TED Radio Hour Prophets of Technology: The Biotech Visionaries
14 snips
Jul 25, 2025 
Join biochemist Jennifer Doudna, who pioneered CRISPR technology, and Tom Oxley, a vascular neurosurgeon revolutionizing brain-computer interfaces with his Stentrode implant. Nita Farahani, a legal scholar, advocates for cognitive liberty amidst the rise of neurotechnology. The trio dives into the ethical implications of biotech advancements, from genetic editing to the privacy of our thoughts. They explore how these innovations can transform healthcare, while also stressing the importance of protecting individual rights in an increasingly tech-driven world.
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Doudna's Kitchen Epiphany
- Jennifer Doudna recalls laughing while cooking spaghetti after realizing CRISPR's groundbreaking potential.
- She felt joy mixing everyday life with a scientific breakthrough that could change the world.
CRISPR: Cure and Controversy
- CRISPR technology offers potential cures by editing disease genes at the source.
- It raises existential questions about altering human evolution and equitable access to such treatments.
CRISPR Babies Ethical Wake-up
- Jennifer Doudna was horrified by a scientist rushing to create genetically edited babies in China.
- This unethical act galvanized global efforts to regulate human genome editing responsibly.
