

MIT Technology Review Narrated
MIT Technology Review
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 19, 2025 • 30min
Happy birthday, baby! What the future holds for those born today
An intelligent digital agent could be a companion for life—and other predictions for the next 125 years.This story was written by Kara Platoni and narrated by Noa - newsoveraudio.com.

5 snips
Mar 12, 2025 • 33min
How the Ukraine-Russia war is reshaping the tech sector in Eastern Europe
The war in Ukraine is driving tech startups in Eastern Europe, particularly Latvia, to pivot from civilian products to military solutions. Companies are innovating by transforming everyday items, such as scooters and drones, into tools for the battlefield. This shift reflects both a response to conflict and a sense of urgency for security, sparking a wave of creativity and adaptation within the tech sector. It's a fascinating look at how adversity can inspire technological evolution and new market demands.

27 snips
Mar 5, 2025 • 13min
AI search could break the web
AI search is transforming how we access information, offering smarter insights into user intent. However, this technology poses risks to the digital economy, potentially starving content creators of necessary traffic and revenue. Legal battles, like News Corp's lawsuit against Perplexity AI, highlight concerns over copyright and sustainability. The future of online content may be at stake as AI redefines our interaction with the web.

11 snips
Feb 26, 2025 • 41min
The messy quest to replace drugs with electricity
Discover the intriguing potential of electroceuticals as a revolutionary alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. The podcast explores the history and recent breakthroughs in using electricity to treat chronic diseases. Learn about the evolution of bioelectric medicine and how it influences neuronal and cellular functions. The discussion emphasizes the need for structured support and branding to propel this innovative field forward.

Feb 19, 2025 • 21min
The weeds are winning
As climate change impacts agriculture, genetic engineering becomes crucial for food production. However, this advancement has led to a rise in superweeds, like waterhemp and Palmer amaranth, that resist herbicides. Experts discuss the evolutionary race between crops and these resilient weeds, highlighting the urgent need for innovative management strategies. Diverse control tactics and a blend of traditional methods are essential to tackle this growing challenge in farming.

8 snips
Feb 12, 2025 • 19min
Why AI could eat quantum computing’s lunch
The podcast dives into the intriguing rivalry between artificial intelligence and quantum computing. It explores how AI is revolutionizing the simulation of quantum systems, potentially overshadowing quantum technologies. The discussion raises thought-provoking questions about our data consumption and preservation for future generations. Can they grasp the mountains of information we're creating today? This insightful analysis opens up a dialogue on the future of science and technology.

28 snips
Feb 6, 2025 • 28min
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 • 23min
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 • 26min
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 • 19min
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.


