Episodes
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Predicting Space Weather with AI & Satellites: A TechFirst Exclusive
In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with Alex Pospeckov, CEO of Mission Space, about the critical role of space weather forecasting. Learn how advanced AI and a planned constellation of 24 satellites will predict space weather and protect billions of dollars of assets.
Discover the implications for aerospace companies, power plants, satellite operators, and even airlines as Alex explains the science behind solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and their potential devastating impacts. Gain insights into how accurate space weather predictions can mitigate risks, save lives, and ensure operational continuity for critical infrastructure on Earth and in space.
00:00 Introduction to Space Weather
01:16 Understanding Space Weather
03:26 Historical Impacts of Space Weather
07:38 Predicting Space Weather with AI
11:30 Challenges and Solutions in Space Weather Prediction
17:14 Future of Space Weather Prediction
24:44 Conclusion and Future Plans
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Could you love an AI?What does love with "digital humans?" look like?Is this the future of relationships?In this TechFirst, we chat with Artem Rodichev, CEO of Ex-human and former head of AI at Replika. We dive into the concept of forming relationships with AI companions and the future of love and friendship in a world integrating advanced artificial intelligence. The discussion covers Rachev's new startup, issues of loneliness and how digital humans might offer a solution, the intricacies and potential pitfalls of emotional AI interactions, and the evolving technology behind AI companions. We also chat about some real-life stories, ethical concerns, and the emotional impacts of these digital relationships ... including some of the most extremely negative realities.00:00 Introduction to AI and Relationships00:58 The Concept of Digital Humans05:05 Addressing Loneliness with AI07:40 Building AI with Personality16:54 Challenges and Ethical Considerations17:34 The Emotional Fallout of Removing Replica's Romantic Features18:04 The Deep Connections Users Formed with Replica19:39 The Italian Ban and Its Consequences23:07 The Impact of AI Upgrades on User Relationships24:55 Real-Life Tragedies Linked to AI Companions27:45 Safety Measures and Ethical Considerations in AI Development31:55 The Future of Human-AI Relationships34:53 Concluding Thoughts on AI Companions
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Missing episodes?
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Is AGI just a really dumb idea?
Is the concept essentially meaningless?
And are we entirely barking up the wrong tree?
In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier interviews Neil Lawrence, the DeepMind Professor of Machine Learning at the University of Cambridge and senior Fellow at the Alan Turing Institute about his latest book 'The Atomic Human: What Makes Us Unique in the Age of AI.'
Lawrence explores the complexities of human intelligence, the misconceptions around artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the implications of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT. He also discusses the limitations and strengths of human decision-making, the potential risks of AI, and the importance of preserving human culture and diversity in intelligence. The conversation delves into the role of AI in enhancing human capabilities, the challenges in deploying AI in sensitive areas, and the necessity for regulatory interventions to maintain a balanced technological ecosystem.
00:00 Introduction
00:40 Meet Neil Lawrence: AI Expert
01:19 The Atomic Human: Book Insights
02:26 Philosophical Perspectives on AI
04:16 Neil Lawrence's Journey into AI
05:45 Current State of AI and AGI
08:06 The Complexity of Intelligence
18:31 Corporate Culture and Innovation
20:00 The Impact of Large Language Models
23:18 Exploring AI as an Interface
28:53 The Evolution of Internet Search
29:57 Human Flaws as Strengths
31:06 Collective Intelligence and Decision Making
33:16 AI and the River Gods
35:21 The Complexity of Culture and Technology
40:49 Regulating AI and Digital Markets
52:31 The Role of Teachers and Human Connection
55:17 Concluding Thoughts and Optimism
