Instant Genius

Nigel Cannings, an expert in artificial intelligence, discusses the ethics behind AI including copyright infringement, working rights, and energy consumption. The podcast explores the challenge of unbiased AI models, the risks of automation in fields like law, and the potential benefits of AI in healthcare. It also delves into the evolving discussion on ethics in the AI realm, the importance of data privacy, and the need for public debate and government involvement.

Dr Bart Kolodziejczyk from Monash University discusses the energy transition after renewables, reducing global carbon emissions, and transitioning towards a sustainable future. Topics include challenges and potential of clean energy, differences between renewable and clean energy, Element Zero's zero carbon iron technology, successful transitions to sustainable energy, and the continuous evolution of clean energy technologies.

Prof Simon Ward, Director of the Medicines Discovery Institute at Cardiff University, talks about the journey a new medicine takes, from lab to clinics. They discuss the team structure in drug discovery, challenges, and unpredictability. The process of drug development and testing, the role of mice, and the future of drug discovery with AI are also explored.

Exploring the myths of biodegradability and the misleading use of the term. Understanding compostable plastics and the challenges of home composting. Comparing recyclable and compostable packaging. The concept of programming materials to self-repair and disintegrate.

Exploring the potential of smart materials to revolutionize fashion and architecture, including shape-shifting clothes and heat-absorbing roof tiles. Discussing the concept of biomimicry and the importance of collaboration between researchers and designers. Exploring the potential impacts of smart materials on society, focusing on the developing world and climate change. Discussing the challenges and potential of smart materials in sustainable clothing design. Highlighting the allure of smart materials and the need for responsibility in our possessions.

Exploring the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment, the wide range of surprising uses of plastics, and the challenges of recycling and biodegradability. Also discussing the role of governments and companies in solving the plastic pollution problem and the importance of radical solutions and a comprehensive approach.

Prof Tim Benton, a renowned expert in food sustainability, discusses the fragility of global food systems and the impacts of conflicts, climate change, and pests on food security. He also explores the advancements in chemistry and science that can make the food system more secure, such as personalized nutrition and sustainable farming. Additionally, the importance of diversifying the food system, exploring growing technologies like plant-based meats, and reducing land conversion and food waste through innovative approaches are discussed.

Exploring mass extinctions throughout Earth's history, a paleontologist discusses the extinction of dinosaurs and the end of the Permian event. The importance of studying these events for predicting the future of the planet is highlighted, along with insights into surviving extinctions and the potential for understanding climate change effects. The chapter concludes with optimism for Earth's future, emphasizing the wonders of past and present life.

What’s beyond our Universe? Will time travel ever be possible? And what might aliens look like? All huge questions that today we’re asking a special guest, Neil DeGrasse Tyson – astrophysicist and author of the new book To Infinity and Beyond: A Journey of Cosmic Discovery. In a wide-ranging conversation, DeGrasse Tyson unpacks the biggest scientific mysteries of our Universe, from whether space is really empty, to if humans are actually smart enough to make sense of the cosmos. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr Zazie Todd, dog and cat behaviour expert, discusses the misunderstood body language of cats, how to make cats happy by creating safe spaces, training cats to go into a cat carrier, understanding cat behavior and communication, cats' dislike for water, and common cat behaviors like kneading, sleeping, and slow blinking.