Babbage from The Economist
440 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago - ★★★★★ - 398 ratingsBabbage is our weekly podcast on science and technology, named after Charles Babbage—a 19th-century polymath and grandfather of computing. Host Alok Jha talks to our correspondents about the innovations, discoveries and gadgetry shaping the world. Published every Wednesday.
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Episodes
Babbage: Hot as hell
July 31, 2019 17:59 - 28 minutes - 66.5 MBRecord-breaking heatwaves are becoming routine and they are killing people. But many of the potentially life-saving solutions are both low-tech and low-cost. Governments should be doing more. Also, we visit Lake Chad in the Sahel to understand how climate change can fuel conflict. And, droughts or floods, heatwaves or cold snaps, just how responsible is humanity for extreme weather events? Catherine Brahic hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Return of the king
July 24, 2019 15:34 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBUnder Satya Nadella, Microsoft has reclaimed its crown as the world’s most valuable listed company. What can other firms learn from its reboot? Also, Reshma Shetty, cofounder of Gingko Bioworks, explains the potential of synthetic biology to harness – and transform – the power of nature. And, British ethicists put police use of artificial intelligence on trial. Alok Jha hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The next giant leap for mankind
July 17, 2019 17:30 - 22 minutes - 31.2 MBThis week marks the 50th anniversary of the launch of the Apollo 11 moon mission. Is humankind about to return there? And what do the next 50 years of space exploration hold? The task of moderating a platform with over two billion active users is a daunting one. Brent Harris, Facebook’s director of governance, explains his plans. And the science behind the search for the reddest red yet. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: How tech is my valley?
July 10, 2019 19:25 - 22 minutes - 31.4 MBChina is promoting a tech district that it hopes will be a serious contender to America’s Silicon Valley. Hal Hodson, The Economist’s technology correspondent, visits the new hub. Lord John Browne, author of “Make, Think, Imagine”, on how advancements in engineering and artificial intelligence will eventually affect civilisation. And, what do hydrogen molecules sound like? Some innovative students have developed “molecular music.” Kenneth Cukier hosts. Music provided by Ilkley Grammar Scho...
Babbage: DeepMind games
July 03, 2019 15:00 - 20 minutes - 28.8 MBThe child chess prodigy who created a computer that outplays human grandmasters—Demis Hassabis, founder of DeepMind, explains how games are a testing ground for algorithms and what real-world challenges he hopes to tackle with artificial intelligence. And, what can AlphaZero, the chess-playing computer, teach human players? Kenneth Cukier also speaks to the chess players Dominic Lawson, Natasha Regan and Matthew Sadler about the future of machine intelligence and its interplay with human wisd...
Babbage: Curing the big sea
June 27, 2019 15:00 - 19 minutes - 27.3 MBResearchers hope to use disease-fighting genes found in whales to help find treatments for cancer in humans. Airliners that mix batteries and fossil fuel could dominate the skies in the future. And, are people more honest than they think they are? Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Facebucks
June 19, 2019 17:20 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBFacebook wants to create a global digital currency—what could possibly go wrong? Also, why billionaire Stephen Schwarzman, founder of Blackstone private-equity firm, is donating £150m to fund a humanities centre at Oxford University. And, what can be done to increase public trust in artificial intelligence? Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Space invaders
June 12, 2019 15:39 - 23 minutes - 32.4 MBThe business opportunities from small satellite technology are infinite: from an ‘ambulance’ which rescues malfunctioning spacecraft to devices that can measure the oil level in a tanker from space. Are we on the verge of making gene-editing technology safer? And, 50 years after man set foot on the moon, Oliver Morton, senior editor and author, predicts the future of humans’ relationship with lunar exploration. Kenn Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Fusing the future
June 05, 2019 16:05 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBIn this week’s Babbage, Alok Jha investigates the organisations and companies trying to crack a technology that could solve all of the world’s energy problems in a stroke—nuclear fusion. From Iter, the world's largest collaborative fusion experiment, to private start-ups racing to be first, could the long-promised dream of nuclear fusion - to provide clean, limitless, carbon-free power - finally be about to come true? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Rash behaviour
May 29, 2019 17:12 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MBThe measles resurgence around the world has been blamed on parents refusing to vaccinate their children but is vaccinating children enough? Also, how a new glove for humans is teaching robots how to feel. And Kenneth Cukier asks Carl Benedikt Frey, economic historian, what can be learnt from the industrial revolution in today’s world of automation and robots. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Rash behaviour
May 29, 2019 17:12 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MBThe measles resurgence around the world has been blamed on parents refusing to vaccinate their children but is vaccinating children enough? Also, how a new glove for humans is teaching robots how to feel. And Kenneth Cukier asks Carl Benedikt Frey, economic historian, what can be learnt from the industrial revolution in today’s world of automation and robots. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Data to the rescue
May 22, 2019 17:18 - 24 minutes - 35.1 MBAccess to the right data can be as valuable in humanitarian crises as water or medical care, but it can also be dangerous. Misused or in the wrong hands, the same information can put already vulnerable people at further risk. Kenneth Cukier hosts this special edition of Babbage examining how humanitarian organisations use data and what they can learn from the profit-making tech industry. This episode was recorded live from Wilton Park, in collaboration with the United Nations OCHA Centre for ...