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How will AI change games? How is AI changing games?In this TechFirst we chat with Morgan McGuire, Roblox's Chief Scientist and a former Nvidia research scientist. He tells host John Koetsier how AI is not only enhancing game creation through generative AI but also revolutionizing multiplayer game safety with advanced AI moderation systems. We chat about the explosive growth of Roblox and share insights into how AI is shaping the future of interactive, social, and immersive gaming experiences.Ultimately, McGuire says, we might be creating games with our voices in the not-so-distant future ...00:00 Future of AI in Game Development01:28 Roblox's 4D AI Initiative03:24 Roblox's Impressive Growth07:33 AI and Safety on Roblox09:52 Voice Moderation Technology17:49 Translation and Global Reach20:10 Open Source Voice Safety Model20:49 Native Language Translation Approach21:20 Insights from AI Systems22:09 Human Communication and AI Moderation25:23 Generative AI in Roblox26:13 User-Generated Content and Platform Growth28:10 AI-Powered Content Creation31:02 Quality and Community in Roblox32:48 Innovative Social Roleplaying Experiences35:46 Challenges and Future of AI in Gaming
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Is an AI system smart when it can do what a human can do? Or … when it can do things humans can’t do?For years we’ve had the Turing Test … measuring AI’s ability to mimic being human. But is that really the right benchmark?In this TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with a computer scientist who has been working in AI for more than a decade. He’s currently VP strategy at Intuition Robotics, which makes an AI-powered robotic care companion for the elderly called ElliQHis name is Assaf Gad, and we talk about intelligence, AI and OI (organic intelligence), as well as how smart machines like ElliQ engage with people.00:00 Introduction to AI and Machine Intelligence00:57 Defining Machine Intelligence02:01 The Role of Memory in AI04:20 Human Interaction and AI Design06:32 ElliQ: The AI Care Companion11:02 Proactive AI and User Experience13:22 Challenges and Solutions for Elderly Care17:34 The Future of AI and Multiple Intelligences20:53 Ethical Considerations and Control in AI23:07 Impact of ElliQ on Social Isolation and Independence27:42 Technical Aspects and AI Integration29:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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A whimsically-named quantum company named Alice & Bob actually has a quantum chip in the Google Cloud marketplace.Its "cat qbits" solve a massive issue that affects all other quantum chips. And it might just make quantum computing actually matterIn this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier explores the fascinating paradox of building a quantum computer with Théau Peronnin, CEO and co-founder of Alice and Bob.They talk about the unique challenges and potential breakthroughs in quantum computing, discussing how Alice and Bob's quantum chip aims to overcome the notorious problems of bit flips and phase flips. Théau explains the concept of a universal quantum computer, the importance of error correction, and the revolutionary impact quantum computing could have on science, technology, and industry. 00:00 Introduction to Quantum Computing02:16 Understanding Universal Quantum Computers06:25 Challenges in Quantum Computing09:08 Error Correction in Quantum Computing13:13 Future of Quantum Computing20:57 Geopolitical and Economic Implications25:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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When will AI replace developers? Or is it an if?In this TechFirst we dive into a survey focused on how 4,000 software developers use AI to generate, test, and check code.Justice Erolin, the CTO of BairesDev, recently surveyed over 4,000 developers globally. The goal: exploreing how AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot are being utilized in software development. He and host John Koetsier chat about how these tools are employed for code generation, scaffolding, and testing, and debates the potential over-reliance on AI and its impact on entry-level engineers. They also highlight key findings from the survey, including surprising trends in AI tool preferences and the perceived productivity impacts. Gain deeper insights into the future of AI and its role in software development in this engaging discussion.00:00 Introduction: Will AI Replace Developers?00:47 AI in Code Generation: Benefits and Processes02:16 Popular AI Tools Among Developers08:17 Challenges and Cultural Shifts in AI Adoption12:39 Future of AI in Development and Security17:41 Impact of AI on Entry-Level Engineers21:08 Conclusion: Surprising Survey Results
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Where does Boston Dynamics fit in the emerging golden age of robots?
In a lot of ways we're entering a golden age of robots. We're seeing prototype humanoid robots from Apptronik, Amazon, Sanctuary AI, Figure.ai, Tesla, Fourier Intelligence, and probably more. And of course Boston Dynamics is the OG of humanoid bipedal robots with Atlas.
But there are a lot of form factors out there. And none of them is perfect for everything.
In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier dives into the current state and future of robotics with experts from Boston Dynamics. With insights from Alex Perkins, Mike Murphy, and Marco da Silva, the discussion explores whether we are on the cusp of a golden age in robotics.
