In this experimental (and possible only) episode, AI bravely takes on summarising an MD thesis on paediatric vision testing— an in-depth study exploring how new digital technologies like tablet-based vision tests can revolutionise infant eye care. It’s important work, but reading through it is no easy feat at 130 pages. Enter NotebookLM, an AI tool designed to make complex documents more digestible by generating summaries, answering questions, and providing insights in an intuitive format. It’s a relatively new tool, and in this episode, I’m putting it to the test.

NotebookLM (formerly Google’s "Project Tailwind") creates high-level summaries of text, and in this case, transforms dense research into a surprisingly lively audio experience. Not only does it capture the key messages, but it somehow delivers them with an enthusiasm and polish that is much more engaging than my original work! What impressed me the most, though, is how it uses metaphors to explain tricky concepts—better than I could have managed.

As an audio learner, I’ve found NotebookLM invaluable for distilling lengthy academic papers that I’m interested in but realistically may never find the time to read. Instead of letting them gather digital dust, I save them as PDFs and let NotebookLM transform them into podcast-style conversations. This allows me to engage with the material while multitasking—whether I’m driving, gardening, pottering or just on the move. It’s a practical and efficient way to absorb complex content without sacrificing my time.

Want to try it yourself? You can give NotebookLM a test drive

https://workspace.google.com/notebooklm/

It’s an interesting experiment that could change how we process complex information—or at least how we avoid falling asleep while doing it!

Curious how AI stacks up against heavy academic content? Tune in and see if the robots are up to the challenge!

Show notes:

Peekaboo Vision link for iPad devices on UK AppStore:, provided free by NHS GG&C medical devices unit:

https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/peekaboo-vision/id883631631 or search “peekaboo

vision” on iPad AppStore

Link to MD thesis:

https://theses.gla.ac.uk/75179/1/2019LivingstoneMD.pdf