Babbage: Facing the future?
May 15, 2019 17:06 - 21 minutes - 29.1 MBLegislators in San Francisco have just voted to ban the use of facial recognition—is this a victory for privacy or a setback for technology? Also, new research on how machine learning can be used to predict the likelihood of breast cancer. And Amazon's boss, Jeff Bezos, draws inspiration from science fiction in his aim to build space habitats. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Facing the future?
May 15, 2019 17:06 - 21 minutes - 29.1 MBLegislators in San Francisco have just voted to ban the use of facial recognition—is this a victory for privacy or a setback for technology? Also, new research on how machine learning can be used to predict the likelihood of breast cancer. And Amazon's boss, Jeff Bezos, draws inspiration from science fiction in his aim to build space habitats. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Uber traffic
May 08, 2019 18:00 - 20 minutes - 28.2 MBAs Uber prepares for its public listing this week, a new study in San Francisco shows that ride-hailing companies cause major road congestion. Also, how much should smart speakers see as well as hear? And, author Douglas Rushkoff explains why he views modern technology as anti-human. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Net zero Britain
May 01, 2019 16:02 - 21 minutes - 28.8 MBThis week the Committee on Climate Change releases its anticipated recommendations for Britain to become a carbon-free economy, but will the Government take meaningful action? Also, the controversial subject of lung cancer screening. And David Spiegelhalter discusses ‘The Art of Statistics’. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The genetic revolution
April 24, 2019 13:29 - 21 minutes - 29.1 MBKenneth Cukier takes a look at the future of genetic engineering and what it means to be human. He speaks to leading scientists, doctors and philosophers to ask if ethics and regulations are able to keep up with the technology Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Am-AI-zon
April 17, 2019 17:47 - 24 minutes - 56.2 MBAmazon’s use of artificial intelligence has long outstripped Facebook and Google. Just how ingrained is AI at Amazon? Also, journalist and author David Wallace Wells explains the diminishing optimism of the climate change movement. And, how natural disasters fade from collective memory. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Hypersonic Boom
April 10, 2019 17:27 - 18 minutes - 41.6 MBAmerica, China and Russia are developing long range, gliding missiles that travel at speeds greater than Mach 5. What are the threats and safeguards? Also, Dame Stephanie Shirley, the programmer who set up Britain’s first all-female software company in 1962, gives advice to women in tech today. And, how to knit a sports car with carbon fibre. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Dino-more
April 03, 2019 17:02 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBA little-known paleontologist may have found the last piece of the puzzle explaining the fate of the dinosaurs: what actually happened when the giant asteroid struck the Earth. Also, Paul Davies, a renowned physicist, explains the systems of information that make up consciousness. And, why being heard in the House of Commons is not always essential to getting things done. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Dino-more
April 03, 2019 17:02 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBA little-known paleontologist may have found the last piece of the puzzle explaining the fate of the dinosaurs: what actually happened when the giant asteroid struck the Earth. Also, Paul Davies, a renowned physicist, explains the systems of information that make up consciousness. And, why being heard in the House of Commons is not always essential to getting things done. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: DiagNoses
March 27, 2019 17:02 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MBHow scientists followed the nose of a super-smeller to identify a new test for Parkinson’s disease. Also, historian Kate Brown tells us what she uncovered from decades of researching the Chernobyl disaster. And scientists in China have found a potential solution for recharging the pacemaker. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: DiagNoses
March 27, 2019 17:02 - 24 minutes - 33.2 MBHow scientists followed the nose of a super-smeller to identify a new test for Parkinson’s disease. Also, historian Kate Brown tells us what she uncovered from decades of researching the Chernobyl disaster. And scientists in China have found a potential solution for recharging the pacemaker. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Insectageddon?
