Episode 31: Science Is a Human Endeavor (feat. Molly Crockett and Lisa Messeri), April 15 2024
May 7, 2024
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Drs. Molly Crockett and Lisa Messeri discuss the hype of 'self-driving labs' and the importance of human involvement in scientific research. They debunk myths about AI replacing scientists, explore the risks of oversimplifying AI in research, and emphasize the need for critical discussions on AI's limitations and benefits in scientific endeavors.
Current AI capabilities are limited, and the future potential as an all-knowing entity is overstated.
Patients questioning the necessity and reliability of AI upselling in medical procedures like mammograms.
Deep dives
AI Hype and its Effect on Science Vision
The narrative surrounding AI as an oracle tends to overlook the limitations of current AI capabilities while also holding a deep faith in the potential future of AI as an all-knowing entity. This faith often leads to a skewed perception of the role of scientists and the value of intuition in scientific endeavors.
Questioning Upselling AI in Mammogram Analysis
The practice of upselling AI analysis during procedures like mammograms raises concerns about the necessity of such technology and its impact on the accuracy and reliability of existing screening methods. Patients are left to question whether their current screenings are adequate.
Rhyming AI Clock and Vending Machine Surveillance
A humorous take on AI technologies includes the invention of a clock powered by AI that sometimes produces inaccurate time readings and makes up words. In another instance, a vending machine collecting facial images without consent highlights the unexpected consequences of surveillance in everyday settings.
Will AI someday do all our scientific research for us? Not likely. Drs. Molly Crockett and Lisa Messeri join for a takedown of the hype of "self-driving labs" and why such misrepresentations also harm the humans who are vital to scientific research.