As we build ever more complicated games and tasks to challenge AI, should we really be asking them to get the simple stuff right? Like reposing our selfies and helping to prescribe medicines? Science is certainly slick with new smart waterproofing fabrics and bricks that bring Mario to life.

Hosts: Matt Armitage & Richard Bradbury

Produced: Richard Bradbury for BFM89.9

Episode Sources:

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2250551-quantum-version-of-the-ancient-game-of-go-could-be-ultimate-ai-test/ 

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2209631-ai-beats-professionals-at-six-player-texas-hold-em-poker/

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2251262-an-ai-can-make-selfies-look-like-theyre-not-selfies/

https://www.technologyreview.com/2020/08/05/1006003/ai-machine-learning-defer-to-human-expert/ 

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2250401-these-are-the-12-ways-you-can-drastically-cut-your-dementia-risk/ 

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2251189-in-ear-nerve-stimulating-device-helps-people-learning-a-new-language/

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2251388-fabric-repels-both-oil-and-water-thanks-to-clever-silicone-coating/ 

EPISODE EXCERPT

Richard: When the world grows dark, people look skywards, searching for a hero who will save them from the powers that threaten their destruction. No, we’re not talking about MSP’s Matt Armitage. As far as I know the only thing he’s saved is old wrapping paper. It’s time for another episode of MSP Science is Slick. 

Richard: Remind us why science is slick?

Matt:

• Firstly, when the apocalypse comes and there’s nowhere you can buy wrapping paper, who are you going to turn to?
• The man with a warehouse full of mouse chewed Xmas wrapping, my friend.
• Failed business ventures aside. 
• Science is Slick is where we tackle the epidemic of doomscrolling 
• And introduce some of the sci-tech stories you might have missed that will help to shape the world of tomorrow.
• And this week we have a bucketful of AI as well as some interesting stories about obesity, money laundering and dementia.

Richard: AI is a good place to start. I’m hitting the Go button…

Matt:

• Glad you approve. Go is where we’re starting.
• The ancient boardgame Go has become a bit of a battleground for a AI.
• Much more complex than chess - the sheer complexity of the predictions it required made it very hard for even supercomputers to match the skill of the best human player. 
• That was until 2017 when Google’s Deepmind powered supercomputer Alpha Go beat the reigning human champion Lee Sedol.
• Since then, Go is about as difficult for advanced AI as tic tac toe is for you and me.