Babbage from The Economist
438 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month 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 whizz of Oz
November 22, 2017 17:00 - 19 minutes - 43.9 MBChina’s rising demand for electric car batteries has produced a mineral boom in the Australian outback. But is there enough mined cobalt to go round? Also, how the European Union is working towards mitigating climate change. And why the humble fusebox could soon make your home more energy efficient. Tim Cross hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Negative emissions
November 15, 2017 18:16 - 19 minutes - 44.4 MBCountries around the world have agreed to cut carbon emissions but what are they doing to remove the existing CO2 from the air? And how a new generation of surgical robots is about to enter the operating theatre. Also, why do birds really have such colourful bodies? Jason Palmer hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Negative emissions
November 15, 2017 18:16 - 19 minutes - 44.4 MBCountries around the world have agreed to cut carbon emissions but what are they doing to remove the existing CO2 from the air? And how a new generation of surgical robots is about to enter the operating theatre. Also, why do birds really have such colourful bodies? Jason Palmer hosts. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Leapfrogging forward
November 08, 2017 18:05 - 14 minutes - 20.5 MBTechnology in Africa is making huge advances but will it enough to close the economic gap between Africa and the West? Plus, how scientists are trying to harness the microbiome to rid us of tooth rot. And scientists have developed a 'spaghetti' probe that can map our brains much more accurately. We ask what the future of this technology is. Jason Palmer hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Unidentified flying rock
November 01, 2017 17:41 - 15 minutes - 21.7 MBThe first interstellar visitor to the solar system arrives, turns and leaves. What can be learned from the mysterious object? Also, researchers are kitting out drones to deliver supplies to the battlefield. And if wireless charging takes off, electric vehicles could—in theory—run forever Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: All about that base
October 25, 2017 17:08 - 19 minutes - 26.1 MBMinutes ago, Nature announced an important development in gene editing. Host Hal Hodson and Natasha Loder discuss how this technique is so precise and what this means for curing genetic diseases. Plus, why sperm whales like heavy metal music. And why are we so negative about our future? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Deus ex machina
October 19, 2017 15:15 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBWith the release of Blade Runner 2049, we explore the future of artificial intelligence and whether it could teach us how the human mind works. The Economist's Oliver Morton and Jan Piotrowski debate with host Tim Cross. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Are C-sections fuelling the obesity epidemic?
October 11, 2017 17:05 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBBabies born via a Caesarean section are more likely to be obese says new research. Plus how glass is getting a makeover and we explore the question of why you’re attracted to the people you’re attracted to. The Economist's science correspondent Tim Cross presents. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Are C-sections fuelling the obesity epidemic?
October 11, 2017 17:05 - 15 minutes - 21.5 MBBabies born via a Caesarean section are more likely to be obese says new research. Plus how glass is getting a makeover and we explore the question of why you’re attracted to the people you’re attracted to. The Economist's science correspondent Tim Cross presents. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Sleep, space and a striking storm-source
October 04, 2017 16:57 - 19 minutes - 27.5 MBThis year's Nobel science prizes have been announced and The Economist's science team explain the discoveries behind them. Plus: the link between international trade and lightning strikes, and research suggests that standing desks might be good for your productivity as well as your health. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Send in the microbots
September 27, 2017 15:57 - 17 minutesThe hunt is on among the world’s airlines for faster and more efficient ways to keep jet engines in tip-top condition. Could the answer be tiny robots that inspect and fix them from the inside? Also, a new study shows that birds deliberately weave cigarette butts into their nests to help keep parasites away. And is it right to relinquish control of our identities to private companies? Jason Palmer hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Sailing through space
September 20, 2017 16:33 - 16 minutesElectronic sails could lead to faster, cheaper space exploration by harnessing the energy from solar wind. A new paper suggests climate change predictions could have been slightly overheated. And some antivenoms might be more like snake oil than salvation Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Curing cancer
September 13, 2017 15:43 - 16 minutesMiracles in a test tube won't cure cancer; using and adapting the technology we've already got will. Plus how WiFi's little brother LoRa will enable our smart cities to flourish. And why Saturn's space probe Cassini is diving to its death on Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: I can see you
September 06, 2017 16:50 - 15 minutesFacial recognition software can identify you in a crowd. But it will soon be able to judge your mood, your age and ethnicity. We discuss the merits and pitfalls of this fast-advancing technology. Plus, could fish food be the source of antibiotic resistance? And host Jason Palmer gets stuck in a virtual swamp. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Weird weather
August 30, 2017 17:04 - 14 minutesAs heatwaves sear across Europe and hurricanes wreak havoc in Houston, we ask why extreme weather events are becoming more common. Plus why the anti-inflammatory injection canakinumab will not be the next miracle drug and why Norway might leave $65 billion of oil in the earth. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Memorable moments in technology and science this year
August 23, 2017 16:35 - 16 minutes - 22.5 MBIn this special summer episode, we look back at this year's coverage. What are the ethics of human cloning? Is it possible to fuse a computer into the human brain? And could mysterious signals picked up by an observatory really be from space aliens? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Water and the Jevons Paradox
August 16, 2017 16:36 - 16 minutesTechnology is helping us access previously inaccessible water reserves. But the more efficient we become at extracting it, the more we use. Is the world’s water crisis set to get worse? Also, we ask the Royal Horticultural Society how we should prepare our gardens to survive while we are away on vacation. Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Water and the Jevons Paradox
August 16, 2017 16:36 - 16 minutesTechnology is helping us access previously inaccessible water reserves. But the more efficient we become at extracting it, the more we use. Is the world’s water crisis set to get worse? Also, we ask the Royal Horticultural Society how we should prepare our gardens to survive while we are away on vacation. Kenneth Cukier hosts See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: A plug for batteries
August 09, 2017 16:00 - 17 minutesBetter batteries are providing the jump start that electric cars need. Plus, could nuclear power plants soon be floating at sea? And why most areas on Earth are more biodiverse now than ever before, thanks to humans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Hollow-grams?
