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Digital Planet: Can we predict Twitter’s future?

Factual: Science & Nature

Woman having a video meeting on her laptop

26/04/2022 GMT

Can we predict Twitter’s future?

BBC World Service - Digital Planet, Can we predict Twitter’s future?

Can we predict Twitter’s future if Elon Musk takes over?

Can we predict Twitter’s future? Is video chat tech listening when you’re muted. Swarming molecular robots working together. And how to tempt more women into game design.

What’s in store for twitter, now that Elon Musk’s offer has been accepted by the Twitter board? Bill and Gareth discuss.

Is video chat tech still listening when you’re muted?
Video conferencing technology might still be listening to your voice even when you are on mute.  A new study shows that a number of video meeting apps were recording audio even when the user had switched off their microphone.  The researchers analysed the code behind the apps and found that all of the apps in the test were gathering raw audio when they were on mute – and that one of them was sending that information over the internet at the same rate, whether the user was muted or not.  They even identified what someone was doing 82% of the time e.g cooking, typing.  Professor Kassem Fawaz, one of the authors of the study, explains more.

World first – swarming molecular robots working together
Scientists from Hokkaido University in Japan have for the first time shown that molecular robots are five times more effective at transporting cargo when working as a swarm compared to working alone.  Inspired by insects, like ants, honey bees and even fish and birds, they have created microscopic molecular robots that use microtubules propelled by proteins and DNA.  Dr Mousumi Akter explains how they work together so successfully and the possible applications which include intensive drug delivery to a specific location or collection of micro-contaminants in the environment.

How to encourage more women into game design
Many women enjoy playing video games – but why are so few of them involved in designing them?  Our gaming correspondent Leigh Milner has been meeting those at the top of the business, who are doing something to widen access to its creative side.

The programme is presented by Gareth Mitchell with expert commentary from Bill Thompson.

Studio Manager: Giles Aspen
Producer: Ania Lichtarowicz

(Photo: Woman having a video meeting on her laptop. Credit: Witthaya Prasongsin/Getty Images)

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