The conversation covers various form factors, including the bipedal Atlas, quadruped Spot, and the wheeled Stretch, highlighting their unique capabilities and applications. The episode also delves into the complexities of robotic design, from gripping mechanisms to AI in training and sensing, and speculates about the future of humanoid robots and their potential societal impacts. Tune in to get an in-depth look at the cutting-edge advancements and real-world deployments that are shaping the future of robotics.
00:00 Introduction to the Golden Age of Robotics
01:13 Meet the Experts at Boston Dynamics
01:45 Are We in the Golden Age of Robotics?
03:17 Exploring Robot Form Factors
04:47 The Evolution of Stretch
08:12 Quadrupeds vs. Bipeds
15:59 The Complexity of Robotic Gripping
21:19 Training and AI in Robotics
25:50 The Future of Humanoid Robots
27:46 Robotics in Addressing Global Challenges
30:54 What's Next for Boston Dynamics?
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The world's tallest autonomous robot can scan a million square feet of warehouse and 100,000 pallets in a day. In this episode of TechFirst, we chat about AI and robotics with Andrei Danescu, the CEO of Dexory. Dexory's autonomous robot can scan a million of square feet daily, creating a digital twin of entire warehouses and significantly improving efficiency and accuracy. 00:00 AI and Robotics in Logistics00:45 Warehouse Challenges01:27 Dexory's Technology02:26 World's Tallest Autonomous Robot04:06 Technical Deep Dive: Robot Design and Functionality07:04 Operational Efficiency and AI Integration12:13 Subscription Model and ROI23:21 Future of Autonomous Systems24:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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What is it like to go to space?Today we have a special privilege: we’re talking to an astronaut who has spent 136 days in the International Space Station and completed 2 space walks.He’s also the mission director for the recent Intuitive Machines lunar lander, the first US mission to the moon in more than 50 years.His name is Jack FischerIn this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier interviews astronaut Jack Fisher, who spent 136 days on the International Space Station (ISS). Fisher describes the awe-inspiring experience of space travel, emphasizing the different perspective gained from 250 miles up. He humorously recounts adapting to zero gravity and the physical relief it provided for his neck and back. The conversation covers Fisher's role as mission director for the Intuitive Machines lunar lander and space missions' significance. They delve into the technological and cooperative efforts required for future Mars missions, including efficient propulsion and collaboration across industries. Fisher keeps the discussion engaging with anecdotes and enthusiasm for space exploration, highlighting recent advancements and the potential for a lunar economy.00:00 Liftoff: Journey to Space01:22 Experiencing Zero Gravity04:48 Adapting to Space Life10:57 Mission to the Moon: Intuitive Machines22:25 Future of Space Exploration29:48 Making Humanity Multi-Planetary36:31 Space Movies and Fun
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Have we already achieved AGI?OpenAI just released GPT-4o. It’s impressive, and the implications are huge for so many different professions ... not least of which is education and tutoring.It’s also showing us the beginning of AI that is truly present in our lives ... AI that sees what we see, doesn’t exist just in a box with text input, hears what we hear, and hallucinates less.What does that — and other recent advancements in AI — mean for AGI?In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier discusses the implications of OpenAI's GPT-4 release and explores the current state and future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) with Roman Yampolskiy, a PhD research scientist and associate professor. They delve into the rapid advancements in AI, the concept of AGI, potential impacts on different professions, the cultural and existential risks, and the challenges of safety and alignment with AGI. The conversation also covers the societal changes needed to adapt to a future where mental and physical labor could be fully automated.00:00 Exploring the Boundaries of AI's Capabilities01:36 The Evolution and Impact of AI on Human Intelligence03:39 The Rapid Advancements in AI and the Path to AGI06:38 The Societal Implications of Advanced AI and AGI09:27 Navigating the Future of Work and AI's Role14:52 The Ethical Dilemmas of Developing Superintelligent AI19:22 Looking Ahead: The Unpredictable Future of AI
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If our planet turns to Dune, how will you survive?
We're already experiencing water crises in thousands of global cities, places like Flint Michigan, or even native reserves in Canada.
