Aidan Toner-Rodgers, a PhD candidate at MIT, dives into the intriguing interplay between AI and scientific productivity. His research reveals how AI revolutionizes material science, boosting discovery rates by 44%. He discusses the 'streetlight effect,' showcasing AI's potential to foster creativity rather than merely replicate past solutions. The conversation also tackles the emotional toll of automation on scientists, weighing increased productivity against diminishing job satisfaction. Ultimately, it’s a thought-provoking look at AI’s double-edged impact on innovation.