Babbage from The Economist (subscriber edition)

Scientists are still uncovering the myriad ways in which the gut microbiome affects human health. An out-of-kilter ecosystem of microbes can cause diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. But it has also been linked to obesity and conditions such as liver disease and Alzheimer’s. Understanding those connections opens up a new type of medicine. Is the era of microbiome treatments about to arrive?Host: Gilead Amit, The Economist’s science correspondent. Contributors: Désirée Prossomariti and Simon Goldenberg of St Thomas’ Hospital in London; Glenn Gibson of the University of Reading; Debbie Shawcross of King’s College London; Matt Cheng, boss of Kanvas Biosciences; Natasha Loder, The Economist's health editor. Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Scenes of ghostly white coral reefs are among the most iconic images of the climate crisis. This year a mass coral bleaching event has hit the Great Barrier Reef, as global warming and the El Niño climate cycle have heated the Pacific Ocean to new extremes. Our science correspondent travels to Australia to meet some of the researchers on the frontlines of the fight to save these ecosystems. Host: Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor. Contributors: Abby Bertics, The Economist’s science correspondent; Joanie Kleypas of the National Center for Atmospheric Research; Annika Lamb of the Australian Institute of Marine Science.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Three decades ago, the discovery of the first planet outside the solar system launched a new field: exoplanet astronomy. It also energised the search for life beyond Earth. Since then, more than 5,500 exoplanets have been identified. Scientists believe there could be trillions more—and experts and amateurs alike are trying to locate them. How will the discovery of these new worlds shape scientists’s understanding of how the solar system (and life) evolved?Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor, talks to Jessie Christiansen, lead scientist of the NASA Exoplanet Archive at the California Institute of Technology.Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.

Fei-Fei Li, a Stanford professor and computer vision pioneer, and Robert Ajemian, an MIT professor, delve into the evolution of generative AI. They discuss the game-changing role of transformer architecture and self-supervised learning in the development of large language models like ChatGPT. The conversation highlights the surprising efficacy of these models, the transformative potential of generative AI across industries, and the ethical implications of technologies such as deepfakes. Prepare for a fascinating exploration of creativity and intelligence in machines!

An article from The Economist read aloud. Our science and technology section reports on the recent test flight of Elon Musk’s Starship. While the rocket failed to return to Earth, it’s a step nearer to the stars.For more on Starship, check out our Babbage podcast from 2022.

In this engaging discussion, Tom Standage, Deputy Editor at The Economist and a computer gaming expert, dives into the evolution of AI technology. He explains how the ImageNet Challenge was a pivotal moment for computer vision. The conversation reveals how GPUs, originally designed for gaming, revolutionized AI by processing massive datasets efficiently. Standage discusses the transformative impact of AlexNet on neural networks and the trends that have led to today’s powerful generative AI models, such as those used in apps like ChatGPT.

Melanie Mitchell, a Professor of Computer Science at the Santa Fe Institute, joins the conversation to demystify the evolution of AI. She discusses how artificial neural networks emulate learning, starting from clunky prototypes to today's sophisticated models. The podcast dives into the critical role of weights in neural networks, the history of deep learning algorithms, and the impact of vast datasets. Additionally, it compares AI learning techniques with human cognition, enriching our understanding of creativity in machines.

An article from The Economist read aloud. Our business section reports that brain-boosting substances are all the rage but their utility is debatable.

Daniel Glaser, a neuroscientist at the Institute of Philosophy, discusses the fascinating evolution of artificial intelligence through the lens of neuroscience. He explores how neurally inspired systems simulate human brain functions and the milestones that led to today's sophisticated models like ChatGPT. The conversation delves into brain imaging research, the complexities of intelligence, and the biochemical foundations that contribute to cognitive functions. Glaser also examines the early attempts to mimic human intelligence, highlighting pivotal advancements in AI development.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating condition, affecting 1.8m people worldwide. It occurs when a patient’s immune system attacks the fatty tissue that insulates the nerve cells. In 2022, scientists identified the trigger for this reaction: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), a common pathogen that causes glandular fever (the “kissing disease”). That discovery opened up new treatment options for MS and raises a tantalising question—could the disease one day be eliminated entirely with a vaccine?Host: Alok Jha, The Economist's science and technology editor. Contributors: Petros Iosifidis, who describes his experience living with MS; Evan Irving-Pease of the University of Copenhagen; Ruth Dobson of Queen Mary University of London; Jessica Durkee-Shock of the National Institutes of Health. Get a world of insights for 50% off—subscribe to Economist Podcasts+If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account.