Gaël Varoquaux, co-founder of scikit-learn and research director at Inria, joins us to talk about AI for data stored in tables – the kind that runs healthcare, finance and much of science. We discuss table foundation models, why cleaning data is never neutral, how to frame a problem, why AI safety is an industrial safety question, and what Europe should keep and borrow when doing science. Plus a pub quiz question about the road from quantum physics to AI.

Listen until the end!

USEFUL LINKS

More about Gaël Varoquaux: https://gael-varoquaux.info/about.html

scikit-learn: https://scikit-learn.org

Probabl: https://probabl.ai

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Her collaboration with Drew Weissman led to the development of the mRNA vaccines and her story is a testament to perseverance and going against all odds: this month Hanna talked to Dr. Katalin Karikó. In the podcast, we discuss RNA research, but also creativity, learning, reading, academia vs. industry and Katalin's next goals (they are truly impressive). If you have time for only one podcast episode this month, this should be the one.

USEFUL LINKS

Katalin's book: Breaking Through: My Life in Science: https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/123025953-breaking-through

I Was Considered Nobody - The Leap Podcast with Katalin Karikó: https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/the-leap-i-was-considered-a-nobody/

Breaking the Wall of Genetic Barriers at Falling Walls Science Summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3Dxna7I3u6zJg&ved=2ahUKEwinj5Wd8_eWAxXAA9sEHRAFCCMQtwJ6BAgsEBI&usg=AOvVaw0rynZcMVymYELk3VA_VQcM

More about the Nobel Prize Katalin Karikó and Drew Weissman got: https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2023/kariko/facts/

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In our fast-paced world, sleep often takes a backseat to our busy schedules. But what exactly is it and what compounds help us fall asleep or keep awake? In the latest episode of our podcast, we talked with Ulf Ellervik, a Swedish professor of bio-organic chemistry at Lund University and the author of 'The Science of Sleep.'

As we explore the various stages of sleep – light sleep, deep sleep, and REM sleep – Ulf explains how each phase plays a vital role in our overall health. For instance, deep sleep is essential for physical recovery, while REM sleep is crucial for memory consolidation and creativity.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the discussion is the impact of modern inventions on our sleep patterns (also part of our usual pub quiz question!). Ulf notes that today, we sleep on average around two hours less than we did a hundred years ago – a figure widely cited in sleep research, though not without debate among some scientists.

Caffeine, a common go-to for many, is also discussed in detail. Ulf explains how caffeine blocks adenosine receptors, which are responsible for making us feel sleepy. While it can provide a temporary boost in alertness, it does not alleviate sleep pressure. This means that while we may feel awake, our bodies still crave rest. The conversation also touches on the importance of understanding our circadian rhythms and the dangers of relying on sleep medications.

Ulf Ellervik's insights are not only informative but also serve as a reminder to prioritise our sleep in a world that often encourages us to do more and rest less. Tune in now to discover how you can improve your sleep and overall well-being!

USEFUL LINKS

More about Ulf Ellervik: https://portal.research.lu.se/en/persons/ulf-ellervik/

Ulf Ellervik's 'Science of Sleep': https://www.amazon.com/Science-Sleep-Ulf-Ellervik/dp/1493093363

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