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.

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

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