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Using AI to identify threats to human rights and political activists
Political activities such as hustings, campaigns and voting are well underway in many countries, but alongside these come incidents of reprisals and voter intimidation in certain regions. Ushahidi is an NGO based in Kenya that maps these incidents. They’ve collaborated with major AI companies specializing in global risk detection. Dataminr utilises public data through its platform to identify risks in advance. Their AI system processes trillions of computations daily, analysing billions of public data inputs from nearly a million sources. It processes various forms of data including text, images, video, audio, and other real-time information. Dataminr has helped develop new AI tools for Ushahidi that focus on helping the collection of data, improving geolocation and real time translation into local languages – all of this is leading to improved safety for individuals. Jessie End, VP, Social Good at Dataminr and Angela Odour Lungati, Executive Director Ushahidi are on the show.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.
More on this week's stories:
Dataminr: AI for Good
Leveraging Citizen‑Generated Data In The Age Of AI - And How We're Making That Happen
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Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

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Gen Z, Millennials, technology and the Nairobi protests
Following a tumultuous – and violent – series of days in Kenya, President Ruto has reversed his decision on tax hikes that sparked unrest in the streets. The situation has been extremely dire – with law enforcement resorting to tear gas and firearms. Amnesty International, in collaboration with local civic groups in Kenya, has documented a minimum of five fatalities from gunshot wounds and over thirty individuals sustaining injuries. The turmoil primarily took place in the capital city of Nairobi but has also extended to other urban areas across the nation. This protest largely resonated with the Gen-Z demographic, who before seemed unlikely to vote – prompting an examination of the influence of social media. Wairimu Gitahi joins us from Nairobi to delve into this matter further.

Will cheapfakes lead to President Biden’s downfall?
Following, what some commentators are describing as a disastrous presidential debate for Joe Biden, could a low tech misinformation campaign help secure a Trump victory? Misinformation comes in many forms online, but most of us would assume high-level tech would be behind major election interference. However, in the US elections it appears that cheapfakes are becoming increasingly popular. Bhaskar Chakravorti, Dean of Global Business at The Fletcher School, Tufts University explains how Trump supporters don’t need AI or fancy tech to make Biden look frail and weak.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi.

More on this week's stories:
Kenya unrest: Deep economic roots that brought Gen-Z onto streets
White house says Joe-Biden is a victim of ‘cheap fakes’: What are they?
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

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Detecting cancer at the DNA level with AI
New research shows that cancer could be detected in the very building blocks of life – our DNA, possibly leading to a diagnosis when the disease is in its infancy. Dr. Shamith Samara-jiwa from Imperial College London is on the show to discuss how AI can be used to detect tiny changes to our DNA called methylation patterns. Genetic factors play a significant role in the development of cancer, making it essential to analyse disruptions in our DNA for accurate diagnosis. However, identifying specific genes affected by cancer is not a straightforward process. The impact of cancer on our DNA may appear random initially, but by studying numerous human genomes and disease cases, researchers can start to identify patterns. This requires analysing billions of individual data points to determine any significant findings. 

Could AI help tackle the loneliness epidemic
Being lonely doesn't necessarily mean you are truly alone. We are currently facing what some refer to as a 'loneliness pandemic'. According to a new book, artificial intelligence is becoming more adept at providing social support and helping people overcome the feelings of low self-esteem and social isolation that often accompany loneliness. “The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence” has just been published and author Tony Prescott, a professor of cognitive robotics at the University of Sheffield in England joins us on the podcast.  

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. 

More on this week's stories:
Early detection and diagnosis of cancer with interpretable machine learning to uncover cancer-specific DNA methylation patterns
The Psychology of Artificial Intelligence

Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
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Podextra - how you can get a bit more of Somewhere on Earth...Just a gentle reminder that we produce two versions of each show of Somewhere on Earth.  There's the main show, which is available to everyone for free and there's an extended PODEXTRA edition where we delve a little deeper and chat longer to our guests. That's just $10US a month and you can cancel anytime - there's no tie in period.  We welcome your support of any size, any time as without it we simply wouldn't be able to make the show.You can also support us online - please do join, like, follow or repost - we appreciate every click and comment.Thank you from the SOEP Team.FacebookTwitter/XInstagramThreadsYouTubeLinkedInTikTokWhatsApp: +44 7846 329 484
Support the show
Editor: Ania LichtarowiczProduction Manager: Liz Tuohy Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2265960/supporters/newFollow us on all the socials:
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If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple PodcastsContact us by email: [email protected] us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484Find a Story + Make it News = Change the World
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Who is behind the big hack attacks?
More than 100 organisations around the world are believed to have been hacked in ransomware attacks since 2022 by a single hacker group. The most recent occurrence of a ransomware attack was on a company responsible for analysing blood tests for the UK's National Health Service which prompted some major London hospitals to declare a 'critical incident', with many operations postponed. It is believed that a criminal organisation known as Qilin, consisting of individuals fluent in Russian, orchestrated this malicious act, by inserting a piece of software into the company’s IT system which locks it. Once payment is received then access is restored. Ania Lichtarowicz has been investigating for SOEP.

