Data Skeptic

Ilyena, a pioneer in Animal Computer Interaction, discusses developing interfaces for animals like parrots using their tongues on touchscreens. The podcast delves into the challenges of designing technology for animals with unique abilities and preferences, exploring the intersection of HCI and ACI. It also highlights the importance of technology in improving animal welfare and providing choice and autonomy for animals.

Cat, a researcher studying great apes' gestural communication, discusses the challenges and benefits of studying apes in the wild vs in the lab. Humans can guess ape gestures well. Learn about the evolution of communication in great apes and what we can learn from them.

Kozzy, expert in comparing cognitive abilities, discusses evaluating AI abilities, object permanence in humans, animals, and AI, and the Animal AI 3 gaming environment. Topics include AI evaluation, bridging artificial and natural intelligence, common sense capabilities, cognitive evolution, and the intersection of cognitive science and AI.

Ecologist Théo Michelot discusses applying Hidden Markov Models to analyze time-series data in ecology. Topics include turning GPS observations into behavioral data, complexities of modern data sets, and challenges in modeling animal movements. The podcast delves into the importance of collaboration between ecologists and statisticians for successful research.

Researcher Brian Taylor discusses magnetoreception in animals and engineering navigation methods. They explore bio-inspired engineering for Mars missions, animal navigation using Earth's magnetic field, and replicating animal sensory mechanisms in robotics. The podcast showcases the complexities and challenges of animal navigation and the interdisciplinary approach needed for effective artificial navigation systems.

Evolutionary biologist and software engineer Ben Haller discusses modeling population genetics over time, delving into natural selection sources like resources, mate preferences, and competition. Explore the capabilities of SLiM for diverse evolutionary scenarios, its impact on research, and transitioning from software engineering to evolutionary biology with a focus on modeling multiple species and ecological interactions.

Dr. Jessica Hekman discusses dog welfare, behavioral genetics, and co-evolution with humans. Topics include genetic diversity in dog breeds, the limitations of CRISPR technology, and the genetic basis of dog behavior.

Barbara Webb and Anna Hadjitofi discuss decoding the honeybee dance, from antennae movements to neural mechanisms. They explore collaborations, sensory communication, decoding insect behavior for robots, and comparing insect brains.

Podcast explores AI's role in automating animal pose tracking for research, delving into the software SLEAP. Discusses advancements in deep learning for pose tracking in computer vision, user experience enhancements for scientific software, and the relationship between biological movement and brain functionality.

Sebastien Motsch, an assistant professor at Arizona State University, discusses modeling group behavior in biological systems. Topics include challenges in applying machine learning to behavioral analysis, exploring self-organized systems in politics, modeling bird flocking behavior, and understanding emergent behaviors in simple organisms like slime molds.