USAID’s new “DEEP VZN” program aims to discover new pandemic-grade viruses, then broadcast their genomes to the world, according to MIT evolutionary engineer Kevin Esvelt. He estimates that 30,000 people in dozens of countries could then easily assemble them.

58: Recipes for Future Plagues | Kevin Esvelt

We dive deep into the science, tech, and social issues explored in the novel "After On." It's  NOT necessary to be an "After On" reader to listen, learn & enjoy this podcast!

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Will the glittering dawn of the genai era be accompanied by a dark tsunami of pixel-perfect deep fakes? I discuss this prospect with Sam Harris, as well as the CEO of synthetic audio pioneer Resemble.ai.    

60: Deep Fakes | Sam Harris and Zohaib Ahmed

My thoughts on what's happening in the mad world of generative AI, announcing my new home online at robreid.substack.com, and more.

59: Generative AI | What’s New & What’s Next

A wide-ranging discussion of cognition in octopuses & cuttlefish, plus many, many other topics with globally renowned sensory ecologist Roger Hanlon.

57: Octopus Intelligence (and more!) | Roger Hanlon

Harvard epidemiologist Megan Murray tells us all about the anti-tuberculosis vaccine “BCG,” and the astonishing protection it may provide against Covid -- as well as looming future pandemics.

58: Recipes for Future Plagues | Kevin Esvelt

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