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The Stephen Wolfram Podcast
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.
01:07:56
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes that while machine learning can facilitate small-scale biological changes, it currently lacks the capacity to produce significant genetic alterations or new genera.
- A significant discussion on the ethics of citing AI-generated content surfaces, highlighting the need for established guidelines to credit original sources versus AI synthesizers in research.
Deep dives
Genetic Modification and New Genera
The discussion highlights the process of biological evolution and how it leads to the creation of new genera through incremental genomic changes. Organisms that can reproduce more effectively than their counterparts tend to dominate a population due to these small genetic modifications. While specific genetic editing, such as inserting jellyfish genes into plants, is achievable, larger-scale changes that create entirely new traits or forms, like a walking plant, remain unattainable with current technology. The speaker indicates that most biological traits are influenced by numerous genes scattered across the genome, complicating efforts to engineer major evolutionary changes.
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