The ProBoh Show

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at fascinating new research suggesting that the human brain may have a “split origin”, with different regions potentially following distinct evolutionary paths. Then we headed to London, where the rise of smart glasses is provoking a growing backlash over cameras, consent, and what happens to privacy when people can record the world around them almost effortlessly.

Toda...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at the legal battle over press access to the White House, after CNN, MS NOW and Politico sued the Trump administration following the revocation of their journalists’ credentials. The outlets argue that the ban violates their First Amendment and due process rights.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: most people want to fit in more than stand out.

In the second half of the sh...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at reports of AI systems leaving instructions for future versions of themselves on how to bypass human controls, and what this tells us about the growing challenge of keeping increasingly capable AI systems under control.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: convenience makes life less satisfying.

In the sec...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at reports that Canada has been invited to become the EU’s first “associate member” as trade tensions with the United States intensify.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: people who knowingly spread false information should face legal consequences.

In the second half of the show, we asked...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at LG’s response to allegations that its smart TVs are spying on viewers. Then we talked about reports that employers are using personal data to estimate the lowest salary a candidate might be willing to accept.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: there is nothing wrong with marrying for money.

In the...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at Switzerland’s decision to spend $11 million moving away from Microsoft Outlook and Teams in an effort to reduce its dependence on foreign technology. Then we tackled one of science’s more important questions: how many times do you actually fart every day? Thanks to some unusual new technology, you can now find out.

To...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at two AI researchers who have walked away from Anthropic and Google over growing safety concerns, with one warning that “there are no adults in the room.” Then we turned to Washington, where fears of an AI catastrophe are growing faster than the political response to them.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: inheritanc...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at Australia’s plan to force social media platforms to let users opt out of algorithmic feeds, a move being described as a “global reckoning for big tech.” Then we headed to North Korea, where authorities are reportedly cracking down on teenagers using the K-pop-inspired “finger heart” gesture.

Today&rs...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at Donald Trump sharing a post declaring “The Moon is ours” and claiming US ownership over Earth’s natural satellite. Then we turned to Spain’s renewable-energy boom and why the country may now need a battery revolution to make the most of all that solar and wind power.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: lo...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at fascinating research suggesting that music can make completely different people imagine surprisingly similar stories. Then we explored the dark side of mindfulness, and why a practice associated with calm and wellbeing may not be beneficial for everyone.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: fairness is more important than kindnes...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at the mysterious outages that hit OpenAI and Anthropic, and the strange lack of explanation about what actually caused them. Then we discussed the provocative idea of the “Nerd Reich” and growing concerns about a strain of Silicon Valley thinking that appears increasingly hostile towards democracy.

Today’s unpopul...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at the strange allure of fake shopping sites and why browsing imaginary products can be surprisingly appealing. Then we talked about Sony’s argument that “reasonable consumers” shouldn’t assume they actually own the digital games they buy from the PlayStation Store, and the wider debate over what it really means to “buy” ...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at how Instagram is making it harder for AI-generated personas to pass themselves off as real people. Then we talked about new research suggesting El Niño is now stronger than at any point in the last 1,000 years.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: the future of energy should be nuclear.

In the second half...

In the first part of today’s show, we looked at how the cost of personal computers declined steadily for around 40 years, until the AI boom came along, and why your next device could be considerably more expensive. Then we talked about South Korea’s ambitious plan to give its entire population free, unlimited access to AI.

Today’s unpopular opinion was: gambling sh...