Episode 300
The first genetically engineered synapses have been implanted in a mammal’s brain. Chemical brain signals have been bypassed in the brains of mice and replaced with electrical signals, changing their behaviour in incredible ways. Not only did they become more sociable, they were also less anxious and exhibited fewer OCD-like symptoms. This work h ... Show More
Mar 2023
Tweeting Directly From Your Brain (And What's Next)
Our friends at NPR's TED Radio Hour podcast have been pondering some BIG things — specifically, the connection between our physical, mental, and spiritual health. In this special excerpt, what if you could control a device, not with your hand, but with your mind? Host Manoush Zom ... Show More
19m 55s
Mar 2022
Strange News: Bringing Brains Back From The Dead, Deep Fake Update, Benzene Is In Everything
<p>Scientists partially resurrect the brains of long-dead pigs, paving the way for potentially astonishing (and terrifying) breakthroughs in neuroscience. Hackers post a deepfake video that appears to show Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky surrendering. A comprehensive study ... Show More
46 m
Feb 2024
When brains and computers meet
Are cyborgs now reality? Elon Musk certainly thinks so. His company, Neuralink, has successfully implanted one of its wireless brain chips in a human. Although billed as a breakthrough, they’re not the first to do it. In fact, similar devices have already been implanted, all with ... Show More
27m 12s
Apr 2022
Did we just invent telepathy?
A groundbreaking new study claims to have found a way for a fully paralyzed person to communicate entirely via thought. But the scientists behind it have a checkered past.
This episode was produced by Miles Bryan, edited by Matt Collette, engineered by Efim Shapiro, fact-checked ... Show More
26m 6s
Dec 2024
Science’s Breakthrough of the Year, and psychedelic drugs, climate, and fusion technology updates
First up this week, Breakthroughs Editor Greg Miller joins producer Meagan Cantwell to discuss Science’s 2024 Breakthrough of the Year. They also discuss some of the other scientific achievements that turned heads this year, from ancient DNA and autoimmune therapy, to precision p ... Show More
44m 46s