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Tech Life

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Jun 3, 2025 • 26min

Data and me

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
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May 27, 2025 • 26min

The digital afterlife business

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
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May 20, 2025 • 26min

Protecting your invention

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.
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8 snips
May 13, 2025 • 26min

The impact of online abuse

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.
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8 snips
May 6, 2025 • 26min

What you don’t see

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.
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Apr 29, 2025 • 26min

Weighing the world's forests

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.
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8 snips
Apr 22, 2025 • 26min

Talking dolphin

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)
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Apr 15, 2025 • 26min

AI discrimination

Jen Schrader, a sociologist from the Paris Institute, and Jan Hendrik Ewers, a researcher at the University of Glasgow, dive into the alarming issue of AI discrimination, shedding light on how biases can impact job opportunities and loan approvals. They discuss the implications of biased data and the pressing need for equitable AI systems. On a brighter note, they explore a groundbreaking AI project aimed at enhancing search and rescue operations for missing persons, potentially revolutionizing emergency responses.
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Apr 8, 2025 • 26min

Beyond the tip of the iceberg

Tech Life looks at icebergs. Climate change means there are more of them in our oceans, breaking away and slowly melting. Scientists need to study them - but how ? We speak to an expert about robotic gliders, which are opening up new research opportunities.Also in this edition, can we trust artificial intelligence ? One of its problems is that it hallucinates, so we find out more about it.How can tech help people who are blind or partially sighted watch TV ?And our reporter gets his hands dirty examining rhino poo!You can tell us about the one item of tech that you use in your life everyday – 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: Imran Rahman-Jones Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A photograph of a robotic glider suspended above the water. Credit: Doctor Natasha Lucas)
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Apr 1, 2025 • 26min

Jamming and spoofing

Tech Life looks at satellite navigation and the increase in cases of signal interference. How could this affect shipping and aviation safety, and what can be done about it ?Also in this edition, what digital material of cultural significance should be stored for the future ? A volunteer project is improving Wikipedia's photographs. And we find out about efforts to harness the power of the moon on the Faroe Islands.Tell us about the one bit of tech you use in your life everyday – get in touch by emailing techlife@bbc.co.uk or send us a Whatsapp on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: An image of a Galileo navigation satellite. Credit: BBC)

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