Steven Ross Pomeroy discusses the potential of nuclear propulsion for space exploration, the evolving impact of AI in the workplace, and the widespread misuse of scientific concepts to promote misinformation and products. He emphasizes the challenges posed by information overload in the digital age and advocates for critical thinking and skepticism to effectively navigate and understand complex scientific and technological topics.
In this insightful discussion, Steven Ross Pomeroy, a science writer and editor of Real Clear Science, delves into several fascinating topics including nuclear propulsion, AI adoption, science exploitation, and the challenges of information overload in the modern age. He begins by highlighting the potential of nuclear propulsion technology, which was actively developed during NASA’s Apollo era in the 1960s but was abruptly canceled in the early 1970s due to shifting political and economic priorities. Pomeroy explains that nuclear rockets, particularly nuclear thermal and nuclear electric types, offer significant efficiency advantages over traditional chemical rockets, potentially enabling deeper space exploration and resource mining in the solar system. Despite its promise, the technology has been sidelined largely because of changing government focus and funding priorities.
The conversation then shifts to space exploration and the myths surrounding it, including the moon landing conspiracy theories. Pomeroy emphasizes the difficulty and expense of lunar missions, noting that only a few dozen people have ever been to the moon, and dismisses conspiracy claims by pointing out the implausibility of such a large-scale hoax involving thousands of people. He also touches on the emerging field of space mining, which could revolutionize resource acquisition by extracting valuable elements from asteroids, though this too depends on advancements in propulsion technology like nuclear electric rockets.
Pomeroy also discusses the current state and future of artificial intelligence, addressing misconceptions about AI adoption in the workplace. While some studies suggest organizations have yet to see significant returns on investment from generative AI, Pomeroy argues that this is due to the early stage of AI use, primarily limited to chatbots. He highlights the upcoming rise of agentic AI systems, which are expected to dramatically increase productivity and potentially disrupt white-collar jobs. Despite concerns about job displacement, he advises individuals to focus on becoming indispensable through creativity and skill development, as AI lacks the uniquely human spark of innovation.
Another major theme explored is “science exploitation,” a term coined by Timothy Caulfield, which refers to the misuse of scientific concepts to sell products, promote ideologies, or spread misinformation. Pomeroy provides examples such as misleading health claims on food products that promise to “boost the immune system,” a scientifically inaccurate and potentially harmful notion. He also points out how buzzwords like “quantum” are often misused to market dubious products. This exploitation is compounded by what Caulfield describes as the science illusion, goodness illusion, and opinion illusion—phenomena where people are misled by the appearance of scientific credibility, the desire to do good, or influential opinions, respectively.
Finally, the discussion touches on the overwhelming amount of information humans process daily—estimated at 74 gigabytes—and how this compares to the lifetime information consumption of highly educated individuals 500 years ago. Pomeroy reflects on the challenges this poses for critical thinking and knowledge retention, especially in the age of AI tools like ChatGPT. He also debunks the effectiveness of speed reading, explaining that while it may increase reading speed, it significantly reduces comprehension and retention. Throughout the conversation, Pomeroy stresses the importance of skepticism, critical evaluation of sources, and active engagement with information to navigate the complexities of the modern information landscape.