Babbage from The Economist (subscriber edition)

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.

An article from The Economist read aloud. The world needs more critical minerals for technologies like batteries, but we explain that governments are not doing enough to help mining companies. In this story, The Economist offers suggestions to help ease the energy transition.

Dark matter is thought to make up around a quarter of the universe, but so far it has eluded detection by all scientific instruments. Scientists know it must exist because of the ways galaxies move and it also explains the large-scale structure of the modern universe. But no-one knows what dark matter actually is.Scientists have been hunting for dark matter particles for decades, but have so far had no luck. At the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, held recently in Denver, a new generation of researchers presented their latest tools, techniques and ideas to step up the search for this mysterious substance. Will they finally detect the undetectable? Host: Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor. Contributors: Don Lincoln, senior scientist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory; Christopher Karwin, a fellow at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center; Josef Aschbacher, boss of the European Space Agency; Michael Murra of Columbia University; Jodi Cooley, executive director of SNOLAB; Deborah Pinna of University of Wisconsin and CERN.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.