The World, the Universe and Us · New Scientist

Is this the first step to cyborg brains? How drones are reshaping warfare forever; New Vera Rubin observatory goes live

June 13, 2025·31 min·3 clips

Do trees fart? Discover family-friendly science stories that explore everything from butts to astronomy.

This episode of *The World, the Universe and Us* from *New Scientist* explores emerging technologies blending biology and machines. Hosts Rowan Hooper and Penny Sarchet introduce the theme of a technological shift toward cyborg integration. They preview interviews from a London event called Cyborg Futures and specific scientific studies. The episode covers research from Harvard where scientists implanted a device into the proto-brain of an early-stage tadpole. This implanted device successfully merged and grew with the tadpole's developing brain. Hosts discuss the broader aim of cyborg technology, including neural implants and brain prosthetics. They also report on the new Vera Rubin Observatory being built in Chile. The show examines a Ukrainian drone attack on Russian planes as an indicator of a new warfare era. Additionally, the episode presents positive economic news regarding the benefits of achieving net zero emissions. A key insight is the belief that machines are transitioning from being around us to becoming a part of us. The tadpole experiment demonstrates a device integrating with organic growth, not just being statically implanted. The discussion positions cyborgs broadly as blends of organic and electronic components, including animals. The coverage of drone warfare suggests such technology is already reshaping modern conflict dynamics. The episode connects disparate fields, from neuroscience to astronomy to economics, under a theme of technological transformation. The Vera Rubin Observatory represents a major advance in our ability to observe the universe. The tone is educational and conversational, presenting news and interviews in an accessible, journalistic style. The hosts guide the listener through complex topics with clarity and a sense of discovery. Listeners interested in the ethical and practical frontiers of bioengineering and human-machine integration would find this episode compelling. Those seeking a deep, singular narrative or purely political analysis might find its broad news-magazine approach less engaging.

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