Artificial Wombs and A Brave New World

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The concept of artificial wombs has been a topic of scientific inquiry for nearly a century, originally stemming from debates in the 1920s and 1930s. Recent advancements indicate progress in this area, as techniques evolve to sustain prematurely born babies and to extend the growth of non-human embryos outside the womb. Current regulations limit human embryo development to 14 days, but animal embryos can be gestated for longer periods, approaching full gestation stages. Despite these technological advancements, there is a lack of clear societal demand or driver for fully artificial wombs specifically for human use.

Philip Ball is an award-winning science writer who has penned over 30 books on a dizzying variety of subjects. Holding degrees in chemistry from Oxford and physics from the University of Bristol, Ball's multidisciplinary background underpins his versatility. As a former editor at Nature for two decades and a regular contributor to a range of publications and broadcast outlets, Ball's work exemplifies the rare combination of scientific depth and accessibility, cementing his reputation as a premier science communicator.

Tyler and Philip discuss how well scientists have stood up to power historically, the problematic pressures scientists feel within academia today, artificial wombs and the fertility crisis, the price of invisibility, the terrifying nature of outer space and Gothic cathedrals, the role Christianity played in the Scientific Revolution, what current myths may stick around forever, whether cells can be thought of as doing computation, the limitations of The Selfish Gene, whether the free energy principle can be usefully applied, the problem of microplastics gathering in testicles and other places, progress in science, his favorite science fiction, how to follow in his footsteps, and more.

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Recorded May 22nd, 2024.

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