London Futurists

London Futurists
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Mar 29, 2024 • 43min

The case for brain preservation, with Kenneth Hayworth

In this episode, we are delving into the fascinating topic of mind uploading. We suspect this idea is about to explode into public consciousness, because Nick Bostrom has a new book out shortly called “Deep Utopia”, which addresses what happens if superintelligence arrives and everything goes well. It was Bostrom’s last book, “Superintelligence”, that ignited the great robot freak-out of 2015.Our guest is Dr Kenneth Hayworth, a Senior Scientist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Farm Research Campus in Ashburn, Virginia. Janelia is probably America’s leading research institution in the field of connectomics – the precise mapping of the neurons in the human brain.Kenneth is a co-inventor of a process for imaging neural circuits at the nanometre scale, and he has designed and built several automated machines to do it. He is currently researching ways to extend Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging of brain tissue to encompass much larger volumes than are currently possible.Along with John Smart, Kenneth co-founded the Brain Preservation Foundation in 2010, a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting research in the field of whole brain preservation.During the conversation, Kenneth made a strong case for putting more focus on preserving human brains via a process known as aldehyde fixation, as a way of enabling people to be uploaded in due course into new bodies. He also issued a call for action by members of the global cryonics community.Selected follow-ups:Kenneth HayworthThe Brain Preservation FoundationAn essay by Kenneth Hayworth: Killed by Bad PhilosophyThe short story Psychological Counseling for First-time Teletransport Users (PDF)21st Century MedicineJanelia Research CampusMusic: Spike Protein, by Koi Discovery, available under CC0 1.0 Public Domain DeclarationC-Suite PerspectivesElevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify
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Mar 22, 2024 • 35min

AGI alignment: the case for hope, with Lou de K

Lou de K, Program Director at Foresight Institute, discusses challenges and optimism of AGI alignment. Topics include risks, societal impact, decentralized science, and alternative governance structures in the AI landscape.
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Mar 15, 2024 • 43min

The Political Singularity and a Worthy Successor, with Daniel Faggella

Daniel Faggella, Head of Research at Emerj, discusses the Intelligence Trajectory Political Matrix, exploring diverse AI future visions. Topics include the Political Singularity, criteria for a 'worthy successor' AI, and the governance of superintelligence. The conversation delves into the complex future of AI, societal values alignment, and human-machine integration.
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Mar 7, 2024 • 48min

The Longevity Singularity, with Daniel Ives

Discussing the field of epigenetic aging and the potential for reversing biological aging through innovative techniques. Exploring the use of AI transformer models to accelerate research. Delving into gene therapy for cellular rejuvenation and the implications of longevity singularity on society and politics.
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Feb 21, 2024 • 40min

Where are all the Dyson spheres? with Paul Sutter

NASA advisor and cosmologist Paul Sutter discusses the concept of Dyson spheres, harnessing solar power, future human evolution, and the role of science communication in shaping our society. The conversation delves into the energy requirements, practical challenges, and potential benefits of megastructures surrounding stars.
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Feb 13, 2024 • 44min

Provably safe AGI, with Steve Omohundro

Steve Omohundro, CEO of Beneficial AI Research, discusses the risks of powerful AI systems and the concept of basic AI drives. The podcast explores potential risks of super intelligent AI, the challenges of creating rules for smarter entities, creating conscious machines, and the use of mathematical proof for safe AI and verified code.
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Feb 6, 2024 • 37min

Robots and the people who love them, with Eve Herold

Award-winning science writer Eve Herold discusses her book on social robots and the ethical considerations surrounding emotional robots. The chapter explores the portrayal of robots in movies and the potential benefits of using robots in scientific labs and healthcare. The impact of social robots on human culture is also discussed, including predictions of radical cultural changes.
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Jan 25, 2024 • 37min

Education and work - past, present, and future, with Riaz Shah

Riaz Shah, former partner at EY and Professor for Innovation & Leadership at Hult International Business School, discusses the future of education, the impact of AI, disinformation and deep fakes, cycles of honesty and corruption in politics and media, and forecasts for larger corporations in 2024.
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25 snips
Jan 18, 2024 • 43min

What is your p(doom)? with Darren McKee

The podcast discusses the threat of artificial superintelligence and the race to save the world. Topics include estimates for the existence of superintelligence, the likelihood of catastrophe for humanity, and recommendations for reducing the risk. The chapter also explores the need for regulation, the risks and concerns in the world of AI, and the urgency of addressing extinction.
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Jan 11, 2024 • 45min

Climate Change: There’s good news and bad news, with Nick Mabey

Our guest in this episode is Nick Mabey, the co-founder and co-CEO of one of the world’s most influential climate change think tanks, E3G, where the name stands for Third Generation Environmentalism. As well as his roles with E3G, Nick is founder and chair of London Climate Action Week, and he has several independent appointments including as a London Sustainable Development Commissioner.Nick has previously worked in the UK Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit, the UK Foreign Office, WWF-UK, London Business School, and the UK electricity industry. As an academic he was lead author of “Argument in the Greenhouse”; one of the first books examining the economics of climate change.He was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Jubilee honours list in 2022 for services to climate change and support to the UK COP 26 Presidency.As the conversation makes clear, there is both good news and bad news regarding responses to climate change.Selected follow-ups:Nick Mabey's websiteE3G"Call for UK Government to 'get a grip' on climate change impacts"The IPCC's 2023 synthesis reportChatham House commentary on IPCC report"Why Climate Change Is a National Security Risk"The UK's Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre (DCDC)Bjørn LomborgMatt RidleyTim LentonJason HickelMark CarneyMusic: Spike Protein, by Koi Discovery, available under CC0 1.0 Public Domain DeclarationC-Suite PerspectivesElevate how you lead with insight from today’s most influential executives.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   Spotify

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