Babbage from The Economist
440 episodes - English - Latest episode: 14 days 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: The Nobel winners explained
October 03, 2018 20:00 - 16 minutes - 18.7 MBEconomist science correspondents break down the discoveries that won this year's Nobel prizes. Tristan Harris, a former design ethicist at Google, discusses the dangerous ways that the tech industry competes for our attention. And: the story of blackest fish in the deep ocean. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Lessons from Spanish flu
September 26, 2018 20:00 - 17 minutes - 23.6 MBWhat can we learn from the Spanish flu pandemic which killed over 50 million people a hundred years ago? Carl Malamud, founder of public.resource.org, wants to make more data public. And, is food actually scarce at the bottom of the ocean? Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Up in smoke
September 19, 2018 20:00 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBAre e-cigarettes the answer to giving up tobacco smoking? And SpaceX revives its plans to send tourists around the moon. Also, we speak to Zia Chishti of Afiniti about the role of artificial intelligence in business. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Ma waves ali bye bye
September 12, 2018 20:00 - 15 minutes - 20.9 MBHow China will struggle to produce another Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba, who steps down as chairman next year. And we discuss cyber-security with former United States Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Content liability
September 05, 2018 20:00 - 14 minutes - 19.7 MBShould tech companies be legally responsible for all their content? Also, major European research funders have announced ‘Plan S’ to make all scientific works free to read. And how optical fibre made in orbit could be better than the terrestrial sort. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Peaks and Valleys
August 29, 2018 15:49 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBHas Silicon Valley’s influence as a technology hub peaked? Also, how artificial intelligence is gaining a sense of curiosity. And how a shampoo bottle is saving lives in Bangladesh. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Will Google translate?
August 22, 2018 15:32 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBIf Google does reintroduce its search engine to China what will it have to omit? And how future helicopters will fly in new ways, with pilots optional. Also, the discovery of a 3,200-year-old ancient Egyptian cheese and what we can learn from it. Hal Hodson hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Jumping the Q
August 15, 2018 21:00 - 19 minutes - 26.7 MBIs quantum technology getting ahead of itself? And we look into what is being done to find a cure for celiac disease. Also, we explore random control trials and the placebo effect of sham surgery. Tim Cross hosts Music by Daniel Birch "Brushed bells in the wind" (CC by 4.0) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: My corona
August 08, 2018 15:39 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBWe speak to project scientist for the Parker Solar Probe, Dr Nicola Fox, about the spacecraft's upcoming mission to the sun's atmosphere. We also discuss the upsides of artificial intelligence with professor Max Tegmark. And how seal whiskers are helping to create new underwater sensors. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Drive.ai time
August 01, 2018 15:23 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBShould AI systems be more human-centric? We look at how a trial of self-driving vehicles in Texas is focusing on what the technology can do now. Rufus Pollack, the founder of Open Knowledge International, discusses how freedom of choice promotes innovation. And, a simple solution to increasing productivity in India. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Drive.ai time
August 01, 2018 15:23 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBShould AI systems be more human-centric? We look at how a trial of self-driving vehicles in Texas is focusing on what the technology can do now. Rufus Pollack, the founder of Open Knowledge International, discusses how freedom of choice promotes innovation. And, a simple solution to increasing productivity in India. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Too hot to handle
July 25, 2018 15:58 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBAre the recent heat waves around the world a sign of things to come? Geoffrey Carr, our science editor, finds out at the meeting of the International AIDS Society what more needs to be done to eradicate the disease. Also, has liquid water on Mars finally been found? Kenneth Cukier hosts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Too hot to handle
July 25, 2018 15:58 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBAre the recent heat waves around the world a sign of things to come? Geoffrey Carr, our science editor, finds out at the meeting of the International AIDS Society what more needs to be done to eradicate the disease. Also, has liquid water on Mars finally been found? Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Paranoid android
July 18, 2018 17:10 - 16 minutes - 38.4 MBWhat does the European Commission's record fine of Google mean for the future of its Android operating system? And how a popular gene editing tool is raising a few questions. Also, we speak to Dr David Fajgenbaum about the first ever World Castleman Disease Day. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Paranoid android
July 18, 2018 17:10 - 16 minutes - 38.4 MBWhat does the European Commission's record fine of Google mean for the future of its Android operating system? And how a popular gene editing tool is raising a few questions. Also, we speak to Dr David Fajgenbaum about the first ever World Castleman Disease Day. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: The Roboburger
July 11, 2018 15:42 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBAre robots going to replace chefs in the kitchen? And how footsteps can be used for ID and health checks. Also, we focus on the very latest discoveries from the Gaia space mission. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: The Roboburger
