Is this the first step to cyborg brains? How drones are reshaping warfare forever; New Vera Rubin observatory goes live

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Jun 13, 2025

In this discussion, Chelsea Whyte, a US editor who visited the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile, shares insights on the telescope's groundbreaking capabilities aimed at unraveling mysteries of dark matter and energy. The conversation also explores the fascinating world of cyborg technology, highlighting research on tadpole cyborgs and their implications for understanding brain integration. Additionally, the impactful role of drones in modern warfare is examined, focusing on Ukraine's use of these devices to reshape military strategies.

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INSIGHT

Growing Cyborg Tadpoles

Scientists implanted ultrasoft, stretchable electronics into tadpoles early in development to create cyborg brains.
This device grows with the brain, allowing continuous neural activity monitoring without harming development.

INSIGHT

Neural Implants in Mammals

Similar neural implants are being tested in rats but are more complex due to mammalian development in utero.
This technology could shed light on brain disorders like autism and schizophrenia by monitoring development.

INSIGHT

Cyborgs Boosting Elderly Mobility

Cyborg tech could help elderly overcome frailty by implanting artificial muscles to restore mobility.
Key challenges include mechanical integration, biological compatibility, power supply, and avoiding immune response.

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Episode 307

Using new “ultrasoft” electronics, researchers at Harvard have effectively created tadpole cyborgs. A soft bioelectronic device has been implanted into their brains - one which grows with them as they develop into frogs. This neural implant is a first step in helping us better understand the inner workings of the brain. But could this work in mammals…or humans? Discussing just that, the Royal Society held a meeting this week called Cyborg Futures. How soon until humans become one with machines?

A small fleet of cheap drones has been deployed by Ukraine’s security service, causing $7 billion of damage to Russian air power. Just 117 drones were able to take out a third of Russia’s nuclear bomb force. Difficult to catch, hard to jam and nearly impossible to shoot down - are drones a paradigm shift in warfare?

The Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile has just opened, promising to carry out a legacy survey of space and time. US editor Chelsea Whyte visited the newly operational telescope to see how it will map out the night sky in never-before-seen detail. Learn how it hopes to answer some of the biggest mysteries about dark matter and dark energy - and find out about the legacy of Vera Rubin, the astronomer the telescope is named after.

Think net-zero climate action is costing us way too much, driving up living costs and damaging the economy? Think again. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has taken on all of the misinformation circulating about our goal to achieve net zero emissions, showing that raising climate ambition would actually boost the global economy. Find out why.

Chapters:

(00:32) Frogs with cyborg brains…are humans next?

(11:25) How drones are reshaping warfare

(16:16) Vera Rubin observatory opens

(24:59) How net zero will boost the global economy

Hosted by Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet, with guests Alexandra Thompson, Chelsea Whyte, Jonathan Rossiter, Tamar Makin, Robert Bunker and Simon Evans.

To read more about these stories, visit https://www.newscientist.com/

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