artificial intelligence

Learning from the techno-hype

We can too quickly accept or dismiss reports of technological “breakthroughs” or developments. It is important to consider if they are just hype as well as what else needs to happen before they can become everyday realities. Future thinkers also need to contemplate what the particular developments indicate about broader trends or mindsets that are driving, or inhibiting, change.

Biology's next revolution

A quarter of a century ago, when I thought my future was in science, automation and the idea of “big data” had just arrived for genetics. Automated sequencing, mathematical models, algorithms. Similar innovations spread to others areas of biology through things like better sensors, imaging systems, smarter radio tags for wildlife, data-loggers, and the like.