Tech Life

In this engaging conversation, Jason Kennedy, co-founder of Skyrol, delves into the revolutionary concept of digital twin technology and its potential to reshape urban planning and sustainability. He explains how virtual city models can simulate human interactions and guide infrastructure decisions. The podcast also features inspiring twin sisters discussing their award-winning carbon capture system and highlights advancements in cube satellite technology for environmental monitoring. Together, these topics paint a vivid picture of innovation driving eco-friendly solutions.

This week on Tech Life, we're looking at the problems caused by illegal gold mining in Ghana. We'll hear how drones, AI and GPS trackers are being used to tackle the trade.Also this week, Meta goes to court as it battles ads for so-called Nudifying apps. Is "I don't know" the solution to AI chatbot hallucinations ? And the pay-as-you-cook stove that's winning awards and improving health in Africa.We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica SorianoImage: A photo of two gold miners in Ghana. Credit: Christian Thompson/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock

In this engaging discussion, Adrian Jackson, Director of Research at the EPCC, uncovers the compelling world of supercomputers and their transformative role in research and healthcare. Desmond Wheatley, President and CEO of Beam Global, shares insights about Beam Well, a game-changing solar technology that provides electricity and clean water in disaster zones. They also delve into China's rapid electric vehicle shift, exploring groundbreaking advancements and how these innovations compare globally, setting a stage for a sustainable tech future.

What happens when a company we trust with our most personal data gets into financial trouble ? We hear from a woman who trusted a US company with her genetic information.Also on Tech Life this week, will there be enough electricity for the demands of artificial intelligence ? The International Energy Agency tells us about the challenges of powering the AI boom. And we find out how to grow an island in The Maldives. The tech involved could protect low-lying territories from erosion and rising sea levels.We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica SorianoImage: A scientist holds a DNA sample with the results on a computer screen in a laboratory. Credit: Westend61/Getty Images

This week we're looking at a growing digital industry which allows people to interact - in a way - with the likeness or the voice of someone they care about who has passed away. It's not science fiction, and it does involve AI chatbots.Also on Tech Life this week, we'll be finding out about two tech solutions to the problem of food which goes to waste. Tech Life's Alasdair Keane explores the challenge of making a Formula 1 racing car more eco friendly. And what is digital art ?We enjoy reading your messages about the one item of tech you simply can't do without. If you want to tell us about your must-have piece of tech, please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica SorianoImage: An illustration of a human hand reaching toward the unknown. Science fiction becoming reality. Credit: Yana Iskayeva/Getty Images

Guests Steve Rowan, Vice President at the European Patent Office, and Shez Partovi, Chief Innovation Officer at Philips, dive into the world of patents and AI in healthcare. Rowan discusses the evolution of patents and their role in innovation, while Partovi shares insights from Philips on how AI is transforming patient care. They explore the challenges of trust in AI integration and highlight technological advancements, including battery technology and the latest AI trends shaping the future of healthcare and beyond.

Meg Davis, a Professor of Digital Health and Human Rights, discusses a groundbreaking study revealing the increasing online abuse faced by marginalized groups, particularly the LGBTQ community. She shares insights from Vietnamese activist Phong, shedding light on their struggles with digital exclusion. Meanwhile, Daniel Kweku-Murki from Zipline Ghana explains how drone technology is transforming medical supply deliveries in remote areas, showcasing innovation amidst challenges such as foreign aid cuts.

Dive into the intense world of content moderation as a former moderator reveals the psychological toll of viewing disturbing uploads. Explore the resilience of the Adjuntas community in Puerto Rico harnessing solar energy for independence. Lastly, bid farewell to the nostalgic video call legacy of Skype as it fades into the realm of Microsoft Teams. It's a mix of harrowing realities and inspiring innovation amidst the ever-evolving tech landscape.

Bob Goodson, co-author of 'Like,' dives into the fascinating history of the 'like' button, revealing its origins and the profound impact it has had on our online lives. He discusses a groundbreaking satellite mission aimed at measuring global forests and their role in climate change, highlighting the innovative technology used to gather crucial data. Additionally, the conversation touches on how tech is digitizing agriculture in Ghana, empowering farmers and streamlining the selling process to enhance market access.

Do dolphins have their own language ? And could we 'speak' to them ? An AI large language model from Google, called DolphinGemma, is helping experts study dolphin communication. We interview Doctor Denise Herzing, the Research Director and founder of the Wild Dolphin Project, about her work and how it might bring benefits for humans and dolphins.Also in this edition, we find out how tech is changing the way NFL fans watch football games, and mega-batteries are helping to keep the lights on.Tell us about the one item of tech that you simply can't do without – please get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A photograph of Atlantic spotted dolphins. Credit: Google)