
Michael Specter
Science writer for The New Yorker and professor at MIT, known for his expertise in science and technology. Author of the audiobook Higher Animals.
Best podcasts with Michael Specter
Ranked by the Snipd community

10 snips
Apr 6, 2023 • 34min
Higher Animals with Michael Specter
In this discussion, Michael Specter, a renowned science writer for The New Yorker and MIT professor, dives into the transformative potential of mRNA vaccines and synthetic biology. He argues that this revolution rivals the impact of electricity on society. They explore groundbreaking innovations like heritable vaccines for endangered species and reflect on the public health lessons from the 1947 smallpox outbreak in New York. The conversation balances excitement for scientific advances with a cautionary perspective on the risks of rapid biotechnological progress.

Apr 7, 2023 • 39min
What if Terrorists Could Weaponize Covid?
Tim Harford chats with Michael Specter, an award-winning New Yorker writer focused on science and public health. They delve into the chilling possibility of extremist groups weaponizing biologically engineered viruses like COVID-19. Specter highlights historical precedents, including the 1990 Tokyo subway gas attack, and discusses the balance between scientific advances and public safety. Key topics include the ethics of synthetic biology, the need for stringent regulations, and the public’s growing involvement in scientific discourse post-pandemic.