Tech Life

Do dolphins have their own language ? And could we 'speak' to them ? An AI large language model from Google, called DolphinGemma, is helping experts study dolphin communication. We interview Doctor Denise Herzing, the Research Director and founder of the Wild Dolphin Project, about her work and how it might bring benefits for humans and dolphins.Also in this edition, we find out how tech is changing the way NFL fans watch football games, and mega-batteries are helping to keep the lights on.Tell us about the one item of tech that you simply can't do without – please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A photograph of Atlantic spotted dolphins. Credit: Google)

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

This week we're looking at artificial intelligence and how it can discriminate against us, affecting our chances of getting work or being approved for a loan. What causes it ? On the flip side - could it be AI to the rescue ? We learn about a computer model that predicts the behaviour of people who go missing. Could it help emergency services find those lost in the wilderness ?And Tech Life's gaming expert gets hands-on with the new Nintendo Switch 2.You can tell us about the one item of tech that you use in your life everyday – please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A hand holds a magnifying glass with the word BIAS magnified on a white background. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

Tech Life looks at icebergs. Climate change means there are more of them in our oceans, breaking away and slowly melting. Scientists need to study them - but how ? We speak to an expert about robotic gliders, which are opening up new research opportunities.Also in this edition, can we trust artificial intelligence ? One of its problems is that it hallucinates, so we find out more about it.How can tech help people who are blind or partially sighted watch TV ?And our reporter gets his hands dirty examining rhino poo!You can tell us about the one item of tech that you use in your life everyday – please get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp message or voice memo on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Imran Rahman-Jones Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A photograph of a robotic glider suspended above the water. Credit: Doctor Natasha Lucas)

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

Tech Life looks at satellite navigation and the increase in cases of signal interference. How could this affect shipping and aviation safety, and what can be done about it ?Also in this edition, what digital material of cultural significance should be stored for the future ? A volunteer project is improving Wikipedia's photographs. And we find out about efforts to harness the power of the moon on the Faroe Islands.Tell us about the one bit of tech you use in your life everyday – get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: An image of a Galileo navigation satellite. Credit: BBC)

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

What is it like to live with a computer chip in your brain ? Noland Arbaugh became the first person to receive a device from Elon Musk's neurotechnology firm, Neuralink. Noland tells the BBC about his operation to implant the chip, how he can control a computer with his thoughts, and how it has improved his life.Also on Tech Life this week, we explore a crypto solution to an electricity problem in rural Zambia, and look at one attempt to tackle the tricky subject of copyright and AI.Tell us about the one bit of tech you use in your life everyday – get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Imran Rahman-Jones Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A photograph of Noland Arbaugh attending a sporting event. Credit: Noland Arbaugh)

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

A former US Air Force engineer found articles about her were removed from the internet, on US government instructions. She tells us why she wants to archive them for the future. Then, we go inside Africa’s biggest tech market. Plus, the blind astronomer who listens to space. And quantum computers may be on the verge of a breakthrough. We explain why this matters.Tell us about the one bit of tech you use in your life everyday – get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: Ex-US Air Force flight test engineer Jessica Peterson in the back seat of a T-38, taking a selfie video as the plane does an upside down roll. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 18 March 2025

This week on Tech Life, we ask why online banking and payment outages happen, and find out what you can do to protect your data and money.The first Saudi Arabian woman to run an international body speaks to us about her life in tech, and her role in charge of the Digital Co-operation Organisation. And if you had to spend a long time on the Moon or Mars, what kind of base would you want to live in ?We are always keen to hear from you. You can email us: [email protected], or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp: +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A woman's hand holds a mobile phone. A login window for online banking is on the screen. Credit: Torsten Asmus/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

Live trials are under way in Ghana of holoportation 3D telemedicine tech. It allows a patient in a remote location to connect to a doctor many miles away, and be examined. We speak to the lead engineer involved in the project, as well as a patient and a doctor benefiting from the portable kit.Also on Tech Life, what happens when a country's leader decides the names of some places (or stretches of water) are about to change ? Do online maps update ? How is it decided ? Our reporter has been searching for the answers.And what is it like working as a technology correspondent, reporting on the busy and ever-changing North America tech scene ? We chat to Lily Jamali who does exactly that for the BBC.We are always keen to hear from you. You can email us: [email protected], or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp: +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: Image of a female doctor communicating with a patient on a portable video link. Credit: Hiraman/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 4 March 2025

