The Joy of Why

Yejin Choi, chair of computer science at the University of Washington, dives into the quirks of AI and common sense. She describes common sense as the 'dark matter' of intelligence, discussing the humorous blind spots of language models like ChatGPT. The conversation expands on the need for enhancing AI with human-like qualities, the limitations of its understanding compared to humans, and the role of interdisciplinary research in comprehending intelligence. Choi also highlights the emotional essence of scientific inquiry and the joy in exploring these technological frontiers.

Discover the intriguing world of tiling patterns and a groundbreaking amateur who unveiled an aperiodic monotile. Explore the mathematical foundations and relationships between tessellations and natural structures, such as quasicrystals. Dive into the collaborative spirit of tiling enthusiasts and how their creativity thrives outside traditional academia. Uncover the intersection of mathematics and art through aperiodic tessellations, revealing beauty in complex geometric combinations. This journey highlights the unexpected ways math connects to our cosmos.

Nigel Goldenfeld, a physicist renowned for his insights on the universe's complexities, joins co-host Steven Strogatz. They dive into why science succeeds in unraveling nature's enigmas, despite its apparent complexity. The pair discuss the importance of asking the right questions and the surprising phenomenon of emergence, where new properties arise in different scales. They also explore the intersection of mathematics and various scientific fields, from physics to biology, and reflect on how simple theoretical frameworks often yield profound insights.

Gül Dölen, a neuroscientist and psychiatric researcher at UC Berkeley, explores the groundbreaking potential of psychedelics in treating mental health issues like addiction and PTSD. She shares how these substances can rewire brain pathways, reopening critical periods essential for learning and adaptation. The conversation dives into the evolving attitudes within the scientific community, highlighting both the challenges and the excitement surrounding psychedelic research. Dölen's insights pave the way for a future where psychedelics could revolutionize mental health treatment.

The podcast delves into modern understanding of depression, challenging the outdated serotonin deficiency theory. It highlights the complexity of neurotransmitters like glutamate and GABA and discusses how neuroplasticity plays a crucial role in mental health. The emergence of novel treatments, notably ketamine, showcases exciting possibilities for restoring brain function. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of seeking help and awareness around mental health crises.

Explore the world of superconductors and their promise to revolutionize technology. Learn how they could transform power grids and medical tech if only they worked at room temperature. Discover the intricate challenges in achieving this goal and the historical breakthroughs in superconductivity. Uncover the role of two-dimensional materials and high-pressure research in advancing this field. Finally, delve into the societal implications of successful superconductors and the joy of collaborative discovery in science.

Elizabeth Johnson, a molecular nutritionist at Cornell University, dives into the wonders of breast milk and its impact on infant health. She explains how breast milk provides vital molecules, growth factors, and unique microbes that support the gut microbiome. Johnson also highlights the intricate dance of nutrition and microbiome health, emphasizing the differences between human milk and formula. Discover how milk influences long-term health outcomes and allergy prevention, reshaping our understanding of infant nutrition.

Stephen Hawking, a renowned theoretical physicist famous for his work on black holes, teams up with Leonard Susskind, a Stanford physicist celebrated for his contributions to theoretical physics. They dive into the enigmatic world of black holes and the groundbreaking concept of Hawking radiation, which suggests some particles can escape their grasp. The duo presents the riveting debate on whether information is lost forever in these cosmic enigmas, exploring the 'black hole war' and the implications for our understanding of reality and information preservation.

Discover how animals like birds and locusts form leaderless groups, revealing the secrets behind their collective behaviors. Learn about the technological advances that are transforming our understanding of these dynamics and their implications for survival. Delve into the alarming impact of locust swarms on global food security and the surprising behaviors they exhibit. The podcast also ties biology with digital simulations, exploring how insights into fish vision could influence robotics and vehicle movement.

John Preskill, a theoretical physicist at Caltech, delves into the mind-bending world of quantum teleportation. He explains how this phenomenon, while vastly different from sci-fi depictions, is paving the way for revolutionary communication technology. The discussion unpacks quantum entanglement, illustrating how entangled particles can influence each other across vast distances. Preskill also explores the implications for quantum computing and advancements in material science and medicine, making complex concepts accessible and thrilling.