Understanding the Evolution of Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) with Dexter Pratt (Ep. 82)
What really is artificial intelligence—and where is it taking us next? Dexter Pratt, a leading AI researcher at UC San Diego and Director of the NDEx Project, explores the history, evolution, and revolutionary potential of AI across sectors from healthcare to real estate.
From his early fascination with robotics to working on biological network data and predictive models, Dexter unpacks the journey of AI from expert systems to generative intelligence. If you’re curious about machine learning, AI’s role in scientific discovery, or how automation will change the workforce, this conversation is packed with insight.
🚀 What You’ll Learn: • The true history of artificial intelligence • Why expert systems couldn’t scale—and what replaced them • How neural networks and computing power unlocked new capabilities • The rise of generative AI and its creative (and dangerous) possibilities • How AI is changing the future of healthcare, drug trials, and diagnostics • Why AI companions could reshape psychology and social behavior • The intersection of AI and real estate, automation, and decision-making • The dream of an “AI scientist” and the ethics behind it • Dexter’s work with NDExBio and collaborative science networks
💬 Key Quotes: 🧠 “People really don’t get how old artificial intelligence is.” 🧠 “It’s a bad time to be a junior programmer.” 🧠 “We want to revolutionize the scientific process.” 🧠 “What does it take to have an AI scientist?” 🧠 “Biology is fantastically complicated—and AI can help us keep up.” 🧠 “The strengths are getting awfully strong.”
⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro to Dexter Pratt & His Background 03:08 – The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence 05:59 – A Brief History: AI’s Roots and Growth 08:53 – Expert Systems and Their Bottlenecks 11:52 – Neural Networks & Computing Power 14:46 – Generative AI 17:47 – Everyday AI: From Assistants to Companions 20:54 – Programming, Automation & Employment Impact 26:59 – AI in Healthcare & Medical Innovation 30:04 – Psychological Risks of AI Companions 36:28 – The Future of Lab Automation 40:45 – Drug Approval, Clinical Trials, and AI Speed 46:01 – Predictive Models and Risk Mitigation 54:21 – The NDEx Project & AI in Biological Research 1:01:12 – AI Use Cases
Dexter Pratt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dexter-pratt-80a0901/ and NDExBio.org
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