With Amazon now in charge of James Bond, how will they use data to shape the franchise. We speak to a company which analyses scripts using AI and suggests actors or story changes. Plus, the computer scientist who got her native language on to Google Translate, and the Indian village which became a YouTube sensation.We love hearing from you. Send us an email on [email protected] or send a Whatsapp to +44330 1230 320.Presented and produced by Imran Rahman-Jones. Our editor is Monica Soriano.(Image: Daniel Craig in a black tuxedo and bow tie, looking down the barrel of the camera. Credit: Getty Images.)

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

Planet Earth's oceans remain relatively unexplored. Now one company has a bold plan to build habitats for humans to live and work underwater for long spells of time. We hear about the tech challenges of life on the seabed.Also on Tech Life, we speak to a Californian TikTok content creator, and a company benefiting from being on TikTok, as the future of the video-sharing platform in the United States remains uncertain. And who needs big crowds and long queues ? Is the future of gaming expos virtual ? We are always keen to hear from you. You can email us: [email protected], or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp: +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: An illustration of an underwater human habitat known as a Sentinel. Credit: Deep.)

Transcribed - Published: 18 February 2025

Artificial intelligence can pick out the words we're typing from analysis of our brainwaves. Could it give a voice to those who can't speak because of brain injury or illness ? We interview an expert leading the research.Also on this week's edition of Tech Life, will AI and 3D printing revolutionise the shoe business ? And the hot and cold solution to keep fish fresh in Kenya.We are always keen to hear from you. You can email us: [email protected], or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp: +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A photo of a female volunteer typing words onto a keyboard while her brain is being scanned. Credit: Meta)

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

As DeepSeek shocked the world, we speak to an AI expert who worked at a Chinese AI firm. We hear about a new battery exchange system for EVs in Addis Ababa. And imagine a world without potholes - we've got a scientist on who is working on self-healing roads.Get in touch by emailing [email protected] or sending a Whatsapp to +44330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Photo: The logo of the Alibaba AI model Qwen, a blue triangle with Chinese characters beneath. Credit: Getty Images.)

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

It sounds like a Hollywood movie - bringing extinct animals like the dodo back to life - but a company has attracted hundreds of millions of dollars of investment to do just that. We hear the arguments for and against de-extinction technology.Also, losing the alcohol but keeping the taste, our reporter takes a sober dive into the tech behind alcohol-free beer.We are always keen to hear from you. You can email us: [email protected], or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp: +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: An illustration of a dodo bird. Credit: DeAgostini Picture Library/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 28 January 2025

In this edition we're trying to find out why some popular security and privacy services - known as VPNs - are disappearing from app stores in India.Also on this week's Tech Life, we speak to the team behind a super-lightweight plane, powered by the sun's rays, that could be used like a steerable satellite.And does talk of artificial intelligence make you worried about your job, or make you wonder what the future might hold ? Don't worry, it's not all gloom ! We hear from a historian who is taking a very long view of AI.We’re always keen to hear from you. You can email us: [email protected], or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp: +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: An illustration of Internet access via a VPN. A shield with the inscription VPN and a globe. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 21 January 2025

In this edition we discuss ways of checking facts on social media. This is after Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg announced Facebook and Instagram will change the way facts are checked.Also in Tech Life, data is being saved for the future, deep underground in the Arctic Circle. Our reporter Adrienne Murray visits the Arctic World Archive in Svalbard. LinkedIn tell us how they are verifying their users are real. And find out why online mapping has become more than getting from A to B.We’re always keen to hear from you. You can email us: [email protected], or send us a text message or voice note on Whatsapp at +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Imran Rahman-Jones Producer: Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A photo image of Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2025

Tech Life is at CES in Las Vegas, one of the world’s biggest consumer tech shows. We hunt for some of the event’s weirdest tech, and speak to the people behind the showcase. Plus, why is the tech world now obsessed with cars? We love hearing from you. Get in touch by emailing us on [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp on +443301230320. Presented and produced by Imran Rahman-Jones, Alasdair Keane and Lily Jamali Edited by Monica Soriano(Image: The neon "Welcome to Las Vegas" sign lit up against a blue sky. Credit: Getty Images.)

