You have full access to this article via your institution.
Download the Nature Podcast 25 June 2025
We’d like to learn more about our listeners, please help us out by filling in this short survey.
In this episode:
00:45 Is AI-research being co-opted to keep track of people?
A significant amount of research in the AI field of computer vision is being used to analyse humans in ways that support the development of surveillance technologies, according to new research. By analysing the contents of thousands of research papers, the team behind the work showed that 90% of studies, and 86% of patents resulting from them, involved data relating to imaging humans. Although there are many positive applications for this technology, such as in medical diagnostics, this work shows evidence of a pipeline from computer-vision research to surveillance.
Research article: Kalluri et al.
News and Views: Computer-vision research is hiding its role in creating ‘Big Brother’ technologies
Video: Is AI powering Big Brother? Surveillance research is on the rise
News: Wake up call for AI: computer-vision research increasingly used for surveillance
Editorial: Don’t sleepwalk from computer-vision research into surveillance
09:38 Research Highlights
A minuscule robot that can manipulate liquid droplets, and the sensors that can identify hydrothermal explosions at Yellowstone National Park.
Research Highlight: This tiny robot moves mini-droplets with ease
Research Highlight: Sensors pinpoint the exact time of a Yellowstone explosion
12:12 The first images from the world’s largest digital camera
This week, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile has unveiled the first images from its 3,200 megapixel digital camera. We discuss the images, and how the facility will help researchers learn more about the Universe.
News: First images from world’s largest digital camera leave astronomers in awe
19:18 Briefing Chat
How scientists created hexanitrogen, a new molecule made of six nitrogen atoms, and the why researchers are excited about the first confirmed skull of an extinct Denisovan.
Chemistry World: Most energetic molecule ever made is stable – in liquid nitrogen
Nature: First ever skull from ‘Denisovan’ reveals what ancient people looked like
Never miss an episode. Subscribe to the Nature Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music or your favourite podcast app. An RSS feed for the Nature Podcast is available too.
