Archive for March, 2025

Of Mammoths and Mice: The Weird Science of De-Extinction

Friday, March 21st, 2025

Image Description

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a nod to the anniversary of GPT-4, reflecting on its impact and the rapid pace of AI development. The conversation takes a historical detour to the Ramree Island crocodile attack during World War II, with Andrew using AI to sift fact from fiction in this tale of survival and crocodile-infested mangroves. The trio then shifts focus to Colossal Biosciences’ efforts to bring back the woolly mammoth, starting with genetically modified mice sporting thicker coats. This step towards de-extinction sparks a debate on the feasibility and ethics of resurrecting ancient species, alongside a whimsical discussion on whether organic or robotic mammoths will roam the earth first.

Picks:

Justin Robert Young: Levin by Cali Cowboys Boys

Brian Brushwood: The Master Algorithm by Pedro Domingos

Andrew Mayne: Daredevil Netflix Series

Support Weird Things on Patreon

Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts

Podcast RSS feed

Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250321132838_250314_-_Weird-things-podcast.mp3

[podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250321132838_250314_-_Weird-things-podcast.mp3

Posted in Podcast, Podcasts, WeirdThingsPodcast | No Comments »

Nano Arcade and AI Musings

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Image Description

Andrew Mayne, Brian Brushwood, and Justin Robert Young, with a special appearance by Bella, embark on a journey through the latest in nano technology, showcasing a nano-scale video game that could revolutionize biomedical engineering and nanotechnology. They explore the advancements in AI, particularly in workflow automation and the challenges of nano-tech. The conversation shifts to the potential of AI in enhancing scientific experiments and the practical applications of automation in improving efficiency. The trio also touches upon the upcoming Starship launch, placing a friendly wager on its outcome. Throughout, they share their latest media picks and muse on the future of AI and human creativity.

Picks:

Brian: Reset by Dan Heath

Justin: Severance

Andrew: Mickey Mouse cartoons by Paul Rudish on Disney+

Support Weird Things on Patreon

Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts

Podcast RSS feed

Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250306195841_250228_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3

[podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250306195841_250228_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3

Posted in Podcast, Podcasts, WeirdThingsPodcast | No Comments »

Asteroids, Quantum Computing, and Disneyland Adventures

Thursday, March 6th, 2025

Image Description

In this episode, Andrew Mayne, Justin Robert Young, and Brian Brushwood kick things off with a cosmic sigh of relief as the chances of an asteroid hitting Earth decrease. They ponder the implications of a moon impact, drawing parallels to sci-fi scenarios and historical events. The conversation then shifts to Microsoft’s announcement of a quantum computing breakthrough using exotic matter, sparking a discussion on the potential and current limitations of quantum computing. Andrew shares his recent Disneyland adventure, highlighting the magic of Rise of the Resistance and the charm of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, contrasting it with his disappointment in Galaxy’s Edge.

Picks:

Brian: The First Fifteen Lives of Harry August by Claire North

Andrew: Disneyland, specifically Rise of the Resistance and Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Support Weird Things on Patreon

Subscribe to the Weird Things podcast on iTunes Podcasts

Podcast RSS feed

Download url: https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250306195336_250221_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3

[podcast]https://weirdthingspodcast.com/uploads/20250306195336_250221_-_weird_things_podcast.mp3

Posted in Podcast, Podcasts, WeirdThingsPodcast | No Comments »