Not long ago, AI models struggled with basic arithmetic. Now, they’re solving complex mathematical conjectures. But researchers want to go further. They think AI could help them organise the mathematical literature into a common language—thereby finding connections between hitherto-disparate fields and, perhaps, even making completely new discoveries in one of the most fundamental areas of human inquiry.

Guests and hosts:

• Anjani Trivedi, The Economist’s global business correspondent
• Terence Tao of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• Patrick Shafto of America’s Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
• Maryna Viazovska of L'École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)
• Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor

Topics covered:

• Mathematics
• Large language models
• Autoformalisation

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What is consciousness? It’s a question scientists have been struggling to answer for decades. Author Michael Pollan has been searching for scientific evidence that could unlock the mystery. His journey extends from humans to animals and even plants. But could consciousness ever exist in machines?

Guests and hosts:

• Michael Pollan, author of “A World Appears”
• Host: Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor

Topics covered:

• Consciousness
• Sentience
• Neural correlates of consciousness

Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.

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Sporting history was made at this year’s London Marathon. Sabastian Sawe became the first man to finish a competitive race in less than two hours. How are elite athletes getting so much faster? We investigate how runners are harnessing the science of physiology and the technology of shoes to increase their speed. Plus, how anybody can train for a marathon—or just get fit fast.

Guests and hosts:

• Ainslie Johnstone, The Economist’s data and science correspondent
• Tim Cross, senior science writer and author of the “Well Informed” newsletter
• Host: Alok Jha, The Economist’s science and technology editor

Topics covered:

• London Marathon
• Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 3
• Exercise hacks

Audio and commentary taken from the BBC's live coverage of the London Marathon, April 26th 2026.

Transcripts of our podcasts are available via economist.com/podcasts.

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