FT News Briefing

Can AI help us speak to animals? Part two

Sep 30, 2023
Scientists are exploring whether AI can help us understand animal and even plant communication. From decoding bat sounds to interpreting the songs of humpback whales, intriguing ethical dilemmas arise. The potential to converse with elephants or elephants highlights both excitement and risks of disrupting natural behaviors. Innovative technologies may aid in wildlife conservation but require careful consideration of their implications. This fascinating journey into interspecies dialogue invites us to reflect on our relationship with the animal kingdom.
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ANECDOTE

Whale Hello Playback

  • Aza Raskin played a whale's own "hello" back to it.
  • The whale, seemingly bewildered, lunged at the boat repeatedly.
INSIGHT

Power Imbalance in Communication

  • There's a power imbalance between humans and animals in communication.
  • We can't fully grasp the consequences of our interactions, like playing back a whale's voice.
ANECDOTE

Bee Sounds as Elephant Deterrent

  • Lucy King discovered elephants fear bees.
  • She created "sonic fences" of bee sounds to repel elephants from farms, preventing crop damage and killings.
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