How Lucy Runs On A Virtual Treadmill | Comparing DeepSeek’s AI To Other Models

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Feb 7, 2025

Joining the discussion is Will Douglas Heaven, Senior Editor for AI at MIT Technology Review, who sheds light on DeepSeek’s groundbreaking AI developments. The conversation humorously contrasts how ancient human ancestor Lucy would fare on a treadmill against modern humans. Experts also tackle the impact of data removal from the CDC and the NIH, emphasizing its consequences for public health research. Lastly, they explore the competitive landscape between DeepSeek and established AI models, revealing its innovative edge.

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ANECDOTE

New Bird Flu Strain in Cows

Dairy cows in Nevada were infected with a new form of H5N1 bird flu (D1.1).
This strain, common in migratory birds, was not previously known to infect cows.

INSIGHT

Human Infection with D1.1

The D1.1 bird flu strain has infected humans, with one fatality and one recovery.
Increased spread and replication raises concerns about mutations and human transmission.

ADVICE

Milk Safety and Bird Flu

The USDA is testing milk for bird flu, but pasteurization inactivates the virus.
Drinking pasteurized milk remains safe.

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Scientists determined that Lucy, a human ancestor from 3.2 million years ago, couldn’t have beaten modern humans in a foot race. Also, the Chinese AI company DeepSeek startled industry observers with an efficient new system. But how does it compare with the leading tech?

How Lucy, Our Famous Ancestor, Runs On A Virtual Treadmill

Lucy is one of the most famous fossils—an Australopithecus afarensis who lived about 3.2 million years ago. Her skeleton is about 40% complete, and has been studied since its discovery in 1974. In a quest to learn more about what Lucy’s life may have looked like, scientists estimated what her leg and pelvic muscles were like based on her skeleton. They then put her on a treadmill—virtually, of course.

The findings? Lucy was likely not a natural runner, and the modern human body evolved for improved running performance. Host Flora Lichtman talks to Producer Kathleen Davis about these findings, and other news of the week.

Flora also speaks to Anil Oza, a Sharon Begley Science Reporting Fellow at STAT and MIT, about the latest news on the Trump administration taking down scientific data from the Centers for Disease Control website for mentioning topics like gender, DEI and accessibility. They also discuss the National Institutes of Health resuming grant reviews after two weeks of restrictions imposed by the president.

How DeepSeek’s AI Compares To Established Models

The Chinese company DeepSeek recently startled AI industry observers with its DeepSeek-R1 artificial intelligence model, which performed as well or better than leading systems at a lower cost. The DeepSeek product apparently requires less human input to train, and less energy in parts of its processing—though experts said it remained to be seen if the new model would actually consume less energy overall.

Will Douglas Heaven, senior editor for AI at MIT Technology Review, joins Host Ira Flatow to explain the ins and outs of the new DeepSeek systems, how they compare to existing AI products, and what might lie ahead in the field of artificial intelligence.

Transcripts for each segment will be available after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.

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