The Deep Trouble of Deepfake: What Can or Should We Do?
Once the stuff of science fiction, deepfake technology has rapidly become one of the most powerful—and consequential—applications of generative AI, blurring the line between reality and illusion and reshaping how we trust what we see and hear online. This month we delve into this phenomenon with Professor Hany Farid, a pioneer in digital forensics, and Professor Siwei Lyu, whose lab develops state-of-the-art deepfake detection methods.Together, they’ll walk us through the data journey—from the vast raw data sets that fuel synthetic media to the pixel-level signatures that can unmask it. Whether you’re a computer scientist, policymaker, or simply curious about how synthetic content is transforming our information landscape, join us for an in-depth conversation about turning data into both convincing illusions and robust defenses—and learn how we can preserve trust and truth in our rapidly evolving digital world.
Our guests:
Hany Farid is a professor at the University of California, Berkeley, with a joint appointment in the Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences and the School of Information. He is also a member of the Berkeley Artificial Research Intelligence Lab, Berkeley Institute for Data Science, Center for Innovation in Vision and Optics, Development Engineering program, Vision Science program, and is a senior faculty advisor for the Center for Long-Term Cybersecurity.
Siwei Lyu is a SUNY Distinguished Professor and a SUNY Empire Innovation Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the director of the UB Media Forensic Lab, and founding co-director of the Center for Information Integrity at the University of Buffalo, State University of New York.
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What Are Tariffs and How Do They Impact Us? Another Conversation with Andrew Lo
This month, we welcome back one of our most popular guests—MIT Professor Andrew Lo—for an insightful exploration into the complexities of tariffs. In this episode, we break down what tariffs are, how they work, and their far-reaching economic and political impacts. Our conversation delves into the challenges of predicting tariff outcomes, the need for better data-driven policies, and offers practical advice for individual investors navigating periods of economic uncertainty. Join us for a fascinating deep dive into the world of economic policy
Our guest: Andrew W. Lo is the Charles E. and Susan T. Harris Professor of Finance at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
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Getting Refreshing Advice: Sound Data for Sounder Sleep?
This month we explore sleep, which is at the center of some of the most exciting developments in data science and health research. Joining us is Dr. Rebecca Robbins, sleep expert and co-author of Sleep for Success!, whose work explores how we can unlock better sleep and healthier lives. From wearable tech and machine learning to behavioral changes, we explore the evolving landscape of sleep research: what the data says about our changing sleep habits, which modern sleep trends actually work (and which don’t), and how modern science intersects with an ever more tired population. Join us for an eye-opening conversation on the science of sleep.
Our guest:
Dr. Rebecca Robbins, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and an associate scientist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital.
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The Most Data-Driven Formula for Success: Formula 1
This month, we're delving into the thrilling world of Formula 1 racing—a high-octane blend of speed and data analytics that drives innovation both on and off the track. Joining us is Rob Smedley, renowned F1 race engineer and strategist with extensive experience at Ferrari, Williams, and the Formula One Group. We'll discuss Rob's journey into this fascinating sport, how data shapes race strategies and driver development, and the biggest transformations AI has brought to Formula 1. Whether you're a motorsports fan, data scientist, or simply curious about cutting-edge technology, join us to explore how data fuels Formula 1's future.
Our guest:
Rob Smedley, CEO and Founder of Smedley Group, an advanced technology business whose mission is to make motorsport faster, fairer, cleaner, and cheaper.
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Can AI Enhance My Rizz?
This month we are exploring emerging technologies and how they are transforming the way we approach romantic connections. How are AI tools and algorithms changing the way people meet? Can an app actually help you land more dates? And what does all of this mean for the future of dating and long-term relationships? Join us as we talk to two experts who unpack these big questions and share insights on how AI is impacting our love lives.
Our guests:
Kathryn Coduto, Assistant Professor of Media Science in the Department of Mass Communication, Advertising, and Public Relations at Boston University.
Sean Kim, Head of AI and Machine Learning at AI dating assistant app RIZZ.
Brought to you by the award winning journal, Harvard Data Science Review, our podcast highlights news, policy, and business through the lens of data science. Each episode is a “case study” into how data is used to lead, mislead, manipulate, and inform the important decisions facing us today.
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