August 02, 2017 17:47 - 18 minutesHolograms have fallen short of the vivid, floating projections seen in science fiction. However, one scientist is copying an iridescent butterfly to create better effects. Also, how blow flies are helping to solve murder mysteries. And why genetic testing is threatening the insurance industry. Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: A boring episode
July 26, 2017 17:43 - 20 minutesElon Musk may be the most prominent advocate of boring technology, but there are projects across the world revamping the way we dig tunnels. The co-founders of the venture firm Public discuss how technology is transforming public services. Also, military researchers are using electricity to get more from the human brain Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: A boring episode
July 26, 2017 17:43 - 20 minutesElon Musk may be the most prominent advocate of boring technology, but there are projects across the world revamping the way we dig tunnels. The co-founders of the venture firm Public discuss how technology is transforming public services. Also, military researchers are using electricity to get more from the human brain See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Babbage: Winter is coming
July 19, 2017 16:34 - 16 minutesScientists have pinpointed the cause of a catastrophic freeze across Europe during the Middle Ages—could a similar event be on the horizon? Author Douglas Rushkoff on why technology firms are criticised so often. And beauty in the eyes of artificial intelligence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The power of young blood
July 12, 2017 16:26 - 19 minutesScientists are investigating the apparent benefits of infusing young blood into the body of an older animal. Author and academic Tim Wu explains why our attention is such a vital commodity. And virtual reality is breathing new life into old rollercoasters Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Fluid intelligence
July 05, 2017 16:33 - 16 minutesZapping the brain with a weak electric current enhances its visual cortex. Is this a way to help squeeze more value out of our grey matter? Also, how a new miniature phone camera is making us rethink every aspect of photography. And why whales have become so good at filtering food. Hal Hodson hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Printing the future
June 28, 2017 16:29 - 16 minutes3D printing is finally revolutionising the mass production of everything from trainer soles and teeth to metal car parts. We explore a new realm of fake news, as creating convincing video and audio of false events becomes far easier. Also, how to stop rogue icebergs from wreaking havoc. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Taxi for Travis
June 21, 2017 15:39 - 15 minutes - 22.2 MBWhat next for Uber following the departure of the company's CEO Travis Kalanick? A pathogen that causes cystic fibrosis is being used to fight tuberculosis. Also, the head of Bloomberg's venture capital fund Roy Bahat on the complexities of AI replacing jobs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Civilian drones take flight
June 15, 2017 14:00 - 18 minutes - 42.5 MBMost drones today are either cheap toys or expensive weapons. But innovative commercial uses are emerging in the middle, says our deputy editor Tom Standage. Also, physicist Geoffrey West on his theory of scale and how it relates to cities. And do pollsters deserve their bad reputation? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Battle of the maps
June 07, 2017 16:09 - 19 minutes - 26.6 MBCompanies are striving to control an evolving digital infrastructure that will guide everything from self-driving cars to drones. Veteran investor Bill Janeway explains the parallels between artificial intelligence and electricity. Also, a Braille-controlled camera system offers an efficient way to guide the blind Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: When AI makes music
May 31, 2017 16:38 - 16 minutes - 22.5 MBCan computer-generated composition compete with human creativity? 3D printing is adopting traditional techniques to give us reinforced floors. And cricket adds yet more technology into the game: what does this mean for the sport's hallowed commentators? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Anticipating terrorism
May 24, 2017 17:20 - 15 minutes - 21.3 MBIn the wake of the Manchester bombing, Dr Robert Wesley explains how artificial intelligence can spot extremist behaviour early. Coloured light can now be used to control how genetically-engineered organisms behave. Also, what we must to do to preserve the oceans Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Megatech: Technology in 2050
May 17, 2017 17:27 - 31 minutes - 43.4 MBThis feature-length episode dives into the technology that will shape our world over the next decades. Host Kenn Cukier and The Economist's Executive Editor Daniel Franklin are joined by experts in artificial intelligence, cyber-security, healthcare and warfare to discuss how technology will transform many aspects of our lives Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Goodbye glaciers
May 10, 2017 20:16 - 17 minutes - 24.9 MBMiranda Johnson explains why ice in the Arctic is melting at such an alarming rate. Philip Auerswald takes us on a 40,000-year history of human society. And an idea borrowed from lizards could make your waterproof jacket last even longer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Soundscape of the deep ocean
May 03, 2017 17:13 - 18 minutes - 26.1 MBA new form of bioengineering ditches the cell and could speed up innovation. Five giant tech firms are hoarding most of the world's data. Is it time to break up the oligopoly? Also, an ambient soundscape from the deepest known part of the ocean Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: When cars fly
April 26, 2017 17:54 - 18 minutes - 25 MBUber announces flying cars to replace taxi systems in the future. How realistic is this? Plastic-munching moths could save the world from the scourge of shopping bags. And an artificial womb could one day help premature babies to survive Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The new world of voice cloning
April 19, 2017 18:48 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBThe debate over internet regulation is heating up again in America. Also on the show: genetically-engineered bacteria could be used to light up hidden landmines. And voice-cloning technology can now reproduce speech. What does this mean in an era of fake news? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: What can science do for my garden?
