Future of Science and Technology Q&A (August 30, 2024)

Oct 1, 2024

Stephen Wolfram, a leading computer scientist and creator of the Wolfram Language, dives into the future of science and technology. He discusses the intriguing possibilities of machine learning in creating new genera and the complexities of genetic modification. Wolfram sheds light on information sourcing in research, questioning how to responsibly cite AI-generated data. He also explores the impact of quantum computing on sustainable textiles and the integration of memory in large language models to enhance performance. The conversation tackles authenticity in AI-generated content and the future of technology.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Genetic Modification: Possibilities and Limitations

02:14 • 7min

Navigating Information Sources in Research

09:15 • 14min

Exploring Quantum Computing and Sustainable Textiles

23:12 • 6min

Enhancing LLMs with Memory Integration Techniques

28:44 • 2min

AI Technologies and the Quest for Authenticity

31:04 • 37min

Stephen Wolfram answers questions from his viewers about the future of science and technology as part of an unscripted livestream series, also available on YouTube here: https://wolfr.am/youtube-sw-qa

Questions include: What are your thoughts on machine learning to create new genera? Like what would be a good way to go about doing something like that? Like a new genera of plants/animals? - Can you talk about the future of information gathering and research? Say I am discussing with a robot a paper I am writing and the robot is providing examples and evidence to support my arguments–do I cite the robot as my source? Or do I have to find where the robot got the information? - How advanced do you think AI available to consumers (like ChatGPT) will be by August 2029? - Hello, Dr. Wolfram. My name is Grace and I'm currently preparing to pursue a PhD in fiber science. My research interests lie at the intersection of computational materials science and sustainable textile innovation. I have a background in pharmaceutical sciences. I've recently been exploring how advanced computational methods can be applied to fiber science, specifically in developing smart and sustainable textiles. How do you foresee quantum computing impacting the modeling and simulation of complex fibers and polymers? - What's your take on integrating memory into LLMs to enable retention across sessions? How could this impact their performance and capabilities? - What are your intuitions about the AI-generated fake content to deceive people, whether using deep fake face swaps or voice cloning or one or more things combined? Are we rapidly approaching a point where we won't be able to trust anything on the internet? - When do you expect the discovery of life on an exoplanet? - Is the hype around LLMs dying, finally relegating the toys to the toy box where they belong, or do you think anyone will ever be able to make them useful and accurate? - Do you think future cars will be able to get rid of wheels? - What algorithms changed the world the most? What's the next algorithm that will change the world? How does one release such an algorithm so that the result is positive?