AI is coming of age - as this potentially useful tool demonstrates

You don't have to like AI but you do have to live with it - it's not going away. So while we wait for the singularity, let's make it useful.

I've been playing with Google's NotebookLM, a tool which collates, summarizes and analyzes sources provided, helping users quickly grasp key points and easily access answers to questions. While it carries the warning "NotebookLM can be inaccurate; please double check its responses", one of the best aspects is that it links statements it makes to original sources so that they can be checked (AI coming of age). It can assist in brainstorming and generating ideas (through question prompts), making it a very useful tool in my limited experience so far.

As a first test, I took a loose collection of notes I have amassed on the Hemipteran family Anthocoridae and stuck them into a notebook. It can be difficult to pull information from these easily so decent summaries would be useful. As an LM (Language Model), visual input/output is non-existent (unless I've missed something), which is a shame as this would enhance the usefulness greatly. Unfortunately, it is not possible to share the whole notebook publicly (though it can be shared with selected users), but I can share some of the outputs it generates, such as this Anthocoridae Study Guide; the result of asking it to "Describe Anthocoris viscii"; and the podcast-style Audio Overview (audio playback takes a while to start, just wait): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DxBFzWq1w5BbfLpZU4oRbHFYWvt5300X/view

Here's another attempt: Leicestershire & Rutland Entomological Society: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YVKOlXTVUnqi6JhF2n0Eb4t5qUSc1L_Q/view

And finally, for Diptera fans: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HodYEFtP_Kau7SWrQaRi7PzAAGCd6bre/view

Obviously it's only as good as the sources provide - Garbage In, Garbage Out - but I'd suggest the best thing you can do is try it for yourself. I'm sure there are more useful things I can do with it than my stumbling attempts so far (and I'd welcome your ideas), but I'm even more sure that it's going to evolve and improve. Welcome to the future. 

Transformation

 

Last night I gave a talk to a local wildlife group which unexpectedly turned into a discussion about insect decline. It had to be said but that doesn't mean I like saying it. If you were in the audience, I apologise again. Seeking solace this morning, I visited my favourite wood. Over the last few years this has been depressing as Ash Dieback has gradually decimated them. Today I discovered that most of the dead Ash has been removed, and the transformation from dank Ash woodland into a very open, light-filled Oak woodland was startling and marvellous. 

 

Hidden Details - The Magic of Macro Photography

An introduction to macro photography - capturing small subjects at a very close range, often revealing details that are not easily seen. This video is aimed at people interested in starting macro photography and those who would like to improve their photos. 

 

Entomology Update - March 2025

A variable month, weather-wise - frost at night but some days very Spring-like. Blossom and buds bursting, but with the cold nights only one moth in the first moth trap of the year. 

In it for the long term

Recovered grasslands need more than 75 years of continuous management to regain their biodiversity.

Knee deep in Malacostraca

Amphipods abound, but are contradictory in unexpected ways. 

Book Recommendations: 

The Naturalists, by Diane Smith 

In the spring of 1898, Alex Bartram, a medical student with a passion for botany, has secured a place on a Smithsonian-sponsored field study to Yellowstone National Park. The only problem is that Alex is a woman, joining an all-male team rather wary of the female of the species.  A great read. 

The History of the Countryside, by Oliver Rackham

I've spent years meaning to read Oliver Rackham's book, published in 1997. Now I have and it remains an eye-opener. I have learned so much. If you've never read this, do yourself a favour. 

Forthcoming talks:

Hidden Details - The Magic of Macro Photography - Monday 07.04.2025, 19:30, online via Zoom

An introduction to macro photography - capturing small subjects at a very close range, often revealing details that are not easily seen. This talk is aimed at people interested in starting macro photography and those who would like to improve their photos. 

Bugs - the little things that run the world - Friday 11.04.2025, 19:30

A talk about finding and photographing Bugs (Hemiptera), their ecological importance and our rapidly changing fauna. From vegans to vampires, integrated pest management to exotic imports, bugs cannot be underestimated yet are widely ignored. LRWT North West Group, Ashby Methodist Church, Burton Road, Ashby-de-la-Zouch LE65 2LF. 

News from Elsewhere...

Tree.fm 

Tune into forests from around the world. Escape & relax.

https://www.tree.fm/

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