Tech Life
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World Service,·21 Jul 2026,·26 mins
Available for over a year
The nose of a dog is incredibly sensitive. And odour contains information. With the help of AI, electronic 'noses' are being used to sniff out complex odours, including diseases. Chris Vallance visits a company developing the technology. Also this week: Shiona McCallum is in Paris to see the tech that can help us understand sleep. And Liv McMahon accompanies Chris on a walk in a park. There, they try one of many bird identification apps that are proving a hit, especially with younger users. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: A photo of a cute mixed breed dog with black fur. It is sitting down, looking up at the camera. Its nose is prominent in the foreground. Credit: Getty Images)
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Humanoid robots have been used in a surgical setting under remote surgeon control. This development is examined in conversation with an expert involved in the work. The episode also features discussion with the creator of infinite scroll regarding social media, and explores methods for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from large cargo vessels through carbon capture solutions.
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Use BBC.com or the new BBC App to listen to BBC podcasts, Radio 4 and the World Service outside the UK.
Find out how to listen to other BBC stations
World Service,·21 Jul 2026,·26 mins
Available for over a year
The nose of a dog is incredibly sensitive. And odour contains information. With the help of AI, electronic 'noses' are being used to sniff out complex odours, including diseases. Chris Vallance visits a company developing the technology. Also this week: Shiona McCallum is in Paris to see the tech that can help us understand sleep. And Liv McMahon accompanies Chris on a walk in a park. There, they try one of many bird identification apps that are proving a hit, especially with younger users. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: A photo of a cute mixed breed dog with black fur. It is sitting down, looking up at the camera. Its nose is prominent in the foreground. Credit: Getty Images)
Read the full story at BBC ↗
Humanoid robots have successfully performed surgery in an operating theatre for the first time The robots were remotely controlled by surgeons An expert involved in the work was interviewed The inventor of infinite scroll shared his latest thoughts on social media Carbon capture solutions are being explored to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cargo ships The episode was presented by Shiona McCallum and produced by Tom Quinn
Read the full story at BBC ↗
- Humanoid robots have performed surgery in an operating theatre for the first time, controlled remotely by surgeons
- The inventor of infinite scroll discusses his current views on social media
- Cargo ships are exploring carbon capture technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during goods transport