From text churned out by ChatGPT to the artistic renderings of Midjourney, people have been taking notice of new, bot-produced creative works. But how does this artificial intelligence software fare when there are facts at stake — like designing a rocket capable of safe spaceflight?In this episode, NPR science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel and Short Wave co-host Emily Kwong drill into what this AI software gets wrong, right — and if it's even trying to detect the difference in the first place.Want to hear more about other advances in the tech space? Email us at shortwave@npr.org!Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Geoff Brumfiel, NPR's science correspondent specializing in AI and nuclear power, dives into the tech giants' pursuit of nuclear energy to meet soaring demands from AI systems. He discusses the potential for nuclear plants to provide vast, emissions-free power and examines skepticism around these investments. The conversation highlights innovations like X Energy's small reactor designs and the historical context of nuclear power, stressing the urgency of finding sustainable solutions as AI's energy appetite grows.

Geoff Brumfiel, NPR's science correspondent, shares insights from his exclusive tour of a top-secret underground nuclear research facility. He discusses the shift from actual nuclear tests to advanced simulations powered by supercomputers. The conversation dives into the geopolitical implications of potential future nuclear testing as nations like Russia and China ramp up their capabilities. Brumfiel also highlights the historical context of U.S. nuclear policy and the environmental risks tied to this intense scrutiny of nuclear weapons.

In the Port of Baltimore, a ship is docked that hasn't transported passengers for more than 50 years. It's the NS Savannah and it's designated a National Historic Landmark. That's because it was the first—and only—nuclear-powered passenger ship to have ever been built. Science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel tells us about his recent tour of the ship and why it was a symbol of peace in it's time. To see more pictures of Geoff's visit to the NS Savannah, including one from 1962 when the ship was operational, click this link. Want to learn more about nuclear power? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

New York Times reporter Sheera Frenkel and science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel discuss how Israel is using facial recognition software in Gaza. They explore the implementation of the system, privacy concerns, partnership with private companies, and the use of Google Photos for efficient face recognition in hostage situations.

Science in the headlines: An amazingly preserved sea squirt fossil that could tell us something about human evolution, a new effort to fight malaria by genetically modifying mosquitos and why archeologists are rethinking a discovery about a Copper-age leader. All Things Considered host Adrian Florido nerds-out on those stories with Short Wave host Regina G. Barber and science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel.Have questions about science in the news? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Time is a concept so central to our daily lives. Yet, the closer scientists look at it, the more it seems to fall apart. Time ticks by differently at sea level than it does on a mountaintop. The universe's expansion slows time's passage. "And some scientists think time might not even be 'real' — or at least not fundamental," says NPR science correspondent Geoff Brumfiel. Geoff joined Short Wave Scientist in Residence Regina G. Barber to bend our brains with his learnings about the true nature of time. Along the way, we visit the atomic clocks at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, consider distant exploding stars and parse the remains of subatomic collisions. Want to know more about fundamental physics? Email shortwave@npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Geoff Brumfiel and Ari Shapiro discuss the top science stories of 2023, including James Webb Space Telescope discoveries, climate change, and advancements in artificial intelligence. They explore the use of AI in medicine and chemistry, as well as surprising observations about the early universe. Also, the importance of supporting public media and a sponsor message are highlighted.

For decades, U.S. astronauts and Russian cosmonauts have lived side-by-side aboard the International Space Station. Host Aaron Scott talks with Science Correspondent Geoff Brumfiel about how a war on planet Earth is changing life in space and what those changes say about the limits of science as a tool for diplomacy. For more of Geoff's reporting, check out "Russia's war in Ukraine is threatening an outpost of cooperation in space."You can follow Aaron on Twitter @AaronScottNPR and Geoff @GBrumfiel. Email Short Wave at ShortWave@NPR.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

A few years back, a radio telescope in Australia picked up a radio signal that seemed to be coming from a nearby star. One possibility? Aliens! NPR science correspondent, Geoff Brumfiel, joins the show to talk about the signal and how a hunt for extra-terrestrial life unfolded.Check out the work from Sofia Sheikh and her team at the Berkeley SETI Research Institute about what they learned from the signal: https://bit.ly/3rM6hCoYou can email the show at ShortWave@NPR.org. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy