Podcast · Tech & Science

Tech Life

by BBC World Service · English · Tech & Science

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 26 min
Latest: 6 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026 · 26 minNew

Inside a supercomputer: A Tech Life special

What exactly is a supercomputer for? How does it work? And who gets to use it? Tech Life spends the day at the UK’s national supercomputer to get the answers. We get a rare tour of one of the most powerful computers in the country, and speak to scientists who have access to the computer about how it helps them with their research. (Photo: The inside of a supercomputer blade, with circuit boards, copper processors and memory sticks inside) Producer/presenter: Imran Rahman-Jones

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

29 Sep 2026 · 27 min

How an AI was tricked into breaking its own rules

Security researchers have got an AI model to break its own rules and give advice on terrorist attacks and assassinations. They talk to Tech Life about their findings. Plus, indie game developer Jonathan Blow on why he spent 10 years inventing his own coding language and game engine for his newest release. And Shiona McCallum takes us through the latest in birth tech. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones (Image: An illustration of a brain with “AI” written on it, underneath a birdcage. Credit: Getty Images.)
22 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Gauging China's AI strength

How far has China come in developing AI technology? And what challenges does it face? An expert helps us understand the thinking in Beijing. Also this week: what can fifty thousand autonomous machines tell us about the future of robotics? And cutting edge tech helps cricket reach new audiences. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: An illustration of the Chinese flag over electronic circuitry. Credit: Getty Images)
15 Sep 2026 · 26 min

Growing up in the age of AI

AI is developing rapidly. What should parents and children make of it all? And how can young people navigate school and future careers when AI is becoming increasingly important? We speak to an expert who has written a new book about these issues. Also this week: we find out how one piece of health tech is helping scientists uncover disease-fighting data in menstrual blood. And satellite imaging is used by conservationists in Indonesia to protect the habitat of a rare species of orangutan. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A female school pupil sits at a laptop in a…
8 Sep 2026 · 26 min

The copyright extortionists

Lots of people make a living from social media posts. But some have been targeted by an international extortion scheme. It involves a flood of false copyright infringement claims. It only stops if the extorter is paid. Imran Rahman-Jones has the story. Also this week: could AI help to spot wrong-way driving on Ireland's major roads? And we bring you the latest titles and tech on show at Gamescom in Germany. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: Silhouettes of mobile phone users are seen next to a screen projection of Instagram's logo. Credit: Reuters)
1 Sep 2026 · 26 min

What if AI doesn’t speak your language?

English is the most widely-used language online. Internet material helps to train AI tools. So where does that leave people whose native language barely features on the web? We find out about a project helping AI to work in more of the world’s languages. Also this week: regulating tech might sound about as appealing as a trip to the dentist. But, like your check-up, it is important. With Europe and the United States taking different approaches, we’ll ask who gets to set the rules, and what that means for the rest of us. And there’s a growing range of technology aimed at older people. We’ll…
25 Aug 2026 · 26 min

Unlocking tech breakthroughs

ARIA is the UK's research and development funding agency that's built to unlock new scientific and technological developments. We speak to ARIA's new boss about their work. Also this week: the tech that's helping disabled racing drivers to achieve their dreams. And the pros and cons of making AI-generated complaints. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: An illustration of a light bulb, representing creative thoughts and ideas. Two human hands attempt to grasp the image. Credit: Getty Images)
18 Aug 2026 · 26 min

Can AI tackle aviation’s climate problem?

Cloudy lines in the sky, caused by aircraft engines, are called contrails. They're harmful to the environment. Now a project is underway, using AI, to reduce the amount generated. It's called Operation Blue Skies, and we speak to Google about their involvement. Also this week: we look at three very different approaches taken by manufacturers to help children and adults have a healthy relationship with mobile phones. And AI detectors - how do they work? Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A large four engine passenger jet flies at high altitude. The sky is blue, and the jet…
11 Aug 2026 · 27 min

School deepfake ransoms

For many schools, it’s normal to post pictures of their own pupils online, either celebrating events or for marketing. But these photos could also be taken by criminals and used to make distressing deepfake AI images. We speak to the founder of a company which says it has a solution. Also on the programme, the incredible ways graphene can augment our senses – including to smell for diseases. And the student with dyslexia who invented his own tech to help him through his course. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Imran Rahman-Jones (Image: A child places a metal pin impression toy over their…
4 Aug 2026 · 26 min

The future of flying?

