Schrödinger’s chat: can AI and scientists co-exist?

About this episode

<p>In recent weeks, AI has solved hundreds of previously unanswered maths problems. Our correspondents ask if machines can do the same in other areas of <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/leaders/2026/10/15/what-if-the-machines-take-over-science?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">science</a></u> and what role human researchers may play. Why crisps are getting <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2026/10/08/why-your-snacks-are-chunkier-and-chewier-than-before?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">chunkier</a></u> and chocolate chewier. And celebrating the life and work of author <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/obituary/2026/10/15/annie-dillard-wanted-to-know-the-mind-of-god?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Annie Dillard</a></u>. </p><p>Watch extended clips from Insider <u><a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/insider/previews?utm_campaign=a.brand_fy2627_q1_awareness-imp-tr_prospecting_global-global_direct_na&utm_medium=audio.podcast.pd&utm_source=economist&utm_content=discovery.awareness.anonymous.tr_nativeread_np-tiinsider-apr_na-na_web_na_na_na_na&utm_term=sa.arc-isi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">here</a></u>.</p><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Alex Hern, AI writer</li><li>Alok Jha, science editor</li><li>Avantika Chilkoti, global business writer</li><li>Ann Wroe, obituaries editor</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Scientific research, mathpocalypse, AI </li><li>Crisps, snacks, texture, crunchtok</li><li>Annie Dillard, nature, obituary</li></ul><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—<u><a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribe to The Economist</a></u>.</em></p> <hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>