April 12, 2017 16:35 - 24 minutes - 219 MBThe Royal Botanic Gardens Kew has unlocked the DNA sequence of thousands of plants. Is the ability to manipulate colour and smell good news for the worldwide floral industry? Also: Pests and pathogens thriving in a warmer climate could wipe out our woodlands. And is Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank the ultimate horticultural insurance policy for the planet? Kenneth Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Defending data
April 05, 2017 17:29 - 19 minutes - 26.8 MBSecurity crises soar as computers meld further into our lives, but who is liable when hacking happens? We explore a potential charter to exploit the commercial value of data while also protecting privacy. And how humans can teach computers to avoid racist behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Of machines and men
March 29, 2017 16:36 - 17 minutes - 23.7 MBElon Musk's new venture Neuralink wants to meld computers with the human brain. We explore how this concept could lead to artificial memory. Also, a paralysed man is able to use his own arm again after chips were implanted in his brain. And a new glove lets people detect deadly toxins with touch alone Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Uber's trail of woes
March 22, 2017 19:54 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBWhy the ride-sharing company is in turmoil following the departure of its president Jeff Jones. Scientific publishing is slowing down progress; how might it be reformed? Also, dust devils in the Atacama desert solve one mystery—and spark another Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Little green men
March 15, 2017 18:18 - 17 minutes - 24 MBEarth has received a cluster of mysterious radio signals; some scientists believe they could be propelling alien spacecraft across the universe. So what's the verdict? Also, an outbreak of yellow fever in Brazil is decimating local monkey populations. And the true worth of spiders is revealed, in how much they eat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Building from the atom up
March 08, 2017 16:41 - 17 minutes - 40 MBA second quantum revolution is happening at the atomic level. What will it mean for the future of computers? Also: a new battery based on aluminium provides up to ten times the power. And why yellow taxis are much less likely to get into accidents. Kenn Cukier hosts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Dragon’s blood medicine
March 01, 2017 17:15 - 17 minutes - 40.5 MBKomodo dragon blood contains compounds that help combat human diseases. So can lizards help in the battle against antibiotic-resistant infections? Also: switch the power off and a microprocessor forgets everything but now there’s a way to give it a permanent memory. And did life on earth really begin 3,770 million years ago? Kenneth Cukier hosts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Oceans of pollutants
February 22, 2017 18:32 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MBEven the deepest reaches of the sea have been contaminated by man-made pollution. Author Alan Schwartz reveals the extent of ADHD overdiagnosis in America. And how is the scientific community reacting to President Trump? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Cloning time
February 15, 2017 17:40 - 16 minutes - 22.5 MBTwenty years ago, Dolly the sheep became the first adult mammal clone. Are we on the cusp of copying humans, too? And we explore how technology is aiding refugees and migrants with their treacherous journeys to Europe Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Game of drones
February 09, 2017 17:10 - 16 minutes - 23.3 MBRobotic insects could help pollinate plants if bee numbers continue to decline. Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales on the pitfalls of crowdsourcing knowledge in an era of disinformation. And a protein's structure is key its function but hard to decipher; we explore how citizen science is solving the problem Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Adding to reality
February 01, 2017 17:30 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBAugmented reality technology blends the virtual with the real world, so how might this alter the way humans interact with computers, and each other? Also, we explore how artificial intelligence can enhance selling techniques. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Printing parts
January 25, 2017 18:24 - 17 minutes - 24.8 MBWe're now pretty good at printing body parts, so what are the possibilities and limitations? Healthcare expert George Halvorson explains the importance of language development in the first few months of life. Also, the researchers trying to tune in to the particles of dark matter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: The automation game
January 18, 2017 19:52 - 23 minutes - 32.8 MBHow quickly will robots disrupt global industries and what will the implications be? We explore with economist Andrew McAfee at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Also, neuroscientists often compare the human brain to a computer chip, so what happened when the idea was put into practice? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Babbage: Conversational computers
January 11, 2017 18:03 - 18 minutes - 26.4 MBWhen will computers truly be able to understand what we are saying? We discuss with our guest, Amazon's Alexa. Also, long-distance electrical supergrids could flood the planet with renewable energy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.