March 20, 2019 16:40 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MBThe insect apocalypse may not be imminent, but the decline of insect species is still a concern. And we speak to Dr Angela Gallop about her career as one of Britain’s most eminent forensic scientists. Also, when will a robot barista serve you a latte? Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Insectageddon?
March 20, 2019 16:40 - 19 minutes - 27.2 MBThe insect apocalypse may not be imminent, but the decline of insect species is still a concern. And we speak to Dr Angela Gallop about her career as one of Britain’s most eminent forensic scientists. Also, when will a robot barista serve you a latte? Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Pioneers of the WWW
March 13, 2019 16:00 - 20 minutes - 47.5 MBKenneth Cukier gets in the Babbage time machine and travels to 1989, when Sir Tim Berners-Lee wrote the famous memo that laid the foundations for the world wide web. Kenn speaks to some of the other key figures that influenced its invention, like Ted Nelson and Vint Cerf, and then asks what the WWW might look like in the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Breaking the ice
March 06, 2019 16:30 - 21 minutes - 29.6 MBWe have an exclusive interview with Dr Huw Griffiths on the mission to investigate a recently uncovered marine ecosystem in the Antarctic. And the author and scholar Shoshana Zuboff explains surveillance capitalism. Also, how the makers of the game Fortnite have the online platforms of Steam and Google locked in their sights. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The element-hunters
February 27, 2019 20:07 - 20 minutes - 45.8 MBIt is 150 years since Dmitri Mendeleev discovered the periodic table, the innate order underpinning the elements. Kenneth Cukier explores how this simple grid has shaped our understanding of the universe and our place in it. In a laboratory near Moscow the search is on for element 119, but on the other side of the world in California, researchers are hesitant. Is chemistry over? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Joker AAAStronauts
February 20, 2019 16:30 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MBThe latest buzz from the AAAS, the largest general science meeting in the world, from The Economist’s science correspondent, Alok Jha. NASA scientists presented initial findings on how a year in space changes astronauts’ bodies. Why a good sense of humour is required for a successful mission to Mars. And can machines become scientists? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Regulating fake news
February 13, 2019 17:27 - 20 minutesTech giants face regulation on news after UK media review. Its author, Dame Frances Cairncross, tells us even the technology platforms recognise the need for change. Roger McNamee, one of Facebook’s early investors, asks if it’s now too powerful. And the award-winning inventor of GPS on how his early atomic clock just keeps getting better with age. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Regulating fake news
February 13, 2019 17:27 - 20 minutesTech giants face regulation on news after UK media review. Its author, Dame Frances Cairncross, tells us even the technology platforms recognise the need for change. Roger McNamee, one of Facebook’s early investors, asks if it’s now too powerful. And the award-winning inventor of GPS on how his early atomic clock just keeps getting better with age. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: A bill of data rights
February 06, 2019 17:35 - 20 minutes - 28.3 MBShould individuals have rights over their data that are protected similar to human rights? We discuss the universe with Jo Dunkley of Princeton. And why the oceans are turning a different shade of blue. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Ethically challenged
January 30, 2019 18:03 - 16 minutes - 22.3 MBAs the controversial story of the editing of the genomes of two babies in China unfolds, we ask how can science be more ethical — and how to tackle “ethics dumping”. Also, how environmental factors can influence the national security of countries affected by climate change. And we look at the phenomenon of the placebo button. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Droning on
January 23, 2019 18:00 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MBHow can new technology deal with rogue drones? And what can be learned from Dutch hospitals in the fight against superbugs. Also, the development of a simple camera that can see around corners. Tim Cross hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: A growing conCERN
January 16, 2019 19:28 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBWe discuss CERN’s latest plans for a successor to the Large Hadron Collider. Also, our healthcare editor explains how scientists hope to develop vaccines more quickly for unexpected viruses. And, how altering the genetic code of E.coli is leading to groundbreaking research on cancer drugs. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Will China dominate science?
