

Alex Wilkins
Reporter for New Scientist. Contributed to the discussion on memory science.
Top 3 podcasts with Alex Wilkins
Ranked by the Snipd community

30 snips
May 30, 2025 • 35min
The real threat of AI - ethics, exploitation and the erosion of truth
Join science writer Alex Wilkins as he dives into the rapidly expanding world of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. He discusses the pressing concern of AI's impact on education, where students increasingly rely on chatbots for homework. The conversation also touches on the daunting prospects of artificial general intelligence and superintelligence, raising questions about human exploitation in AI development. Wilkins emphasizes the urgent need for ethical regulations amidst skyrocketing energy demands and the potential erosion of truth.

13 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 18min
Weekly: Have we really just found the strongest evidence for alien life yet?
Join Alex Wilkins, a science communicator with a knack for making complex topics accessible, as he delves into groundbreaking claims about alien life. The discussion centers around the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on the exoplanet K2-18b, a potential biosignature indicating life. While excitement mounts, they explore the complexities of confirming these findings and the hurdles astronomers face in the vast universe. Skepticism and hopes collide as they assess what this discovery truly means for our understanding of extraterrestrial life.

11 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 29min
AI wins first gold at maths Olympic games; How mitochondria are linked to sleep; Famous psychology trick works on octopuses too
In this lively discussion, science journalists Alex Wilkins and Alexandra Thompson explore AI's historic gold win at the Maths Olympiad, marking a significant leap in machine reasoning. They dive into the surprising link between mitochondria and sleep, revealing how sleep deprivation impacts these cellular powerhouses. Lastly, they unveil how octopuses can be tricked by the rubber hand illusion, providing a fascinating glimpse into their cognitive abilities. Tune in for a whirlwind of science that challenges our understanding of intelligence and sleep!