Alex Wilkins

Join science writer Alex Wilkins as he dives into the rapidly expanding world of artificial intelligence and its ethical implications. He discusses the pressing concern of AI's impact on education, where students increasingly rely on chatbots for homework. The conversation also touches on the daunting prospects of artificial general intelligence and superintelligence, raising questions about human exploitation in AI development. Wilkins emphasizes the urgent need for ethical regulations amidst skyrocketing energy demands and the potential erosion of truth.

Alex Wilkins, New Scientist reporter covering AI and mathematics, explains how AI is now cracking competition problems and research puzzles. He discusses why mathematicians feel threatened, how specialised models differ from chatbots, and the push to formalise proofs so machines can check them. The conversation also recalls AlphaGo’s creative legacy and what rapid AI progress means for the field.

Join Alex Wilkins, a science communicator with a knack for making complex topics accessible, as he delves into groundbreaking claims about alien life. The discussion centers around the detection of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on the exoplanet K2-18b, a potential biosignature indicating life. While excitement mounts, they explore the complexities of confirming these findings and the hurdles astronomers face in the vast universe. Skepticism and hopes collide as they assess what this discovery truly means for our understanding of extraterrestrial life.

In this lively discussion, science journalists Alex Wilkins and Alexandra Thompson explore AI's historic gold win at the Maths Olympiad, marking a significant leap in machine reasoning. They dive into the surprising link between mitochondria and sleep, revealing how sleep deprivation impacts these cellular powerhouses. Lastly, they unveil how octopuses can be tricked by the rubber hand illusion, providing a fascinating glimpse into their cognitive abilities. Tune in for a whirlwind of science that challenges our understanding of intelligence and sleep!

Charan Ranganath, a distinguished Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at UC Davis, joins reporter Alex Wilkins to delve into the fascinating world of memory. They discuss the different types of memory, such as episodic and procedural, and their emotional significance. Ranganath highlights how memory aids in predicting future outcomes and shaping our identities. The conversation touches on the brain's mechanics, including the crucial role of the hippocampus and emotional connections in our recollections. Perfect for anyone curious about the science behind remembering!