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

Want to know what’s in store for the tech world in 2025? Tech Life has got you covered. From AI to cybersecurity, gaming and crypto and beyond, we bring you our predictions for the next 12 months. And we’re not alone. We’re calling on the help of friends of the show and experts around the world – with some familiar voices for regular Tech Life listeners.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2024

From the innovations that flourished to those that flopped, from providing virtual boyfriends to taking very real jobs, we look back an another fascinating twelve months in tech – and hear from reporters, experts and listeners about which tech most changed your lives in 2024.(Image: a montage of text message like speech boxes on a background of what looks like code. Copyright: Getty Images).

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2024

One of the world’s biggest car manufacturers pulled the plug on its robotaxi project. So what next? We also ask the experts how AI will impact your job. And we’re at the launch of a new music discovery tool, which uses a mix of AI and expert curation. We’re always keen to hear from you. You can email us on [email protected], or send us a voice note on Whatsapp at +44330 1230 320. Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano (Image: A Cruise car with cameras attached to its exterior at an intersection in San Francisco. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

We speak to cyber security experts about how cyber warfare works – and how it stays out of the headlines. Then we hear about the aerodynamics tech making athletes more streamlined. And we meet the new Indiana Jones, gaming star Troy Baker.Tell us about the new tech you've tried out in 2024. What gadgets or apps helped you out this year? Send us an email to [email protected] or Whatsapp us on +44 330 123 0320. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A computer-generated, pixelated image of a globe with a neon blue padlock superimposed on top. Credit: Getty Images.)

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

Computer scientist Sasha Luccioni is a pioneering voice in AI, especially when it comes to its environmental impact. We speak to her as she is announced on the BBC 100 Women list. We also meet one of the only AI startups in Bhutan, and the two friends who met online and have finally met in real life – after 13 years of knowing each other.Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A black and white portrait photo of Sasha Luccioni smiling at the camera. In the background are orange computer-generated geometric shapes. Credit: Steve Gerrard.)

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024

Women in a forest in India found they were being followed and recorded by cameras which were meant to be for monitoring tigers and other wildlife. We speak to the researcher who interviewed hundreds of women in the community. We learn about how online shopping tries to influence your behaviour. And we visit an Arctic island which is turning to renewables.We want to know about the big tech stories of 2024 where you are. Get in touch with us by emailing [email protected] or Whatsapp us on +44 330 1230 320.Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A tiger among green foliage looking at the camera. Credit: Getty Images.)

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

Robot security dogs have been spotted at Mar-A-Lago, the Florida home of US president-elect Donald Trump. Who are behind them, and what security services do they offer? Also on the programme, we hear about one phone company’s plan to waste phone scammers’ time. And the startup using AI to provide loans to people without a credit history. We love hearing from you on Tech Life. Get in touch by emailing [email protected] or sending us a Whatsapp on +44330 1230 320. Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A picture of a Boston Dynamics dog, “Spot”. Credit: Reuters.)

Transcribed - Published: 19 November 2024

We hear from a former moderator in Kenya who was left traumatised by his previous job. And we ask what video games could do to be more accessible to blind people. Plus – the radar tech used to help with online mapping. Warning: This episode includes a description of child sexual abuse.We love hearing from you on Tech Life. You can email us at [email protected] or Whatsapp us on +44330 1230 320.Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A man in glasses looking at a screen, with writing digitally imposed in front of his face. Credit: Getty Images.)

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2024

Tech Life created a fake podcast using a new AI tool from Google Labs, and we spoke to the head of the tool, Steven Johnson. Don’t worry – this programme is still brought to you by real human beings! We also look into how deepfakes have been used in the US. Plus – have we unveiled the real inventor of Bitcoin? (Spoiler – no.)We love hearing from you. Email us on [email protected] or send a WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: An AI-generated head with letters coming out of its mouth. Credit: Getty Images.)