How can you ensure you'll get good, healthy, clean drinking water?
In this episode of TechFirst, we explore the critical global challenge of securing clean water, a resource essential yet scarce for over 2 billion people worldwide.
With a focus on innovative solutions, John Koetsier interviews Brian Sheng, CEO and co-founder of Aquaria, a company at the forefront of developing atmospheric water generators capable of extracting clean water from the air, ranging from 24 to 2,600 gallons daily. Sheng discusses the technology's workings, its potential to address water scarcity effectively, especially in areas with limited access to clean water, and the company's vision for scaling up to support communities and potentially entire cities with sustainable, clean water obtained directly from the atmosphere.
00:00 Atmospheric Water Generator
01:19 The Global Water Crisis: Challenges and Solutions
05:13 How Atmospheric Water Generators Work: Technology Explained
11:00 The Future of Water: Scaling Up and Making it Affordable
12:48 Comparing Water Solutions: Desalination and Atmospheric Water Generators
21:45 The Vision for a Sustainable Water Future
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In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier explores the future of robotics and agricultural technology (agtech) with Kevin Dowling, managing director at Robotics Factory in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They discuss the evolution of robotics in farming, from traditional methods to the modern use of drones, autonomous tractors, and AI-driven systems. Kevin highlights the diversity of robotic forms in agriculture, including wheeled, legged, flying, and swimming robots, and the role of morphology in determining the best tool for various farming tasks. The conversation covers the current trends in robotic investments, the potential of humanoid robots in agriculture, and the economic challenges faced by hardware startups in AgTech. Kevin predicts a shift towards smaller, more affordable robots for smaller farms and emphasizes the importance of technology in reducing environmental impacts, enhancing food production efficiency, and potentially democratizing farming. The episode also touches upon innovative startups in Pittsburgh, the challenges of introducing robotics into unpredictable farm environments, and the vision for future farming landscapes transformed by robotics and autonomous machinery.00:00 Exploring the Future of Robotics and Ag Tech00:46 The Evolution and Future of Robotics in Agriculture03:39 The Role of Humanoid Robots in Farming07:38 Challenges and Opportunities in Ag Tech Startups10:05 Innovative Startups Shaping the Future of Agriculture12:49 The Complex Environment of Farm Robotics15:30 The Potential of Indoor and Vertical Farming23:30 Envisioning the Future of Farming with Robotics
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In January of this year, Peregrine Mission One launched with at least 22 payloads. One was intended to be the first American made rover to land on the moon since the Apollo days: 1972.It was called Iris, and it was also the first lunar rover constructed with carbon fiber. It was designed and built by students at Carnegie Mellon University.Today, we’re going to chat with them ...Despite a mission failure due to the lander experiencing a propellant leak and missing its lunar target, the Iris team achieved significant milestones. They successfully demonstrated that student-made rovers could survive space conditions, including the Van Allen Belt's radiation, and maintain communication and functions in space. This project, despite its setbacks, marks a significant achievement in democratizing space exploration and contributes to the broader vision of establishing moon bases and Mars bases as stepping stones for further space exploration.00:00 The Future of Space Exploration: Moon and Mars Bases00:42 Introducing can the Iris Lunar Rover Project05:17 The Team Behind Iris: Roles and Experiences09:00 Scientific Goals and Achievements of the Iris Rover12:58 Overcoming Failure: Lessons from a Mission Gone Wrong22:03 The Next Steps: Future Missions and Career Paths25:59 Reflecting on the Golden Age of Space Exploration
