Babbage from The Economist (subscriber edition)
The Economist
Babbage is The Economist’s weekly podcast on science and technology—named after Charles Babbage, the grandfather of computing. Explore the science changing the way we live from AI to genetics, particle physics and space travel with Alok Jha. This award-winning podcast features in-depth interviews with top scientists and special episodes investigating wellness trends. Published every Wednesday.If you’re already a subscriber to The Economist, you’ll have full access to all our shows as part of your subscription.For more information about Economist Podcasts+, including how to get access, please visit our FAQs page here https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 15, 2022 • 40min
Babbage: The fountain of youth
Billions of dollars are being pumped into technologies that hope to reduce the effects of ageing. Host Alok Jha explores the latest research in the field—from regenerating organs to rejuvenating cells—and whether these efforts could help to conquer debilitating human diseases. Is anti-ageing more than just a pipe-dream for Silicon Valley startups? For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Mar 8, 2022 • 35min
Babbage: Can tech improve your sleep?
A sleep deficit in the rich world has led to a boom in the sleep-tech industry. This week, we investigate the products designed to help consumers monitor and improve their slumber. And, what innovations could transform sleep in the future? Alok Jha hosts.For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Mar 1, 2022 • 42min
Babbage: The threat of cyber-warfare
The conflict in Ukraine has brought renewed fear of a global cyber-war. We explain the technology behind the digital threat and its role in modern warfare. And, why hasn’t Russia carried out large-scale cyber-attacks so far? Alok Jha hosts.Keep up-to-date with the developing situation in Ukraine at economist.com/ukraine-crisisFor full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Feb 22, 2022 • 37min
Babbage: Rise of the robots
Relations between people and robots are being reset. Host Alok Jha explores why the pace of automation is likely to accelerate, and what it means for societies and jobs. We also ask how advancements in AI and robotics can improve collaboration between humans and machines.For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Feb 15, 2022 • 41min
Babbage: A Starship is born
Elon Musk’s rocketry firm SpaceX has announced that its monstrous, dirt-cheap Starship rocket will soon be ready for its maiden voyage into orbit. Host Alok Jha explores the project’s potential impact on space travel, scientific discoveries and human connectedness on Earth. We also examine the business philosophy that has helped SpaceX innovate, and the risks that could hinder its ambitions.For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Feb 8, 2022 • 41min
Babbage: What is web3?
Web3 is the latest Silicon Valley buzzword, referring to a third iteration of the internet built on blockchain technology. Backers say it will reinvent cyberspace but scepticism is growing. Host Kenneth Cukier investigates the hype and the potential.For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Feb 1, 2022 • 33min
Babbage: Hide and seek
Technology is profoundly changing warfare. On a battlefield packed with sophisticated sensors, is it possible to avoid being seen and killed? Host Shashank Joshi examines the tech that’s turning combat into an intense competition between hiding and finding. And, how to update the ancient art of deception for the digital age.For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Jan 25, 2022 • 34min
Babbage: Sequencing the future
Genomic sequencing has risen to prominence during the pandemic. But the technology has vast potential to transform many aspects of human health. Host Alok Jha investigates the rise of the genome and personalised medicine.For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Jan 18, 2022 • 40min
Babbage: Havana syndrome
New cases of Havana syndrome are baffling scientists. Alok Jha investigates the theories behind the mysterious malady plaguing Western diplomats. Are microwave weapons to blame, or could the illness have psychological origins?For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
Jan 11, 2022 • 43min
Babbage: The smartwatch will see you now
A new tech boom is disrupting medicine. We investigate how wearable trackers, such as the Fitbit or Apple Watch, could transform health care. And, could the devices help prevent the next pandemic? Kenneth Cukier hosts. For full access to The Economist’s print, digital and audio editions subscribe at economist.com/podcastoffer and sign up for our weekly science newsletter at economist.com/simplyscience.
