me closer to my goal. Thus, the wiring of the brain models a control theory that imparts a sense of purpose to the brain’s structure and functioning.”

“What is so special about this process and children?”

I am in my natural state of growth. My preferred synaptic pattern is woven into the fabric of my developing synaptic structure. Imagine a potter’s wheel. A finger held against the wet clay rotating on the wheel, would leave a symmetric depression in the clay… In the same way, these initial inclinations are permanently “saved” in the brain. The legacy of my ancestors, i.e. capacity to perceive and control is like the clay pot on the rotating wheel and it may be sculpted with love. Children have never known hatred. They only understand the language of love. How beautiful and empowering it is to have countless choices to choose from, with each configuration giving a unique output…and then to be able to select the precise ones that ring true with one’s conceived design.

“Wow. I wish I could be a child again.”

In about two years’ time, I will have reached the point where I have the maximum number of synapses I will ever have. Slowly, the synapses that are superfluous because one or more of the regions that the neuron connects is “not correct”.

When I “grow up” and get the opportunity to “live my dream” and this will lead to synaptic pattern being nourished, developed and strengthened for the entire world to behold and admire.”

“Phew! You are awe-inspiring, stunning! I am simply overwhelmed by your knowledge…”

“If only you could understand my resonating laughter, you wouldn’t have to exert the effort to understand…”

“Someday, I hope I can…”

My body decided that it wanted to return to the warmth, nourishment and love of my mother’s womb… or at least announce its intentions. I was overpowered by the physical discomfort of leaving the heavenly cocoon and tears flowed copiously through my eyes, as I broke into a glass-shattering cry, only to be subdued by my mother’s comforting hug.

7 YEARS LATER:

7-YEAR OLD SURGEON

“Akrit[1] developed a passion for science and anatomy at an early age. Doctors at local hospitals took notice and started allowing him to observe surgeries when he was 6 years old. Inspired by what he saw, Akrit read everything he could on the topic. When an impoverished family heard about his amazing abilities, they asked if he would operate on their daughter for free. At the age of 7, he performed an operation on an 8 year old girl whose fingers were fused together after being burnt. Her surgery was a success. After the surgery, Akrit was hailed as a medical genius in India. Neighbors and strangers flocked to him for advice and treatment. At age 11, Akrit was admitted to Punjab University. He’s the youngest student ever to attend an Indian university. That same year, he was also invited to London’s famed Imperial College to exchange ideas with scientists on the cutting edge of medical research. Akrit[2] says he has millions of medical ideas, but he’s currently focused on developing a cure for cancer. “I’ve developed a concept called oral gene therapy on the basis of my research and my theories,” he says. “I’m quite dedicated towards working on this mechanism.” Growing up, Akrit says he used to see cancer patients lying on the side of the road because they couldn’t afford treatment or hospitals had no space for them. Now, he wants to use his intellect to ease their suffering. “I’ve been going to hospitals since the age of 6, so I have seen firsthand people suffering from pain,” he says. “I get very sad, and so that’s the main motive of my passion about medicine, my passion about cancer.” According to his mother Rakish Kumara Jaywalk, the child genius, Akrit Jaswal [3] was an early starter. He skipped the toddler stage and started walking. He started speaking in his 10th month. He was reading Shakespeare at the age of 4. He possesses books such as Gray’s Anatomy, and textbooks on surgery, anesthesia, anatomy, physiology, Cancer, and others. Akrit claims to have mastered them with his daily habit of studying for an hour.”

“Hello Akrit! Do you remember that we met when you were born?”

“Of course! Could I forget something so recent?”

[Deep resonating laughter]

“Your laughter speaks to us, Ankit!”

“Really?”

“You have made us all so proud and happy. In the village, people deem you to be a reincarnation! Neighbors and people from surrounding areas are flocking at your place to consult you regarding ailments, prescriptions and courses of treatments!”

“I will be glad to be of service to them. I will need yours and their blessings and faith to fight cancer.”

“We believe in you.”

