Tim Cross, Technology Editor for The Economist, shares his insights on the assassination of Iran's top nuclear scientist and its potential repercussions on U.S.-Iran relations. He discusses how recent AI advancements, particularly in predicting protein structures, could revolutionize medical treatments and tackling diseases. The conversation also touches on Europe's effective COVID-19 lockdowns, which highlight the benefits of lighter restrictions, all weaving a narrative of science intersecting with global geopolitics.
The killing of the country’s top nuclear scientist comes at a tricky time: violent retribution may threaten hoped-for diplomacy with the incoming American administration. An artificial-intelligence breakthrough may transform protein science, with implications for everything from industrial processes to tackling disease. And why Europe’s lighter-touch, second round of lockdowns have been so effective.