Riskgaming

Michael Levin, a biologist and Vannevar Bush Professor at Tufts University, dives into the complexities of embodied intelligence and morphogenesis. He discusses how organisms, like planaria, regenerate and the creation of xenobots, blurring lines between biology and artificial life. Levin challenges traditional computing models, introducing concepts like polycomputing, showcasing how evolution repurposes biological structures. His insights into bioelectrical states reveal how manipulation can lead to surprising outcomes, pushing boundaries of our understanding of intelligence.

Paul Collier, a renowned economist focused on global inequality, discusses his new book addressing the plight of neglected areas. He delves into the economic decline of cities like Detroit, advocating for civic leadership and community collaboration as essential for recovery. Collier also explores how evolutionary economics offers fresh perspectives on aiding communities, stressing the importance of understanding radical uncertainty and rapid learning. His insights challenge traditional approaches by emphasizing local empowerment and the need for adaptive leadership in tackling economic challenges.

Laurel Schwulst is a versatile designer, artist, educator, and technologist passionate about the intersection of humanity and technology. She shares her journey from a 90s upbringing shaped by digital curiosity to advocating for 'HTML Energy.' Topics include using web development for personal expression, the celebration of HTML Day, and the vision of reimagining the internet as a public good. Laurel emphasizes creating a more educational and mindful web that fosters community and enhances human connection.

In the discussion, Jason Crawford highlights the rise of inflation and the demand for better social services in America. He delves into the concept of industrial literacy, arguing it’s essential for understanding and fostering prosperity. The conversation emphasizes the role of education in teaching innovation’s history to inspire future generations. They also explore the challenges of policy and technology in navigating progress. Throughout, there's a call for a balance between technological advancement and human welfare.

Eliot Peper, a science fiction novelist known for his captivating tales of the near future, dives into the intriguing world of semiconductors. He discusses the unique manufacturing processes and their geopolitical implications. Eliot shares insights on cultivating curiosity, outlining practical tips to explore diverse interests and engage with new perspectives. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of curiosity in storytelling, emphasizing how it can enhance our understanding of complex subjects through active engagement.

Delve into the lessons learned from a catastrophic IT incident that exposed the fragility of global systems. Discover how chaos engineering is reshaping resilience in coding and the importance of reliability in product design. Experts discuss the interconnectedness of our digital infrastructure and the complexities it presents. Uncover the evolution of engineering practices as technology grows more intricate. Finally, explore the innovative world of fuzzy processors and their potential to solve real-world challenges.

Hilary Mason, co-founder and CEO of Hidden Door, shares her extensive expertise in interactive storytelling and machine learning. She discusses the innovation behind merging technology and narrative, emphasizing the importance of player choice and AI's thoughtful integration into gaming experiences. Hilary also explores the creation of a storytelling engine that marries human creativity with AI support. Lastly, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities startups face compared to corporations in harnessing AI technology, advocating for a more deliberate approach to development.

The discussion dives into the staggering potential economic fallout from a Chinese invasion of Taiwan, estimating losses could reach $10 trillion globally. The conversation highlights Taiwan's crucial role in semiconductor supply chains, emphasizing its significance for major economies. It also delves into the complexities of geopolitical tensions, possible sanctions, and intriguing contrasts between South Korea and Taiwan's economic paths. Insights reveal unexpected findings on how interconnected global markets would react to escalating conflicts.

Host Samuel Arbesman interviews Amy Kuceyeski, a mathematician and biologist from Cornell University. They discuss her groundbreaking research on the human brain, using AI to understand brain processes, and potential applications for treating neurodegenerative diseases. Amy's work explores brain responses to images, compares artificial and biological networks, and delves into the challenges of securing funding for high-risk research projects.

Explore the shift from synthetic to natural products in pharmaceutical development, showcasing how nature's evolution outshines man-made compounds. Discover the influence of artificial intelligence in decoding life for medicinal benefits and the paradox of natural products surpassing synthetics in efficacy. Dive into the use of genomics, metabolomics, and machine learning in uncovering the therapeutic potential of natural products for cancer treatment.