July 11, 2018 15:42 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBAre robots going to replace chefs in the kitchen? And how footsteps can be used for ID and health checks. Also, we focus on the very latest discoveries from the Gaia space mission. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Saving white rhino
July 04, 2018 15:42 - 20 minutes - 27.6 MBHow IVF could save the northern white rhino from extinction. And Jaron Lanier tells us why we should delete our social media accounts. Also, how understanding animal behaviour could reduce errors in the operating theatre. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Fixing the internet
June 27, 2018 16:58 - 14 minutes - 19.8 MBThe internet was meant to make the world a less centralised place, but the opposite has happened. The Economist’s technology editor Ludwig Siegele explores why it matters and what can be done about it. Music by Fabian Measures “Open Cab” cc by 4.0 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Fuel for thought
June 20, 2018 17:16 - 19 minutes - 45.1 MBHow a privately owned Chinese company called OneSpace is using solid fuel for launching rockets. Also, the worrying growth of bogus scientific journals. And is there an optimal strategy for the dreaded penalty shoot-out? Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Polio returns
June 13, 2018 11:51 - 21 minutes - 30 MBWhy has polio made a comeback in Venezuela and how does it spread? Tien Tzuo, founder of Zuora, says there will be no need to own anything in the future — you will subscribe to everything. And research into how marine mammals respond to predators shows there is safety in numbers. Tom Standage hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: AI will see you now
June 06, 2018 16:29 - 18 minutes - 25.2 MBHow companies are using artificial intelligence in medicine to help with diagnosis. We hear why a Dutch park that mimics nature is riling animal-rights activists. Also, what can be learnt from a new study on the calls of the bottlenose dolphin. Tim Cross hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Gene genius
May 30, 2018 18:37 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBHas new research into the human genome discovered the secret to human evolution? And how studying HIV in every organ helps understand how to eliminate it. Also, we review the book “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup”. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Gene genius
May 30, 2018 18:37 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBHas new research into the human genome discovered the secret to human evolution? And how studying HIV in every organ helps understand how to eliminate it. Also, we review the book “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup”. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Fake views
May 23, 2018 17:38 - 17 minutes - 24.6 MBDeep-fakes – how can we trust what people appear to be saying in online videos? Also, how to contain the recent outbreak of ebola in the DRC. And, a new study of biomass that is putting human’s place in the world into perspective. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Show me the way to Cordillera
May 16, 2018 17:17 - 14 minutes - 19.9 MBNow that the war between the Colombian government and the FARC has ended, scientists are exploring parts of the country previously held by the rebels. The aim is to make Colombia a "bio-power" by 2030. Also, how lead pollution in Greenlandic ice shows evidence of ancient European societies. And the new insect-sized drones that are causing a buzz. Tim Cross hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: When an algorithm decides your fate
May 09, 2018 16:33 - 20 minutes - 47.1 MBComputer algorithms are being used with increasing frequency to make decisions about humans - from whether a job applicant makes it through a selection process or if a prison inmate gets released on parole. But how are the algorithms making their decisions? And what if they make a mistake? In this special episode of Babbage, we explore the complex work of algorithmic decision-making. Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Big data versus privacy
May 02, 2018 19:07 - 31 minutes - 72 MBData is becoming the world's most valuable resource. Governments use it to monitor and control their citizens. Corporations use it to persuade consumers to buy their products. But as machine learning and algorithms advance, will people still be able to harness the power of big data without losing too much individual privacy? Music by Chris Zabriskie “Divider” (CC by 4.0 UK). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Insane in the methane
April 25, 2018 16:27 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBWhat is causing the rising rates of methane in the atmosphere? Also, how an amphibious life for the Bajau people has led to unique evolutionary traits. And the excitement around the Gaia space probe’s latest data release. Hal Hodson hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The planet hunter
April 18, 2018 16:52 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBProfessor Sara Seager joins us to discuss the launch of the spacecraft TESS, and its two-year mission to discover new planets. Also, physicist and author Leonard Mlodinow explains elastic thinking. And, how robots are learning to assemble flat-pack furniture. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The planet hunter
April 18, 2018 16:52 - 16 minutes - 22.7 MBProfessor Sara Seager joins us to discuss the launch of the spacecraft TESS, and its two-year mission to discover new planets. Also, physicist and author Leonard Mlodinow explains elastic thinking. And, how robots are learning to assemble flat-pack furniture. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Zuckerberg faces Capitol Hill
April 11, 2018 17:52 - 20 minutes - 46.5 MBHal Hodson, our technology correspondent, joins us from Washington to discuss Mark Zuckerberg and the future for Facebook. Also, the connection between personality and music. And, how possible is it to populate other planets? Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The information game
April 04, 2018 16:53 - 19 minutes - 27 MBHow requesting personal data from companies leads to a bureaucratic tangle. Also, nurturing scientific talent in Africa. And, the surprising importance of paint colour for self-driving cars. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Working AI to five
