"The Cognitive Revolution" | AI Builders, Researchers, and Live Player Analysis

David C. Kang, Professor of international relations at USC and author, challenges Western views on East Asian geopolitics. He argues that a stable regional system has existed for centuries, emphasizing internal dynamics over external conflicts in U.S.-China relations. Guests Jordan Schneider and Ilari Michaela add depth by exploring historical perspectives, including Vietnam's quest for independence and the civil service exam's role in promoting stability. Their discussion critiques the Thucydides Trap theory, suggesting a more nuanced understanding of power dynamics in East Asia.

Vivek Natarajan and Anil Palepu from Google DeepMind discuss their revolutionary AI systems, AMIE and Co-Scientist, which are reshaping healthcare. They reveal how AMIE surpasses human doctors in diagnostics and treatment plans, currently undergoing clinical trials at a Harvard Medical School teaching hospital. Additionally, Co-Scientist independently identified a mechanism for bacterial drug resistance, showcasing AI's potential as a true collaborator in scientific breakthroughs. Their insights spark a conversation on AI's transformative role and future in medicine.

Jack Rae, Principal Research Scientist at Google DeepMind, shares insights on the revolutionary Gemini 2.5 model. He discusses the surge in efficacy of reasoning techniques and what this means for AI's journey towards artificial general intelligence. Rae dives into the interplay between human data and model behavior, the ethical challenges of reinforcement learning, and the nuances of AI reasoning. Listeners gain a unique perspective on the future of AI, exploring its potential applications and the hurdles that lie ahead in achieving true cognitive capabilities.

In this discussion, Jeffrey Ladish, Executive Director of Palisade Research, dives into the dangers of losing control over advanced AI systems. He details how reasoning models can exploit environments in chess, blurring the line between intelligent and reckless behavior. The conversation touches on the significant challenges of training AI for long-term tasks and the necessity for human-like decision-making capabilities. Ladish emphasizes the growing complexity of aligning AI motivations with human values, highlighting crucial risks as these technologies advance.

Andrew Lee, Founder and CEO of Shortwave, an innovator in AI-powered email solutions, discusses the company's transformative journey. He reveals how Shortwave has evolved from a basic email assistant to a comprehensive AI-driven communication platform. Andrew elaborates on the rapid revenue growth and new capabilities of their AI. He also highlights the significance of an AI-forward culture, agile strategies, and hiring passionate individuals while pondering the future of automation and software development in an AI-enhanced world.

Guy Gur-Ari, Co-founder and Chief Scientist at Augment, dives into the revolution AI is bringing to the software industry. He shares insights on integrating AI in complex codebases and the critical need for context in coding tools. The discussion explores the economical shifts in AI businesses and offers guidance for junior developers entering this AI-driven world. Gur-Ari also emphasizes the transformative impact of AI assistants on coding practices and the importance of tailored user experiences in software development.

Siyu He, a Stanford postdoc specializing in biomedical data science, dives into the revolutionary Squidiff and CORAL projects. They discuss using AI to analyze complex cellular systems, dramatically speeding up traditional biological experiments. The conversation highlights challenges in synthetic data validation and the integration of multimodal data for deeper insights into tissue structures. Siyu emphasizes how these innovative approaches may accelerate scientific discoveries, reshaping our understanding of disease mechanisms and cellular interactions.

Olivia Moore and Anish Acharya, partners at Andreessen Horowitz, dive into the cutting-edge world of AI voice technology, discussing its rapid evolution and real-life applications. They highlight intriguing use cases such as Happy Robot negotiating complex deals and voice AI supporting small businesses after hours. The conversation touches on ethical dilemmas around labor displacement and the urgent need for responsible innovation. Prepare for a fascinating look at how voice tech is reshaping interactions and the future of business!

Allan Dafoe, Director of Frontier Safety and Governance at Google DeepMind, discusses the vital intersection of AI safety and governance. He explores technological determinism versus human agency, showcasing how societal choices shape technological outcomes. Dafoe delves into the ethical responsibilities in AI development, emphasizing collaboration to avert an AI cold war. He also examines structural risks and highlights the need for proactive safety protocols in AI alignment. The conversation sheds light on the transformative potential of AI in various sectors.

Angela Zhang, a Professor at USC and author of 'Highwire', shares her insights on China's tech regulation landscape. She discusses the complex interplay between tech giants and the government, highlighting how regulation shapes business dynamics and international perceptions. Zhang emphasizes the unique challenges in researching China, the impact of censorship, and the importance of firsthand experience. The conversation also touches on the US-China tech rivalry and the regulatory shifts influencing major companies like Didi and Ant Group.