Future Tense

Dr. Keith Bybee, a professor of Law and Political Science, dives into the complexities of civility and its paradoxes, highlighting how it can both foster cooperation and perpetuate injustices. Rafi Kohan, a freelance writer, reveals the intriguing history and psychology behind trash talk, examining its strategic role in politics and sports. Dr. Saara Liinamaa discusses the Sociable Cities Project, advocating for urban designs that encourage positive social interactions. Finally, Dr. Eduardo Sandoval argues for civility in our interactions with AI, emphasizing its impact on human behavior.

Join Ken Storey, a cryobiology expert, Saffron Bryant, a physics lecturer, Marlys Houck, curator of San Diego's Frozen Zoo, and Justine O’Brien, a conservation science manager, as they explore the fascinating world of frozen frogs and their potential for preserving human organs. Discover how wood frogs survive freezing through unique metabolic adaptations and how these insights could revolutionize organ preservation. The discussion also covers biodiversity conservation, the Frozen Zoo's role in saving species, and innovative cryopreservation techniques for corals.

Join Aron Cramer, President of BSR, Marc Fleurbaey from the Paris School of Economics, Harvard’s Sandra Sucher, and anthropologist Dave Cook as they dive into the urgent need to redefine the social contract. They discuss how rising inequality and globalization have rendered the mid-20th-century model obsolete. Cramer addresses the need for climate-resilient protections, while Sucher highlights public expectations for businesses to tackle social issues. Cook examines the digital nomad lifestyle and its tensions with state obligations. A thought-provoking conversation on equity and trust!

In a fascinating discussion, Sarah Marquardt, a freelance journalist, explores the rise and fall of solar road projects, highlighting their durability issues and poor energy yield. Quinn Myers, author of 'Google Glass,' delves into the product's hype, misreads of the market, and the public's backlash. Andrew Hawkins, a transportation editor, analyzes the Hyperloop’s ambitious promises versus its significant engineering challenges. Astrophysicist Dr. Paul Sutter discusses the dizzying costs and limited access of space tourism, noting its minimal research impact amid billionaires’ enthusiasm.

Neema Singh Guliani, a civil liberties lawyer, highlights the surveillance impacts of data harvesting. Cory Doctorow critiques platform monopolies and the concept of 'in-shitification' that limits user control. Professor Michael Mann sheds light on fossil fuel disinformation tactics that stall climate action, while Associate Professor James Dyke warns that 'net zero' could be a delaying tactic in true decarbonization efforts. Together, they reflect on the past and caution against complacency as we look to the future.

Megan Morrone, a tech journalist, reveals that AI-generated content has surged since ChatGPT, raising concerns about creativity and diversity. Dr. Collin Jennings explains how Google is shifting to AI summaries, potentially limiting traffic and complicating verification. Architect David George Holm discusses the importance of human-centered urban design and community spaces. Lastly, Dr. David Roberts shares insights on technology that enhances communication between humans and dogs, emphasizing the future potential of understanding animal signals.

Andrew Stokols, an Assistant Professor of Urban Studies, shares insights on the political experiment of Xiong'an, emphasizing its role in Xi Jinping's vision. Eliot Brown, a Wall Street Journal reporter, highlights Neom's ambitious plans and the daunting financial challenges it faces, including cost overruns and limited public response. Dr. Nicholas Wright, a neuroscientist, discusses how understanding brain mechanisms can prevent conflicts, advocating for self-awareness in leadership and military practices to enhance decision-making and cooperation.

Dr. Jean-Michel Claverie, an expert on ancient viruses, discusses how thawing permafrost could release dangerous pathogens, detailing the revival process in the lab. Dr. Christine Pratt explains her work at the European Virus Archive, emphasizing the need for global cooperation in pandemic preparedness. Meanwhile, Dr. Aaron Bernstein connects climate change to emerging infectious diseases, highlighting how habitat shifts increase spillover risks. Together, they stress the urgency of proactive measures to prevent future pandemics and the pivotal role of decentralized archives.

In this conversation, Dr. Shababa Selim, an expert on microplastics, discusses the challenges of tackling global plastic pollution following the failure of a treaty. Professor Paul Fennell shares insights on decarbonizing cement production and the complexities of implementing carbon capture technologies. Meanwhile, clinical psychologist Professor Jill Newby warns about the risks of seeking mental health advice from AI chatbots, noting their potential for misleading users. Dr. Pratik Sachdeva elaborates on how these chatbots reflect societal values and the dangers of relying on them for emotional support.

In an engaging discussion, Professors Neil Selwyn, Phillip Dawson, Rupert Wegerif, and Dragan Gasevic tackle education's evolving landscape in the wake of generative AI. They explore the initial panic in academia, the challenges of assessing student abilities when AI can produce work, and the push for critical thinking through dialogue. The experts propose that AI can act as a learning partner rather than a shortcut, while also warning against over-reliance. They emphasize the need for robust evidence on integrating AI in education, focusing on promoting deep learning over mere outputs.