The transition from petrol to electric cars is well underway. But why are most aircraft in the skies still burning jet fuel? We look at new developments in electric aviation. Also this week: keeping children safe online - a leading international child charity talks to Tech Life. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: An all-electric CX300 aircraft from BETA Technologies takes part in a demonstration flight in Scotland. It is a small white aircraft, flying at low altitude. The propeller can be seen at the rear of the fuselage. Credit: Loganair/BETA Technologies)
28 Jul 2026 · 26 min

Understanding AI Agents

AI agents carry out tasks autonomously on behalf of users. But what are they capable of, and what do we need to know about them? With AI agents in the news, we speak to an expert. Also this week: can AI make the process of recruiting employees better? And we find out about the campaign to teach AI how to represent people with limb loss. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: In the foreground, a hand holds a smartphone. The screen displays an AI Agent, with various task options available. The background is blurry and coloured blue. Credit: Getty Images)
21 Jul 2026 · 26 min

Smell the future

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…
14 Jul 2026 · 26 min

Meet the humanoid robots performing surgery

Humanoid robots have successfully performed surgery in an operating theatre for the first time. They were remotely controlled by surgeons. An expert involved talks to Tech Life. Also this week: the man who invented the infinite scroll tells us his latest thoughts on social media. And how do you stop big cargo ships pumping greenhouse gases into the air, as they move our goods around the world? We hear about a carbon capture solution. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: Two human-shaped robots stand holding equipment, and perform surgery in an operating theatre. Credit:…
7 Jul 2026 · 26 min

Too young to scroll?

What is a good age to give a child a smartphone? A community in Ireland might have the answer. In Greystones there's a voluntary agreement to wait until secondary school age. We hear from the school principal who leads the "It Takes A Village" initiative, and a local parent. Also this week: a woman tells Shiona McCallum how surviving a late-night attack inspired her to develop a wearable safety device. And AI was let loose to run a cafe in Sweden. Find out what happened next. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A small group of boys and girls look at their smartphones.…
30 Jun 2026 · 26 min

What happens when health information is shadow banned?

We look at an issue known as shadow banning. What is it? How does it work? And could it be affecting health education messages for women and young girls? Also this week: we're feeling nostalgic about the discs that hold our favourite video games. And Shiona McCallum speaks to the founder of the Global Gaming League. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A young sports woman relaxes after a workout. She is lying on a yoga mat, looking at her smartphone. Credit: Getty Images)
23 Jun 2026 · 26 min

Viva technology!

Shiona McCallum visits a huge technology show in Paris. There, she finds some of the latest kit that could be in your home or workplace before too long. And we're talking about data centres. They are central to our modern online lives. But not everyone thinks they are great. Shiona speaks to the head of a big global data centre company about some of the challenges facing the industry. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: Shiona McCallum tries on some wearable tech at VivaTech in Paris. Credit: BBC)
16 Jun 2026 · 27 min

ChatGPT prompt generates disturbing images

A group of cybersecurity researchers found a prompt which gets past ChatGPT’s guardrails and causes it to generate some disturbing images. We unpack what this tells us about the way AI is trained, and how it could be exploited. Also on the show, after a recent episode about potholes, we were contacted by the UK’s ministry of transport. We speak to their chief scientific adviser about potholes and the future of transport. And what is a quantum diamond magnetometer? We speak to the company which has just put one into space – in order to measure where magnetic north really is. Presenter: Chris…
9 Jun 2026 · 26 min

Tackling lithium battery fires on planes

When we fly we love to take our gadgets with us. But the lithium batteries that power them can catch fire. We find out about a new campaign urging us to pack with safety in mind. Also this week: the BBC's Lily Jamali visits an international competition for new AI applications in San Francisco. And protecting Africa's endangered wildlife is an increasingly high-tech business - a new scheme aims to give conservation workers the latest skills. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A man is in an airport lounge. He is charging his smartphone with a portable charger, which is…
2 Jun 2026 · 26 min

Microsoft's big quantum bet

Microsoft unveils a new quantum chip. It's a big moment for the company, as its quantum programme has faced criticism. Is the tech giant's strategy finally paying off? And when will this chip deliver practical quantum computing? The BBC's Technology Editor, Zoe Kleinman, interviews Microsoft's executive vice president for quantum. Also this week: what new tech can soccer fans expect at the World Cup? Shiona McCallum reports from FIFA headquarters in Switzerland. And a leading critic of AI hype returns to Tech Life. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A hand is seen holding…
26 May 2026 · 26 min

Teaching in the AI world

We speak to Google about the introduction of artificial intelligence into classroom learning, and what they think this will mean for teachers and pupils. Also this week: Shiona McCallum reports on a new artificial limb which is making a big difference to the life of one man who has a very personal story to tell. And find out about the engineering technology that's being used to check the heart health of unborn babies as they grow in the womb. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: A female teacher sits at a classroom desk with a female high school pupil looking at a laptop…
19 May 2026 · 26 min

Myth or mythos: Is the AI cyber threat real?

From fears that a powerful new AI could supercharge hacking, to the ransomware gangs holding our data hostage, we talk to a former FBI expert about the latest cyber threats. Also in Tech Life this week: we hear from a listener who is using dermatology tech to educate schoolchildren on the importance of staying safe in the sun. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: Numerous computer screens are displaying green-coloured code and a finger pointing at a smartphone screen. Credit: Getty Images)
12 May 2026 · 26 min

The AI pothole hunter

Drivers and cyclists know the dangers of potholes and broken road signs. A Swedish company is fitting vehicles with cameras, and using AI to spot potential problems and defects. We speak to the CEO to find out how it works. Also in Tech Life this week: some think the internet's business model is obsolete. We talk to a big tech leader on what might replace it. And a young entrepreneur, who learned to code without a computer, tells us about his AI teaching app that will work without the internet. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: Deep potholes have formed on a tarmac road.…
5 May 2026 · 27 min

Could this tech help millions of us sleep better?