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2024

Intel was once unrivalled as the world's chip maker. Now it has fallen behind its rivals. We hear why the company is struggling ahead of its latest earnings call this week. Also, the many uses of drones around the world. And the surprising tech behind indoor golf.We love hearing from you - and if you're a regular listener you'll know by now that you can contact us via email on [email protected]. Or, send us a message or voice note on WhatsApp. Our number is +44 330 123 0320. Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Tom Quinn, Imran Rahman-Jones, Alasdair Keane Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: A close up of a computer chip. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 29 October 2024

This week we're looking at artificial intelligence in the workplace - how are employers and employees using it ? An international survey provides some answers.Also on Tech Life:We bring you a technological solution to the problem of litter being left behind by climbers on Mount Everest. Electric car manufacturers are rated on their human rights policies.And find out how you can heat your home - with electric wallpaper.Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: An abstract futuristic representation of the letters "AI". Credit: Getty Images)Contact us: Tech Life would love to hear your stories, ideas and views about the programme. You can email us at [email protected] or contact us via WhatsApp on +44 330 123 0320.

Transcribed - Published: 22 October 2024

Does the tech you use depend too much on a few critical minerals ? When a hurricane temporarily disrupted mining in the small town of Spruce Pine, the tech world was concerned. We find out why the location, in North Carolina, USA, is so important, and discover where a range of rare manufacturing materials can be found across the globe. Are they critical links in a supply chain that can be broken by natural disasters or political decisions ?Also on Tech Life this week:An AI tool designed to protect athletes from online abuse during the Olympics - how well did it perform ? And what tech does an explorer take into the jungle ?Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: An image of a human hand holding pure quartz crystals. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 15 October 2024

Tech Life is looking at big data - and how important it is to healthcare. Specifically, how it can help women's health. A femtech company in the United States is using monthly menstrual and hormone data gathered from thousands of women to gain new insights into the symptoms which lead-up to the menopause - the time in their lives when women's periods stop. We speak to the company's co-founder and CEO.Also on Tech Life this week: A global survey weighs up the influence of social media and AI on accurate news and information. And, are chatbots changing the way we search for information online ?Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producers: Imran Rahman-Jones and Tom Quinn(Photo: A woman checks a health app on her smartphone. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 8 October 2024

How does a company make profit in the charity fundraising space? We speak to Tim Cadogan, CEO of online fundraising platform GoFundMe. We hear about the solar-powered boats being used by indigenous communities in the Amazon. And, it is 30 years of the infamous Comic Sans font.We love hearing from you. Get in touch by emailing [email protected] or send us a Whatsapp on +44330 123 0320.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Researcher: Laura Cress Editor: Monica Soriano (Photo: A computer keyboard with a "donate" button and a love heart icon. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 1 October 2024

It’s the ongoing question about AI – will it replace jobs or create new ones? We look at the argument from the point of view of call centre workers in the Philippines. Also on the programme, how Google Maps is tracking the changes in the built environment around the world. Plus – the small European city home to some of the most important music tech in the world.Get in touch with Tech Life by emailing [email protected] or sending us a Whatsapp on +44 330 1230 320. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producers: Tom Quinn and Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Image: An animation of a robot wearing a headset and microphone. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 24 September 2024

Online mapping - we find out how it can help humanitarian work around the world. Alasdair Keane tries on virtual reality goggles that are teaching students how to solve real-world problems. Meet the teams racing on water with battery-powered boats. And a professor wins a prize for an energy-saving invention he dreamed up in 1977.Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: An online map is displayed on a laptop screen. Credit: AndreyPopov/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 17 September 2024

Tech Life speaks to some keen users of X in Brazil. What do they think of the ban imposed on the platform that was previously known as Twitter ? Have they moved to other social media, or have they found a way around the restrictions ?Also on Tech Life this week:We find out three things you should know about quantum mechanics. Why is it more difficult for big trucks to make the move from fossil fuels to cleaner electric power ? And AI in construction tech - we speak to the founder of a company harnessing artificial intelligence to help make sense of huge amounts of building industry paperwork.Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: The Brazilian flag is seen behind a phone screen displaying the X logo in this illustration photo. Credit: NurPhoto/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2024

