
MIT Technology Review Narrated
Welcome to MIT Technology Review Narrated, the home for the very best of our journalism in audio. Each week we will share one of our most ambitious stories, from print and online, narrated for us by real voice actors. Expect big themes, thought-provoking topics, and sharp analysis, all backed by our trusted reporting.
Latest episodes

28 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 26min
The race to save our online lives from a digital dark age
In a world where data is growing exponentially, preserving our digital legacy is becoming increasingly vital. The podcast delves into the challenges of ensuring future generations can understand and access our memories. It highlights past losses from platforms like MySpace and discusses tools like the Wayback Machine. Innovative preservation methods, including advanced film technology, are explored to combat a potential Digital Dark Age. The conversation contemplates how future historians might piece together our fragmented digital past.

13 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 21min
Is this the end of animal testing?
Discover the groundbreaking potential of organ-on-a-chip technology as a humane alternative to animal testing. Learn about the recent advances that are reshaping medical research and fostering ethical drug development. Explore how this innovative approach not only enhances the accuracy of testing but also promotes health equity in clinical trials. The conversation highlights the intersection of scientific innovation and ethics, paving the way for a future without animal testing.

8 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 25min
Meet the divers trying to figure out how deep humans can go
Dive into the exhilarating world of deep underwater exploration, where a group of adventurous divers is testing the limits of human resilience. They experiment with hydrogen breathing mixtures, pushing the boundaries of deep diving. Discover the thrilling balance between ambition and safety as they navigate Earth’s depths, sharing stories of both camaraderie and peril. The podcast captures the innovative technologies and personal experiences that shape this daring pursuit, highlighting the rich tapestry of challenges faced by these underwater pioneers.

25 snips
Jan 15, 2025 • 18min
Palmer Luckey on the Pentagon’s future of mixed reality
Palmer Luckey, founder of Oculus VR and Anduril Industries, dives into his ambitious collaboration with the Pentagon to reshape mixed reality in military applications. He discusses integrating AI with the US Army's Integrated Visual Augmentation System, aiming to provide soldiers with real-time information from various sources. Luckey also navigates the challenges of headset design and the skepticism surrounding the IVAS project, emphasizing the delicate balance between technology, military strategy, and transparency.

18 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 34min
How covid conspiracy theories led to an alarming resurgence in AIDS denialism
The podcast dives into the troubling revival of AIDS denialism, driven by conspiracy theories from the pandemic. It highlights how popular media figures are amplifying these false beliefs, undermining public health. With roots tracing back to the 1980s, the discussion reveals how social media has helped spread misinformation faster than ever. The episode warns of the dangerous implications for public health as skepticism towards credible institutions grows, fueled by the same conspiracy mentality that emerged during COVID-19.

30 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 33min
How to fine-tune AI for prosperity
Generative AI is reshaping industries, yet its true impact on productivity remains uncertain. Experts discuss the challenges and potential of AI in scientific research, highlighting innovations like Alpha Fold. There's a focus on how AI could drive economic growth if industries adapt effectively and overcome skepticism. The conversation underscores the importance of customized AI solutions and the role of supportive policies in fostering this technological revolution. Can AI really lead to renewed prosperity? The answer is complex, but possibilities abound.

14 snips
Dec 18, 2024 • 24min
Meet the radio-obsessed civilian shaping Ukraine’s drone defense
Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov, a passionate radio aficionado, has transformed into a pivotal figure in Ukraine's drone defense amidst the ongoing conflict. He shares his journey from a radio enthusiast to a crucial military advisor, overcoming skepticism and bureaucracy. Flash discusses the critical role of radio technology in modern warfare and how he's empowering both soldiers and civilians with innovative anti-drone strategies. His insights highlight the importance of grassroots innovation in shaping the future of defense.

60 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 28min
ChatGPT is about to revolutionize the economy. We need to decide what that looks like.
Executives worldwide are scrambling to harness the ChatGPT wave for profit. The podcast explores the economic implications of generative AI, weighing opportunities against potential job displacement and income inequality. Experts discuss the need for inclusive governance to prevent power from concentrating in a few corporations. The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing AI technology collaboratively, ensuring it benefits a diverse population rather than just a privileged few.

13 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 31min
Beyond gene-edited babies: the possible paths for tinkering with human evolution
Explore the transformative world of gene editing and the potential futures it holds for humanity. Delve into the ethical dilemmas surrounding CRISPR technology and the contentious debates about genetically altered beings. Picture a landscape where human genetics could be modified, raising questions about societal access and moral responsibilities. This discussion highlights both the groundbreaking advancements and the challenges we face in contemplating our evolution.

40 snips
Nov 27, 2024 • 42min
The great commercial takeover of low Earth orbit
NASA plans to retire the International Space Station by 2030, paving the way for private companies to take charge of low Earth orbit. Axiom Space and others aim to maintain a human presence in space. The podcast explores the engineering hurdles of private space modules and the booming potential of space tourism. Exciting developments in artificial retina technology are highlighted, showcasing how microgravity enhances biomedical research. Finally, new private stations are democratizing space research, opening doors for aspiring scientists.