An anti-snoring device is being trialled as a potential solution to sleep apnoea, a condition which affects millions and can have wide-ranging consequences on daily life. We speak to the team behind the trial. Also on the programme, two health tech entrepreneurs whose personal experiences informed their products: A man who had a heart attack at 44 and now works to help reduce hospital recovery times, and a woman who lost a close family member to breast cancer and is working to help inform women in Pakistan to spot the signs and get help. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producers: Tom Quinn and…
28 Apr 2026 · 26 min

The workers in the engine room of big tech

We look at revelations about outsourced tech workers in Kenya, and try to find out why more than a thousand of them have been made redundant. Also this week: are you getting the best out of artificial intelligence? Could changing "how" you communicate with AI make a difference? We speak to an author and put his recommendations to an AI test. And we hear from a company turning lamp-posts into data centres. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: The words "Meta AI" are displayed on a smartphone screen. The phone is resting on a laptop keyboard. Credit: Reuters)
21 Apr 2026 · 26 min

A hologram to remember: Pam and Bill’s love story

Pam Cronrath tells her deeply personal story of creating a lifelike speaking hologram of her husband, Bill, after he passed away. Pam wanted to honour a promise she'd made to Bill, for a "super wake". And so Bill's hologram appeared in front of two hundred guests at the event, and surprised them with a verbal greeting. Also this week: if you've had a knee operation and have a smart device monitoring your health, the doctor might want to see you now. And virtual glucose monitoring tech for diabetics - with the help of AI. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: Pam Cronrath is…
14 Apr 2026 · 26 min

Sharing the road with driverless cars

Chris Vallance finds out about research to help self-driving cars communicate with other road users. Hear what happened when he came into contact with a virtual vehicle! Also this week: you've probably seen the app on TV news recently, but how does MarineTraffic know which ships are doing what in the Strait of Hormuz? And Shiona McCallum checks out changes to Roblox age checks for children. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: Illustration of a driverless car on a main road approaching a pedestrian crossing, with people walking in front of and around the side of the car and…
7 Apr 2026 · 26 min

The problem with AI

Can we trust AI? Its answers are not always correct. And it only knows what it's been trained on, so some of its responses can contain bias. Tech experts offer us some solutions. Also this week: digital twinning is helping the restoration of a three hundred year old palace. And the joy of mundane video gaming! Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: A person is typing on a laptop computer. Digital icons for AI, ticks (checkmarks) and warning signs float above the keyboard. Credit: Getty Images)
31 Mar 2026 · 26 min

Putting polluters in court

Climate change is making devastating extreme weather more common. Tech Life's Yasmin Morgan-Griffiths explores the science that could help communities take polluters to court. Also this week: we look at whether the boom in AI is causing a boom in electronic waste. And as astronauts head back to the Moon, we meet a veteran NASA space robot that's on a mission to return home. Presenter: Chris Vallance Producer: Tom Quinn (Photo: Smoke billows from a chimney at a coal-fired power station in Eastern Europe. The light of the sun is obscured by the dense dark smoke clouds. Credit: Reuters)
24 Mar 2026 · 26 min

How will AI help my doctor?

We discuss how AI could help health professionals work better, detect diseases earlier and even change the way people around the world look after themselves. Also this week: Shiona McCallum interviews a businesswoman who is trying to make female health tech more accessible and affordable. And we have a good news story that originated on the darker side of the internet. Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn (Image: A photo of a female doctor sitting at a desk in a hospital lab. She is using AI technology on a laptop computer. Credit: Getty Images)
17 Mar 2026 · 27 min

Screen time ‘rewiring our brains’

We dig through the evidence on the effect of screen time on babies and young children, with the help of some parents and experts. And after hearing our story of a woman who got her voice back with the help of AI, a listener got in touch to tell us his own moving story of hearing his father’s voice for the first time in 50 years. Producers: Imran Rahman-Jones and Vuyelo Ndlovu Presenter: Shiona McCallum (Image: A baby holds a smartphone, looking at the screen while lying in bed. Credit: Getty Images.)

About Tech Life

Tech Life discovers and explains the ways technology is changing our lives, wherever we are in the world. We meet the people with bright ideas for rethinking the way we work, learn and play, and get hands-on with the products they dream up. We hold tech giants to account for their huge power to affect our lives, and ask who wins, and who loses, in the technology transformation. Tech Life is your guide to a future being made, and remade, at lightning speed in front of our eyes.

Tech Life is a English tech & science podcast from BBC World Service. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: BBC World Service
Language: English
Category: Tech & Science
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 26 min
Latest episode: 6 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id802996636
Website: bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01plr2p
Rights: (C) BBC 2026

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