Dark-energy debate, AI risk warnings from Geoffrey Hinton, and Roman road mapping in Inside Science

In this episode, Inside Science dives into cosmology as new evidence suggests dark energy may be evolving, possibly altering the universe’s fate. It also confronts AI risk with Geoffrey Hinton, including concerns about superintelligent systems and governance. The show wraps with lighter but informative science news, such as orca hunting behaviors and a high-resolution map of Roman roads.

Cosmology: Dark Energy and the Fate of the Universe

The program opens with a discussion on whether the universe will end in a heat death or possibly recollapse, driven by the behavior of dark energy. A South Korean study challenges the idea that Type Ia supernovae are perfect standard candles, suggesting their intrinsic brightness can vary with age. This could imply that the acceleration of cosmic expansion is decelerating, pointing toward a future big crunch. An independent dataset from the Dark Energy Survey Instrument (DESI) already indicated the dark energy density may decrease over time, urging a rethink of cosmic fate and motivating more data and theory work.

“we really have no theory about dark energy.” - Carlos Frank

AI and the Existential Risk Dialogue: Geoffrey Hinton

The episode turns to Geoffrey Hinton, celebrated for foundational AI work, who has publicly warned about the potential dangers of AI. He explains neural networks, backpropagation, and how modern AI systems learn, emphasizing that the rise of highly capable AI could lead to sub-goals like self-preservation and greater power, which raises concerns about human safety. He argues that coexistence with superintelligent AI requires effective governance, not merely restraint by technical rules. The conversation also touches on the tension between rapid AI development and precaution, with Hinton acknowledging possible regrets about contributing to powerful technologies.

"the kind of digital artificial neural networks we're making are actually a superior form of intelligence." - Geoff-Hinton

"Mothers can be very fierce defending their babies." - Geoff-Hinton

Science News: Orcas, Roman Roads, and Tiny T-Rexes

Beyond cosmology and AI, the program reports on killer whales flipping young great white sharks to target their livers, a behavior studied via drones, suggesting sophisticated social learning. It also highlights ItinerE, an interactive 3D map documenting Roman roads across the empire circa 150 CE, expanding known networks by about 100,000 kilometers. In paleontology, researchers propose that a small 20-year-old fossil may represent a distinct species, Nanotyrannus, altering our understanding of tyrannosaur evolution and raising questions about the whereabouts of juvenile specimens.

“This map is interactive, you can check Roman roads near your house.” - Lizzie Gibney