Asianometry

Dive into the intriguing history of AI in the 1980s, where Lisp machines promised to revolutionize computing. Discover how government funding fueled expert systems and the fierce rivalry between companies like Symbolics and Texas Instruments. The narrative explores the meteoric rise of these technologies, only to face challenges and decline due to the knowledge acquisition bottleneck. Uncover the dramatic collapse of Symbolics amidst a changing market and the lasting legacy of Lisp, which continues to influence AI development today.

Discover the explosive growth of data centers in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore, as the industry races to meet soaring demand. Dive into the operational challenges and environmental concerns that accompany this boom. Geopolitical factors are shaping where data centers thrive, with a surprising shift towards Thailand. Get a firsthand look at cutting-edge facilities and learn about the intricate balancing act between infrastructure needs and global dynamics.

In May 2025, Japan faced a shocking rice price spike, with costs doubling in just a year. The government had to release emergency rice stocks to stabilize the market. Surprisingly, supermarkets began selling imported rice, including the controversial Calrose from the U.S. The discussion digs deep into the historical shifts in rice production and consumption policies, highlighting challenges from climate change and inefficiencies in agriculture. Ultimately, the episode uncovers the complex web of policies impacting food security and self-sufficiency in Japan.

The podcast delves into the history and current turmoil of ESKOM, South Africa's electricity monopoly. It highlights the recent surge in load shedding after a temporary reprieve, revealing the company's struggles. The narrative traces back to the early 1900s, showcasing how the gold mining industry shaped the energy landscape. Political shifts and rampant corruption exacerbate ESKOM's woes, with increasing pressure to adopt renewable energy amidst a dire energy crisis. A gripping exploration of power dynamics and public utility challenges.

Discover the fascinating history of nitrate mining in the Atacama Desert, a key player in global agriculture. Explore the territorial conflicts that arose over these valuable resources and meet the monopolists who shaped the industry. Uncover the technological advancements that led to the decline of this once-thriving enterprise, including a shift toward lithium battery production. This deep dive reveals the human stories and historical forces behind an industry that profoundly impacted nations.

Discover the fascinating evolution of photoresists in semiconductor manufacturing, transitioning from traditional methods to cutting-edge solutions for extreme ultraviolet lithography. Learn about the game-changing advancements in metal oxide and dry resists, as well as the fierce competition and patent disputes brewing between industry players. This technological shift poses exciting possibilities for the future of semiconductor efficiency and resolution.

Battery prices for lithium-ion packs are plummeting, raising eyebrows worldwide. The spotlight is on Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries, once considered low-quality, but now revolutionizing energy costs. Innovations in China's battery technology are reshaping market dynamics, making it cheaper to source from there despite tariffs. Additionally, the discussion dives into advanced laser technologies, highlighting China's ambitious strides in extreme ultraviolet light machines, setting the stage for a competitive future in high-tech manufacturing.

Discover the mind-boggling concept of femtoseconds, a unit of time so small it's beyond comprehension. Learn how femtosecond lasers have revolutionized fields from chemistry to medicine. Explore the historical advancements that made ultrafast measurements possible—like flash photolysis and innovative laser technologies. Delve into the impact of titanium-doped sapphire lasers and their game-changing applications. Finally, glimpse the future potential of capturing events even faster with atosecond pulses.

In the 1970s, France launched an ambitious nuclear energy initiative known as the Messmer Plan, aiming to drastically reduce oil dependency. The program evolved from historical opposition to a nuclear powerhouse, growing from experimental reactors to 58 operational ones. The podcast dives into the conflicts within nuclear development, detailing the rivalry between France's Atomic Energy Commission and EDF. It also examines the economic and political challenges that arose as France sought energy independence, highlighting the complexities behind its nuclear revolution.

The podcast dives into the fascinating evolution of semiconductor yields, tracing the journey from abysmally low rates of around 2% in the late 1970s to impressive modern figures of 80-90%. It highlights how new automated inspection tools transformed the industry by enhancing defect detection accuracy. The discussion uncovers the struggles of human inspection, revealing the subjective challenges faced in the past. Listeners will learn about the groundbreaking advancements in wafer inspection technologies that have revolutionized chip fabrication.