Spiritual stress-buster

EARTH ELEMENT: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn
Your Guiding Angel today is: The Angel of Awareness. Angelic
Advice: Awareness is essential to your spiritual growth. If
you are aware of what you are doing and why, you can change
yourself and the world around you. If you are unaware, you
are neglecting the most precious gift of self-knowledge.
Know yourself and you can know Spirit. Your angels wish you
joy in: Recognitions.

FIRE ELEMENT: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Your Guiding Angel today is: The Angel of Genesis. Angelic
Advice: A new desire or emotion may be born within you today
with this special angel’s help, or a secret desire may
manifest. New feelings of love and creativity bring great
joy. Your angels wish you joy in: Recognizing and nurturing
new beginnings.

AIR ELEMENT: Aquarius, Gemini, Libra
Your Guiding Angel today is: The Angel of Smiles. Angelic
Advice: Smiles are contagious – and what could be a nicer
thing to spread around. Whether you are happy or even if
you’re sad today, just smile for a moment, and let the Angel
of Smiles touch you with grace and joy. Putting on a smile
actually lifts your mood and not just the other way around.
Your angels wish you joy in: Creating happiness.

WATER ELEMENT: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Your Guiding Angel today is: The Angel of Humor. Angelic
Advice: Laughter is good for the body and the soul. Looking
at things with humor opens the door to fresh and creative
new perspectives. Living too seriously negates the joys we
can experience, so show your appreciation for life and laugh
out loud! Angels love to laugh too! Your angels wish you joy
in: Making some noise.

Copyright 2006 by NextEra Media

A story and My Birthday Challenge

 

“My eyes reflected the expensive and elaborate embroidery of the wall paper that adorned the walls. Through the tall glass windows (and doors) the decoration limousine grandly announces my birthday. My fancy dress (with sequins and gold designs and …) is the monetary equivalent to a year’s salary of the homeless people I saw on the streets. I am embedded within a swarm of people with permanent smiles pasted on their faces, dressed to flaunt their “status”. There is absolutely nothing surrounding me that came even close to poverty or struggle.

Yet, I crash into the image of the not-so-old image of a young boy rapturously struggling to catch a glimpse of my glamorous attire through the tinted windows of the luxurious car. The look on his hungry face as he followed my car in sheer delight to see the grand parade… It pierced through the envelope of plastic, embellished, but empty greetings like a sword through my flesh… I remember his hungry eyes, his simply beautiful smile… The bird beat its wings in vain longing to follow her instincts but the golden cage KILLED it.”“

On my birthday on the (17^th November), I am not asking something that I want, but something that I need.This year, I will GIVE presents, instead of accepting them. And I encourage you to give a little, here. If you can’t make a donation, email the birthday challenge to as many people as you can. Link to the challenge on your blog. Email to the obsessive forwarders, any related groups and forums. I will be a lot more gratified to see the autistic people live the life they deserve to live, than I would be to receive fancy gifts. I am certain that I would find more joy in “giving” than in “taking” . I will be really, immensely and genuinely happy to not have a birthday spent in tears. This is the gift that I want for my birthday and this is the gift that would truly make me realize the essence and meaning of my birth, here and now. Believe me, it will make me truly free and happy.

I send an explosive thank you to WideLawns for the www.donorschoose.org. Also, I would be proud of me if you decided to make off with my idea. Thanks to all of you who visit my site. I salute your sacred souls and spirits.

Coming back to the story… What happens next? What does she do to break free from her cage? Friends, even if we don’t begin the stories of our lives, we are the ones who write the endings. Do choose wisely.

Festive cheers,

Surabhi

 

Illusion of cubes

I made this picture using Visual C++ as my first project. Our brain automatically searches for depth in the picture… This is an orthographic projection where all objects, however near or far, appears as the same size. The only way to make sense of this “illusion” is to compel oneself to detach our “view” from the three dimensions that we know, and observe it as merely a particular arrangement of lines on a flat surface…There is a certain feeling of monotony as one sacrifices the wonderful stereovision to achieve this. However, in the next moment, it feels immensely gratifying that this is, after all, an illusion, the opposite of the real world, which is a beautiful manifestation of remarkable laws, like the graceful gestures of a divine dance…