Lab Notes: Is AI taking over mathematics?

AI chatbots are helping to crack long-standing mathematical problems, including some of the famous Paul Erdős conjectures that have remained unsolved for nearly 80 years. It's not just researchers finding these solutions, either: it's also amateur mathematicians armed with off-the-shelf ChatGPT. Jonathan Webb wheels out the chalkboard with Dr Melissa Lee to discuss how AI is shaping the field of mathematics, and if anyone can be a mathematician these days. You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more. Get in touch with us: [email protected] Featuring: Dr Melissa Lee, Senior Lecturer Monash University Further information: An AI solution to an 80‑year‑old problem has shocked mathematicians Leiden Declaration on Artificial Intelligence and Mathematics This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.