We get a first-hand insight into how the war in Sudan has affected tech workers and companies there. Also on Tech Life:Old unwanted fishing nets are a real issue, for marine life and us here on dry land. One man has come up with a way of turning an environmental problem into useful 3D printed products.And, we can see the sea. We can see the sky. But wouldn't it be great if we could see the wind as well? Well now we can!Presenter: Graham Fraser Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: Smoke plumes billow from a fire at a lumber warehouse in southern Khartoum, Sudan, amidst ongoing fighting on June 7, 2023. Credit: AFP via Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 3 September 2024

We hear from two voice over artists, based in New York City, who have filed a lawsuit against an AI company they claim stole their voices.Also on Tech Life this week:A device invented by Canadian university students is shaking up the milk business for small-scale dairy farmers in Africa. And an engineer tells us his robust plan to make tech easier to fix.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: An actress records her voice into a microphone. Credit: Andrey Popov/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 27 August 2024

An artificial intelligence tool is helping to detect chest issues, which could indicate lung cancer, in a matter of seconds. It's now in use in forty countries around the world. It's called Annalise AI, and we speak to the co-founder of the company behind it.Also on Tech Life:In Kenya, Direct Air Capture technology is being designed, manufactured and deployed in the vast Rift valley. And the commute of the future is being mapped out and planned today - find out about digital twinning.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: A doctor examines an X-ray image on a tablet. Credit: Athima Tongloom/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

We take a look at a recent announcement from the International Olympic Committee that the inaugural Olympic esports games will be hosted in Saudi Arabia next year. While many have welcomed the competitive video gaming event, others have questioned the choice of host, because of the Kingdom's human rights record. The summer Olympics have come to a close in Paris, so we speak to the man behind the huge television operation there, using new tech to deliver the action to you - from almost every possible angle.From China to Mexico - how online shopping is changing the economics of restaurant food deliveries in a mega city. And what does it take to keep Wikipedia up-to-date ? We find out.Presenter: Alasdair Keane Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: A competitor takes part in a motorsport event during Olympic esports week in Singapore, 2023. Credit: Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 13 August 2024

It's called Pig Butchering - a cruel romance scam which has victims around the world. The BBC's Cyber correspondent, Joe Tidy, was targeted online. He played along to learn about the con and then turned the tables on the scammer, known as Jessica. Joe tells us what happened. Also on Tech Life, we find out about a digital detox. And we hear about the role played by artificial intelligence in discovering an important new antibiotic.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producers: Imran Rahman-Jones and Tom Quinn Editor: Monica Soriano(Photo: A red paper cut-out of a heart shape, torn in the middle, resting on a computer keyboard. Credit: Pla2na/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 6 August 2024

How do we cope when the tech we rely on stops working? This week we look at different types of blackouts . We explore the Bangladesh internet shutdown, which affected up to 170 million people for 10 days. We turn to South Africa, which experienced 15 years of daily power outages until very recently. Then to a country which still experiences blackouts now - Cuba. We meet the game developers who work even when the electricity cuts off.Presenter: Zoe Kleinman Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones Editor: Monica Soriano(Photo: A red road sign saying "404". Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 30 July 2024

Alasdair Keane is at the season finale of the Formula E, taking a look at how the tech has advanced over 10 years. We hear from the co-founder of the fully electric car racing event and ask where it goes next. What do the drivers think? And how does the event meet its sustainability goals? Plus, we go behind the scenes of a world-record-breaking AI event.Presented and produced by Alasdair Keane. Produced by Imran Rahman-Jones. Edited by Monica Soriano.Image: An orange Formula E car on the racetrack in London. Credit: Getty Images.

Transcribed - Published: 23 July 2024

Ahead of the Olympics in Paris, we look at tech in sport. How is it used by athletes to improve their performance? And how is it used to deliver the spectacle to viewers at home? We also follow the quest to bring mountain biking to the Paralympics and how technology advancements are helping this become a reality. Plus, the potential for AI growth in Africa and how it might change the continent.Presented by Zoe Kleinman Produced by Tom Quinn and Imran Rahman-Jones Edited by Monica Soriano(Image: A male swimmer wearing goggles and a black swimming cap emerges out of the water. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 16 July 2024