March 28, 2018 17:34 - 18 minutes - 41.8 MBAlexandra Suich Bass, our US technology editor, discusses the rise of artificial intelligence in the workplace. Also, the link between genetics and exam success. And, understanding the language of bees. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Saving Face...book
March 22, 2018 00:00 - 15 minutes - 35.7 MBSilkie Carlo from Big Brother Watch joins host Tim Cross to discuss the latest privacy issues involving Facebook. Also, ageing the rings of Saturn. And, the cost of using antibiotics on the human gut. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Remembering Stephen Hawking
March 14, 2018 20:19 - 19 minutes - 45.6 MBWe speak to leading scientists about the life and legacy of Professor Stephen Hawking. And, what is being done to help the ailing Coral reefs? Also, the out of control Chinese space station. Hal Hodson hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Exploring the ocean's hidden depths
March 07, 2018 18:32 - 14 minutes - 33.7 MBIn this week's programme, we dive into The Economist's Technology Quarterly issue on oceans. We discuss offshore aquaculture, how to map the sea floor and the threat of plastics. Joining us is Dr Jyotika Virmani, from the Ocean XPRIZE See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Exploring the ocean's hidden depths
March 07, 2018 18:32 - 14 minutes - 33.7 MBIn this week's programme, we dive into The Economist's Technology Quarterly issue on oceans. We discuss offshore aquaculture, how to map the sea floor and the threat of plastics. Joining us is Dr Jyotika Virmani, from the Ocean XPRIZE Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Automation for the people
February 28, 2018 18:01 - 17 minutes - 24.2 MBWhat are the social problems facing the world of vehicle automation? Also, the rise of robot laboratories. And looking for life in the Atacama desert. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Bad AAAS
February 21, 2018 19:33 - 18 minutes - 41.9 MBWe bring you the highlights from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, including how children can inherit acquired characteristics from their fathers, asteroid mining and how to grow a human organ. Tim Cross hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The World in 2018: Technology and us
February 14, 2018 18:24 - 25 minutes - 58.1 MBIn the final episode in our six-part series, we look at the scientific and technological advances that will shape the coming year - from algorithms that can make judgments about us online, to robots that are more effective than humans in the work place. Cathy O'Neil, author of "Weapons of Math Destruction" and Shane Wall, the Chief Technology Officer of HP join our hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Cars to Mars?
February 07, 2018 17:29 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MBOliver Morton, our briefings editor, wonders what’s next after Elon Musk’s latest mission to Mars. We ask whether homemade drones can fight conventional armed forces - and could there be lithium under Cornwall? Tim Cross hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Tech giants go to medical school
January 31, 2018 18:21 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBThe world’s biggest technology firms are poised to transform health care. Will it empower patients and lead to a better diagnosis? Also, ways to prevent passengers in driverless cars from feeling queasy. And how genes play a role in the likelihood of divorce. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Out-of-body organ
January 24, 2018 00:00 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MBA medical breakthrough means a human liver can now be kept alive outside the body. Will this result in more transplants? Also, a new idea for deadening an aircraft’s sonic boom. And the universal signals in music that cross cultural boundaries. Hal Hodson hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The ethics of AI
January 17, 2018 16:46 - 20 minutes - 28.4 MBArtificial intelligence heralds the fourth industrial revolution. But what are its ethical challenges? Also, Anne McElvoy and producer Cheryl Brumley head under Manhattan to inspect New York’s newest water tunnel. And the biggest rocket in the world prepares for its maiden flight. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Submarine drones hunt for missing flight
January 10, 2018 16:35 - 16 minutes - 37.2 MBA Norwegian research vessel has joined the search to find missing Malaysia Airlines flight 370. Can its contingent of self-navigating submarine drones find what others have missed? Also, do we really understand the laws of physics? And what’s new at the world’s biggest gadget show? Hal Hodson and Ananyo Bhattacharya host. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Trees take a bough
January 03, 2018 15:46 - 17 minutes - 39.6 MBThey are the longest living organisms on earth and supply a timber industry worth $600 billion. But do we value trees enough? Also, how reforesting is one of the biggest changes to land use changes. And the growing threat to tree health. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Highlights special
December 27, 2017 12:04 - 12 minutes - 27.7 MBIn this special festive episode, we look back at some of the highlights from this year’s coverage. A better way to sail into the stars, why birds are weaving cigarette butts into their homes and what the future of electric cars might look like when charged through thin air. Jason Palmer hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Remaking tigerland
December 20, 2017 15:09 - 21 minutes - 28.9 MBScience correspondent Hal Hodson tells the story of T3, a tiger whose bid for freedom and remarkable journey across India highlighted the underlying tensions between humans, nature and conservation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Greetings, Earthlings
December 13, 2017 17:48 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MBAstronomers say a curious cigar-shaped asteroid passing by the sun is not native to our solar system. Could it be an alien spacecraft? Also, a pioneering patient who set out to find a cure for his own life-threatening disease. And the great avocado shortage. Jason Palmer hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.