Would tweezers be better than robotic hands?
What if, instead of having hands, we had some kind of bionic device at the end of our arms. Could we adapt to it as naturally as if we’d never had hands in the first place? Researchers in Italy have been addressing that very question using virtual reality. They’ve devised a set of virtual tweezer hands and invited volunteers to try using them to perform dextrous tasks. Professor Viviana Betti leads Cosync, a lab specialising in neurological research at the Sapienza University of Rome in Italy, and the Laboratory of Neuroscience and Applied Technology at the Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, also in Rome.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Ghislaine Boddington. 

More on this week's stories:
The organization tracking the hackers – Group-IB
Rewiring the evolution of the human hand: How the embodiment of a virtual bionic tool improves behaviour 
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

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Rare earth element boom poisoning Myanmar
Growing demand for electric vehicles and wind turbines might look good for emissions, but there’s an environmental cost too. Regions, habitats and livelihoods in Myanmar are facing significant damage because the surge in demand for permanent magnets is driving up mining for rare earth elements according to a report from Global Witness. CEO Mike Davies tells us more.

SOEPSUDS and your comments and questions
We catch up with our SOEPSUDS numbers and update the database. We’re also checking out your comments and thoughts – do keep us posted on our socials and WhatsApp:
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The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.

More on this week's stories: 
Rare earth boom poisoning Myanmar
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

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Millions of gallons of water needed for new data centres in Chile during 30 year drought
Chile looks set to become the data centre capital of Latin America, with the country’s President announcing another 28 proposed developments. But these data centres require vast amounts of electricity to run and huge volumes of water to cool them. With the country experiencing a severe long term drought, predicted to last until 2040, how can building these centres benefit the environment and local communities. Rest of World Latin American reporter Daniela Dib has been investigating these concerns.

Concrete alternatives not very eco-friendly
New biobased building materials made from fungi and agricultural residues have been hailed as a possible environmentally friendly concrete replacement. However, new research suggests that these alternatives need huge amounts of electricity to produce and have a shorter lifespan than concrete. To discuss these potential issues as well as how to overcome them, the researcher behind the findings, Stefania Akromah of the University of Bristol joins us on the show.  

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Peter Guest.  

More on this week's stories:
U.S tech giants are building dozens of data centers in Chile. Locals are fighting back
Potential Environmental Impact of Mycelium Composites on African Communities 

Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
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If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts

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Technology is not the problem (we are)…
Can we really lay the blame for our problems to the rise of technology or should be take responsibility for our actions and how we are choosing not to relate to the world around us? Author, tech journalist and comedian Timandra Harkness is on the show to challenge the way we think and deal with the choices presented to us by tech. Her new book “Technology is Not the Problem” explores the themes of our own self worth and of who we are. Are we choosing to lose ourselves to the choices that tech makes for us?
Why do only a fifth of Brazilians have good internet access?
According to The Brazilian Steering Internet Committee only 22% of Brazilians have satisfactory connection to the internet, despite just over 84% of people aged 10 and over, using it. Angelica Mari explains who has access and why the quality of the connections leaves much to be desired.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari.

More on this week's stories:
Technology is Not the Problem
Lack of good quality Internet access in Brazil
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
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Indian Elections; deep fakes, false memes, and misinformation galore
Resurrecting dead politicians in election campaigns online may sound unbelievable, but in the Indian elections it seems that almost anything is possible. From deep fakes and AI meme wars to bogus audio messages, Bangalore based investigative journalist Nilesh Christopher has been reporting on them all. He’s on the show to tell us how voters are being manipulated online.

A quarter of the world has experienced election internet censorship this year
Elections are happening in 60 countries around the world this year. Internet outages and restrictions were unfortunately to be expected in some countries. New analysis shows over 90% of voters in elections that have taken place so far this year live in countries where internet censorship has increased. These include India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Russia, Taiwan, Senegal, Azerbaijan, Comoros and The Maldives. Top10VPN’s Head of Research Simon Migliano tells us more.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Angelica Mari.

Indian elections and deep fakes
A quarter of the world has faced election internet censorship in 2024
Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
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 How AI is saving lives and languages in Ghana
In general, people in the developing world are optimistic about the potential of AI. Of course, there are some concerns about job security and fairness, but overall, the positive outlook outweighs the negative. However, this is not the case in countries like Ghana, where suspicion and fear prevail. Interestingly, even with Google's significant presence in the country, the sentiment remains unchanged. That's why we have a special report on the state of AI in Ghana, covering everything from translation apps to healthcare. Our coverage of Ghana is thanks to author and journalist Sophia Smith Galer, who recently travelled across the country and has prepared a series of reports for us.  

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell and the studio expert is Wairimu Gitahi. 

More on this week's stories:

AI: Saving lives and languages in Ghana

Support the show
Editor: Ania Lichtarowicz
Production Manager: Liz Tuohy
Recording and audio editing : Lansons | Team Farner

For new episodes, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or via this link:
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Follow us on all the socials:

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If you like Somewhere on Earth, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts

Contact us by email: [email protected]
Send us a voice note: via WhatsApp: +44 7486 329 484

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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices