Babbage from The Economist

A sophisticated, predatory, multi-billion dollar industry is emerging from the shadows. It already rivals the size of the illicit drug trade. And it’s about to get bigger and much more powerful. The Economist’s Sue-Lin Wong follows a trail that starts with the collapse of a bank in rural Kansas to uncover a global, underground scam economy built around human trafficking, corruption and money laundering. Can it be stopped?Available now.To listen to the full series subscribe to Economist Podcasts+.

Uncover the enigmatic rise of India's Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and his unique blend of economic reform and Hindu nationalist beliefs. Explore the controversies surrounding his leadership style and his vision for India's future as a global superpower.

AI in healthcare is revolutionizing patient access and disease detection. From AI in breast cancer screening to radiology, the podcast explores its benefits and ethical implications. Chat GPT's role in medical research and the challenges of using AI in healthcare are also discussed. The podcast teases a future episode on changes in medical research and encourages listeners to subscribe.

The podcast delves into concerns about teenagers' mental health due to smartphone and social media usage. Experts discuss the need for restrictions, social media literacy, and parental involvement. The debate around the impact of technology on young people's well-being is explored, highlighting the importance of setting boundaries and promoting balanced screen time.

The podcast explores the evolution of AI from early brain modeling to modern neural-inspired systems. It delves into the challenges of defining intelligence and the use of language models in machine learning. The progression of AI from perceptrons to deep neural networks is discussed, highlighting breakthroughs in the deep learning revolution.

Scientists are on the hunt for elusive dark matter, using cutting-edge tools and techniques to detect this mysterious substance. With no luck so far, they explore new ideas and technologies at a recent scientific meeting. Will they finally uncover the secrets of dark matter and its profound impact on the universe?

Sam Altman and Satya Nadella discuss their vision for AI at the World Economic Forum in Davos. They address concerns about AI's impact on productivity and potential existential risks. They also explore the potential of AI in healthcare and education and discuss the seriousness and regulation of AGI. The importance of open source models and recommendations from The Economist are highlighted.

Join Alok Jha and his guests as they discuss the significance of science books, including 'The Periodic Table' by Primo Levi and 'Madame Curie' by Ève Curie. They explore the blending of art and storytelling with science, the importance of collective knowledge, and the shift to a gene-centered view of evolution.

Fei-Fei Li, pioneer in generative AI models, advocates for a human-centered approach to dealing with AI. She discusses the evolution of computer vision, the impact of generative AIs on society, concerns about bias and disinformation, and the potential sentience of AIs.

This podcast explores the need for advanced batteries in the green energy transition, including the challenges of current batteries and the potential of new technologies. It discusses the importance of sourcing metals for batteries and the tensions between mining and environmental concerns. The podcast also explores the successful implementation of battery recycling incentives in China and the impact of global competition and industrial policies on battery technology.