About Levin Lab
Dr. Michael Levin, a distinguished researcher at Tufts University, leads Levin Lab, a pioneering center at the forefront of developmental biology, artificial life, and cognitive science. The lab focuses on understanding how cognition and decision-making emerge across living systems, from cellular networks to synthetic organisms, with a special emphasis on developmental bioelectricity.
By exploring how cells and tissues communicate and coordinate to form and heal complex structures, Dr. Levin’s team seeks the fundamental principles of life and intelligence. Their work blends biology, bioengineering, and computer science, advancing basic science while opening new horizons in biomedicine, regeneration, and synthetic life.
Challenge
- Increase accessibility – Make the lab’s deep scientific content approachable for diverse audiences without sacrificing rigor.
- Boost interactivity – Replace static FAQs with a conversational interface that answers nuanced questions in real time.
- Protect accuracy – Deliver responses that faithfully reflect the lab’s research philosophy and provide verifiable citations.
Solution
Through close collaboration with Alden and Rui Do Rosario, the team created LevinBot, an AI-driven knowledge agent trained on:
- Peer-reviewed papers, slide decks, and long-form talks authored by Levin Lab.
- A curated set of lab principles that guide answer tone and depth.
Key implementation elements:
- GPT-4 backbone – Advanced language understanding ensures precise, context-aware replies.
- CustomGPT UX customization – Widget styling, color palette, and typography mirror the existing Levin Lab site for a seamless user experience.
- Anti-hallucination guardrails – Source citations appear alongside answers so users can trace claims directly to underlying research, reinforcing trust.
Levin Lab’s Results
- 24 / 7 global availability – Visitors from any region can engage with Levin Lab content at any hour.
- 90 + language support – Automatic translation broadens reach to international students and researchers without extra effort from the lab.
- Seconds-level response time – Users obtain well-sourced answers instantly instead of manually combing through lengthy PDFs or recordings.
- Academic showcase – LevinBot features regularly in live demos and conference talks, illustrating how AI can elevate scientific communication.
“Omg finally, I can retire! A high-school student made this chat-bot trained on our papers and presentations”
Dr. Michael Levin
Scientist, Tufts University
Why it Worked
CustomGPT combined a high-performance language model with fine-grained UX control and transparent source citation. This blend preserved scholarly integrity while turning dense scientific material into a friendly conversation. The anti-hallucination safeguards ensure credibility, and the visual consistency helped users trust that LevinBot was an official extension of the lab.
Conclusion
LevinBot has revolutionized Levin Lab’s digital presence by transforming static academic resources into an interactive, trustworthy, and globally accessible tool. Students, educators, and science enthusiasts can now explore sophisticated biological concepts without deep domain expertise, strengthening the lab’s mission to democratize knowledge.
Want to try out LevinBot for yourself? Visit drmichaellevin.org and try sending your own query!
