Human-Computer Interaction podcasts

This audio edition of Nature’s feature examines concerns that widespread reliance on large language models could weaken critical thinking. It draws on research in cognition and education to consider how people can preserve and practise reasoning skills while using AI tools. The feature distinguishes the concern about cognitive offloading from evidence and practical approaches developed by researchers studying critical thought.

Sana Qadar speaks with cognitive neuroscientist Reuben Rideaux and English professor Sophie Gee about how using AI may affect thinking, memory and creative work. They examine cognitive offloading, the potential contributions of AI tools, and which parts of intellectual activity benefit from continued human engagement.

Hosted by Sana Qadar

Nature staff discuss geophysical evidence that could indicate hidden chambers beyond Tutankhamun's tomb and what the findings might imply for the search for Nefertiti's burial place. The episode also examines a multifunctional brain-computer interface that translates neural activity into both speech and gestures, highlighting how one implant can support several forms of communication.

Alex Smola discusses the development of voice agents, audiovisual systems and AI avatars. Topics include audio tokenization, inference cost, conversational latency, visual context and how artificial systems might learn from interaction while responding appropriately to human emotion.

Hosted by Sam Charrington

Nature staff discuss rhythmic laughter in apes, what it may reveal about the evolution of speech, and evidence that AI use can erode skills in medicine and computing.

Alexandre Pesant discusses the capabilities and limits of coding agents and development through natural-language intent. Topics include context engineering, changes between workflow-based and agentic architectures, scaling challenges, evaluations and interface design. The conversation examines how model improvements influence practical software-development tools.

Hosted by Sam Charrington