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Science Magazine Podcast

Saving wildlife with AI, and randomized trials go remote

Aug 22, 2024
Christine Peterson, a freelance science journalist specializing in wildlife and environmental issues, discusses the hidden impact of global fencing on animal migrations and how AI can help map these barriers to enhance wildlife connectivity. Azizi Seixas, interim chair at the University of Miami, explores the benefits of decentralized randomized trials, arguing they can increase accessibility and equity in medical research. Together, they illustrate how technology can redefine both wildlife conservation and health studies, opening new avenues for engagement and innovation.
32:02

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Quick takeaways

  • Artificial intelligence and aerial photography are being utilized to map wildlife barriers like fences, helping to preserve migration paths.
  • Decentralized randomized trials enhance medical research by allowing home-based participation, improving data inclusivity and expediting results.

Deep dives

Impact of Fences on Animal Migration

Fences pose significant barriers to wildlife, impacting their migration patterns and survival. In Wyoming, a notable survey revealed that there are over 7,000 kilometers of fences, contributing to high mortality rates among species like pronghorn during harsh winters. Research indicated that collared pronghorn wandered and died after struggling to cross these fences, showing how these structures hinder access to critical resources. Conservationists are now leveraging AI and aerial photography to locate and assess these fences, aiming to minimize their detrimental effects on native wildlife.

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