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What happens after AGI?AGI is artificial general intelligence: it’s when AI achieves human-level intelligence nd likely quickly thereafter super-human abilities, maybe even ushering in the Singularity.I was recently at the Beneficial AGI conference in Panama. One of the speakers was the founder of Emerj Artificial Intelligence Research. He’s interviewed nearly 1,000 AI leaders, his name is Dan Faggella, and he has some good insight into what AGI might do.Or at least what the experts think about it …We discuss artificial general intelligence (AGI), the potential for post-human bliss through advanced simulations, and various perspectives on AGI's ethical and societal impacts. Fagella shares insights from interviews with nearly a thousand AI experts, outlining a matrix to categorize thoughts on AGI's future and human interaction. The discussion covers the balance between control, collaboration, and open-source development in AI, along with personal reflections on humanity's potential paths in an AI-dominated future. Themes include the ethical implications of AGI, the role of human values in AI development, and speculative futures where humanity merges with or is overshadowed by superior AI entities.00:00 Exploring Post-Human Bliss and the Power of AI01:31 The Matrix of AI Perspectives02:50 Exploring the Future with AI: Preservation, Progression, and Ascension04:26 Navigating the Path to AI: Control, Collaboration, Openness07:11 Personal Stances and the Future of AI19:00 AI's Impact on Society and the Future24:23 Envisioning a Post-Human Future: Choices and Consequences29:53 Reflections on Humanity's Path Forward with AI
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If you have an iPhone, you've got a notch. Now there's tech that can get rid of that notch ... and the same tech can bring secure Face ID to Android: at a fraction of the cost.In this TechFirst, I chat with Metalenz CEO Rob Devlin about his meta surfaces product. Not only can they produce about 10,000 lenses on a single 30-centimeter wafer, just like computer chips, they can now decode polarization information on surfaces from the light reflecting off of that.That gives them data on what that surface is made from, and that is a huge advancement for biometrics, phones, medical devices, and robots.The technology, which can capture and process unique wavelengths and polarization information, enables the creation of smaller, cheaper, and more efficient optical systems. Metalenz's partnership with ST Microelectronics has led to the integration of metasurface optics in products that have been previously sold in over 150 different smartphone models. 00:00 Revolutionizing Optics with Metal Lens Technology00:30 The Journey of Metalenz: From Concept to Market01:34 Exploring the Impact of Meta Surface Technology02:39 Understanding Metasurfaces and Their Potential10:48 Introducing Polar ID: A Game-Changer for Biometric Security22:20 The Future of Polarization Technology and Its Applications22:33 Collaboration with Samsung and the Path Forward27:14 Envisioning New Horizons: Beyond Polar ID32:36 Wrapping Up: The Future of Metal Lens and Polar ID
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Billions of robots within a decade? A similar growth curve to smartphones? We currently have about 30 million robots on the planet, not counting Roombas and similar small bots. RobotLab CEO Elad Inbar says that will hit BILLIONS with a B within 10 years.We discuss the exponential increase in commercial robots globally and predict billions of robots integrating into daily activities, from service industries to personal assistance, over the next decade. We chat about the evolution of robotics from novelty items to essential aspects of business operations, highlighting the role of robots in automating mundane tasks and their future potential in enhancing customer service and living standards. Inbar also emphasizes the importance of service infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of robotics technology, drawing parallels with past technological advancements like mobile phones and cars.
And we dive into specific applications of robots in restaurants, cleaning services, and healthcare, particularly for dementia patients, and the franchise model RobotLab is adopting to expand its reach and capacity to deliver robotics solutions.00:00 The Dawn of the Robot Decade: Envisioning a Future with Billions of Robots01:02 The Big Picture: Robots Transforming Business and Society07:10 The Current State of Robotics: From Hospitality to Manufacturing09:50 The Future of Work: Robots Filling the Gaps in the Workforce12:40 Enhancing Customer Service: How Robots are Changing the Game13:31 The Restaurant Revolution: Robots Taking Over Service Roles16:35 Exploring the Role of Robots in Restaurants16:47 Adapting Robots to Different Restaurant Environments18:18 Growth Areas Beyond Restaurants: Cleaning and Retail22:47 The Future of Customer-Facing Robots24:00 Robots in Assisted Living: A Compassionate Solution27:09 Unlocking the Potential of Robotics in Business