As Japan axes the use of floppy discs for official government business, presenter Chris Vallance looks at other old tech that's still in use. From magnetic tape to a clockwork interplanetary rover, he discovers some vintage tech with a future. Also in this edition of Tech Life, we test an app that uses artificial intelligence to identify objects and tells us how to recycle them. And we speak to an expert conserving rhinos in South Africa with the help of nuclear technology.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: A hand loads a floppy disc into a disc drive. Credit: Stockbyte/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2024

We hear from Peter Gabriel, who is endorsing a competition to find a way of decoding animal communications using AI and then talk back to them. We get more details of the challenge from the chair of the prize, Prof Yossi Yovel. Microplastics in our seas and drinking water is a real problem. Two teenage students from Texas have found an innovative way to get rid of the stuff using ultrasound. If you have not heard about the Global Digital Compact, we speak to someone who says you need to know about it. And a traditional Indian instrument gets an electronic makeover.Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: Musician Peter Gabriel performing in New York. Credit: Theo Wargo/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2024

Experts develop a new blood test that could change the way suspected cases of bowel cancer are managed. At the heart of it is A.I. analysis to calculate a patient's cancer risk. We speak to the team behind the PinPoint Test. Also on Tech Life this week, period trackers and your personal data - find out how one app is promising to keep your information safe. Drones are being used to make childbirth safer in Rwanda. And listen to the aerospace students who have developed a new way to move satellites around in space.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn(Image: A photo of a lab technician holding a blood sample. Credit: Jacob Wackerhausen/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2024

Presenter Shiona McCallum is joined by technology reporter Paul Carter to look at some of the latest developments in artificial limb tech. Paul talks about his own personal experiences of trying out different prosthetics. Shiona interviews the youngest boy in the world to be fitted with a bionic arm, and his mum. Sierra Leone benefits from a prosthetics project. And would you want an extra robotic thumb ?Presenters: Shiona McCallum with Paul Carter Producer: Tom Quinn(Image: A photo of presenter Shiona McCallum in the Tech Life studio with technology reporter Paul Carter. Credit: BBC)

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2024

Lab testing of animals is often used to study diseases, or assess the safety of new drugs or substances before they are trialled on humans. Could A.I. provide a solution ? Also in this edition of Tech Life, woof woof! Can artificial intelligence help us interpret the meaning of dog barks ? And Michael Kaloki reports from Kenya on tech being used by dairy farmers to help them look after their herds.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn(Image: Portrait photo of a beagle dog. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2024

What is it like to have an AI boyfriend? We hear about women in China who prefer to date a chatbot over a real person. How can tech be used to unlock the potential of crops - and help with food shortages? And we meet the fashion designer who hopes to fool facial recognition technology with her clothes.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producers: Tom Quinn and Imran Rahman-Jones(Image: A woman looking at her phone which has hearts coming out of it. Credit: Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2024

There are words of warning about facial recognition, biometrics and artificial intelligence - technologies increasingly being adopted by law enforcement worldwide. Also on Tech Life this week, we learn about an African company offering a local alternative to the big electric vehicle manufacturers. Basketball gets into tech. And why we need tech to identify and map where our rubbish goes.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: An illustration of facial recognition on the face of a woman. Credit: Francesco Carta fotografo/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2024

Ahead of the Paris Olympics, Alasdair Keane hears how the organisation behind the event is enlisting an AI platform to tackle online abuse aimed at athletes competing in the event. Also in this episode Shiona McCallum meets the next generation of game designers and we find out about a project in Rwanda to improve the fit of prosthetic limbs.Image: Paris 2024 Olympic Games logo is displayed near the Eiffel Tower (Photo by Chesnot/Getty Images)

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2024

Blood tests are part of the process of receiving cancer treatment. But they can be time-consuming and require visits to hospital. A new blood test machine is changing this. The Liberty is a small device that allows patients to take blood tests and upload the results from home without supervision. Lynn Thompson took part in the trial, and she tells Tech Life it's made a huge difference to her life. Also this week, we answer a listener's question about smart glasses. We learn about a project, involving electrolysers and hydrogen cooking stoves, which could improve the health of villagers in rural Nepal. And cutting down on e-waste - we speak to Tech for Troops.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn(Photo: A still photo of Lynn Thompson with the Liberty blood test device. Credit: BBC)

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2024