January 09, 2019 17:17 - 16 minutes - 22.8 MBIn a special show, we examine China’s impressive scientific advances and question what they mean for the future of the sciences—and of China. Among the guests is the Chinese-American astronaut Leroy Chiao, discussing China’s recent feat of landing a probe on the far side of the moon. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Success of 'disability tech'
January 02, 2019 11:00 - 13 minutes - 18.8 MBIn this special episode of Babbage, we discuss some of the advancements in technology that could change the lives of those living with a disability — an app that is helping those who are visually impaired. Also, how the sit-ski has benefited from research in the aerospace and automotive industries. And, can the symptoms of phantom limb syndrome be harnessed to enhance prosthetics? Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Best of 2018
December 26, 2018 11:00 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBIn this festive special we look back at some of our favourite stories from 2018. Could IVF could save the northern white rhino from extinction? Also, the discovery of liquid water on Mars. And, how the amphibious life of the Bajau people has led to their unique evolutionary traits. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: A little more conservation
December 19, 2018 11:00 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBWe ask how can conservationists preserve biodiversity through new ideas. Also, what can be done to increase the number of women in the technology industry? And Hossein Derakhshan, a formerly jailed Iranian blogger, discusses whether the web is becoming more superficial. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Lots in space
December 12, 2018 16:01 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBThe race is on to launch satellites to connect the entire world to the internet. We talk to psychologist and geneticist Robert Plomin, about his career and his latest book. And, is the fax machine facing extinction? Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Waymo to go
December 05, 2018 18:36 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBWaymo, a division of Google's parent company Alphabet, launched its self-driving taxi service, but is it really a landmark for driverless vehicles? Also, a vast study seeks to understand the genetic underpinnings of ADHD. And we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Mother of all demos” computing presentation. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Waymo to go
December 05, 2018 18:36 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBWaymo, a division of Google's parent company Alphabet, launched its self-driving taxi service, but is it really a landmark for driverless vehicles? Also, a vast study seeks to understand the genetic underpinnings of ADHD. And we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the “Mother of all demos” computing presentation. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The baby crisperer
November 28, 2018 17:00 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBA Chinese scientist has claimed to have edited the genomes of two babies using the revolutionary genome-editing technique called CRISPR-Cas9. Also, how the production of semiconductors is becoming a new battlefield. And Kenneth Cukier asks the author, technology executive and investor Elad Gil what it takes for a startup to become a technology giant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The dos and don'ts of data
November 21, 2018 17:19 - 18 minutes - 24.9 MBIn this special episode we examine the controversial gang-mapping database of London's Metropolitan Police Service. Also, a new pilot project to study how a "data trust" might increase access to information while retaining privacy. And how sharing mapping data by the big web platforms could unlock innovations for companies and society. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The blame game
November 14, 2018 16:37 - 15 minutes - 20.8 MBShould climate change be a matter of human rights? Also, gene drives' controversial potential to wipe out entire species of mosquitoes. And, a novel watch spring that could change the way mechanical watches are designed. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Economist in space
November 07, 2018 21:00 - 23 minutes - 31.9 MBHighlights from The Economist’s Space Summit in New York, including an interview with Apollo 9 astronaut Russell 'Rusty' Schweickart. Also, how to prepare for space exploration with Dava Newman, Apollo Program Professor of Astronautics at MIT. And, astrophysicist Simonetta Di Pippo and astronaut Leroy Chiao discuss worldwide cooperation in space. Tom Standage hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Turning the oceans green
October 31, 2018 20:00 - 20 minutes - 28.1 MBCan greenhouse emissions be cut in maritime transport? Also, with the US midterms a week away, Courtney Kennedy from PEW Research Centre discusses the reliability of polling data. And the artificial intelligence system being tested as a way to cut down train delays. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Pie in the sky
October 24, 2018 20:00 - 18 minutes - 25.7 MBCould delivering goods by drone soon become a common occurrence? Also, cyber-security expert Bruce Schneier discusses his latest book. And a new innovation for the disposing of human waste from Mount Everest. Hal Hodson hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The quantum conundrum
October 17, 2018 20:00 - 19 minutes - 26.3 MBIs the internet about to be unravelled by quantum computing? And how artificial intelligence could be used to diagnose the need for lung transplants in patients with cystic fibrosis. Also, our technology correspondent, Hal Hodson, discuss some of the latest happenings in robotics. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: What a difference half a degree makes
October 10, 2018 20:53 - 23 minutes - 32.3 MBThis week's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report recommends keeping the global increase in temperature below 1.5°C. We ask how governments and companies can reach "net zero" and whether the global economy can both grow and go green? Kenneth Cukier talks to one of the authors of the report, an advisor to Costa Rica on its pioneering decarbonisation plan and the European refineries industry body on its green efforts. Music: Smooth as Glass by The Freeharmonic Orchestra (CC x 4.0) ...