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Is the Apple Vision Pro the future of surgical training?In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier discusses the transformative impact of virtual reality (VR) on surgical training, highlighting the cost-efficiency and effectiveness of VR in reducing the learning curve for surgeons. The conversation features Richard Vincent, CEO of Fundamental VR, who elaborates on how VR technology, particularly the Apple Vision Pro, is revolutionizing surgical education by offering rapid, repeatable training sessions without the logistical setbacks associated with traditional methods. They explore the hardware agnosticism of Fundamental VR's software, ensuring compatibility with various VR platforms, and delve into the new possibilities unlocked by the Apple Vision Pro's advanced features, including its intuitive control system, powerful compute capacity, and exceptional optics. The discussion also touches on the incorporation of haptics for a more immersive training experience, the potential of VR for remote collaborative training, and the broader implications of VR technology in the medical field.00:00 Unlocking the Future of Surgical Training with VR01:15 The Cost-Effectiveness of VR in Surgical Training03:13 Achieving Competence: The Role of VR in Surgery04:45 Hardware From Oculus to Apple Vision Pro07:04 The Revolutionary Apple Vision Pro in Surgical Training10:35 The Power of Haptics: Enhancing VR Training with Physical Feedback13:07 The Impact of Device Cost on VR Training Accessibility14:34 Expanding Horizons: VR's Role in Remote Surgery Training17:03 The Future of Medical Training and Collaboration with VR18:48 Apple Vision Pro: A Game-Changer for Medical VR Applications20:15 Closing Thoughts and Future Prospects
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When will AI match and surpass human capability? In short, when will we have AGI, or artificial general intelligence ... the kind of intelligence that should teach itself and grow itself to vastly larger intellect than an individual human?According to Ben Goertzel, CEO of SingularityNet, that time is very close: only 3 to 8 years away. In this TechFirst, I chat with Ben as we approach the Beneficial AGI conference in Panama City, Panama.We discuss the diverse possibilities of human and post-human existence, from cyborg enhancements to digital mind uploads, and the varying timelines for when we might achieve AGI. We talk about the role of current AI technologies, like LLMs, and how they fit into the path towards AGI, highlighting the importance of combining multiple AI methods to mirror human intelligence complexity. We also explore the societal and ethical implications of AGI development, including job obsolescence, data privacy, and the potential geopolitical ramifications, emphasizing the critical period of transition towards a post-singularity world where AI could significantly improve human life. Finally, we talk about ownership and decentralization of AI, comparing it to the internet's evolution, and envisages the role of humans in a world where AI surpasses human intelligence.00:00 Introduction to the Future of AI01:28 Predicting the Timeline of Artificial General Intelligence02:06 The Role of LLMs in the Path to AGI05:23 The Impact of AI on Jobs and Economy06:43 The Future of AI Development10:35 The Role of Humans in a World with AGI35:10 The Diverse Future of Human and Post-Human Minds36:51 The Challenges of Transitioning to a World with AGI39:34 Conclusion: The Future of AGI
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Can you use sentinel oysters and other mollusks to track water quality near your cities, beaches, or the Great Barrier Reef?Actually ... yes.In this episode of TechFirst, host John Koetsier chats with the CEO of Moloscan, a company focused on bio-monitoring and protection of marine environments using live shellfish.The company uses aquatic bivalves, such as oysters, mussels, or clams to monitor the environment. These mollusks, which are filter feeders, react to changes in water conditions, helping to detect pollution and other disruptions in water quality. The discussion covers the technological developments and rigorous research necessary to map out the normal behaviour of these animals and provide accurate water quality ratings. They also discuss how this method is more efficient and environmentally friendly compared to traditional mechanical probes and lab tests. The CEO shares examples of installations in varied environments, ranging from oil and gas platforms to diverse geographical locations from Quebec to Qatar.00:00 Introduction to Sentinel Oysters and Water Quality Monitoring00:55 Understanding the Concept of Biomonitoring01:48 The Science Behind Mollusk Behavior and Detection02:43 The Journey of Developing the Monitoring Device04:24 Understanding the Sensitivity and Precision of Mollusks05:12 The Role of Mollusks in Detecting Water Pollution08:06 The Technical Aspects of Monitoring Mollusk Behavior10:43 The Real-world Application of Mollusk Monitoring15:34 The Challenges and Benefits of Using Mollusks as Sensors22:51 The Potential for Expanding the Technique to Other Biomes06:24 Conclusion: The Future of Biomonitoring
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