TED Talks have become a platform where brilliant minds share their groundbreaking ideas with the world. In the realms of science and technology, these talks offer deep insights into cutting-edge innovations, scientific breakthroughs, and the future of human advancement. Here are ten must-watch TED Talks on science and technology that will inspire, inform, and challenge the way you think about the world around you.
1. “The future we’re building – and boring” by Elon Musk
Elon Musk discusses the ambitious technological projects he’s spearheading, from tunneling under cities with The Boring Company to exploring the cosmos with SpaceX, and this talk provides an exciting glimpse into the future of urban transportation, renewable energy, and interplanetary travel.
2. “How CRISPR lets us edit our DNA” by Jennifer Doudna
Nobel Prize winner Jennifer Doudna explains the revolutionary gene-editing technology CRISPR and its potential to transform medicine, agriculture, and biology, and Doudna delves into the ethical questions surrounding genome editing, as well as its immense potential to cure genetic diseases.
3. “A neural link to our brains” by Miguel Nicolelis
Neuroscientist Miguel Nicolelis explores the frontier of brain-machine interfaces, discussing how technology can connect the human brain to computers, where he also shares his groundbreaking research on how these interfaces could allow people with paralysis to regain movement, opening up possibilities for human-computer symbiosis.
4. “Your brain hallucinates your conscious reality” by Anil Seth
Cognitive neuroscientist Anil Seth explores the fascinating ways in which our brains construct our perception of reality, where he dives into the science of consciousness, revealing how our brains create the experience of the world around us, making the case that reality is an “informed hallucination.”
5. “The era of personal DNA testing is here” by Spencer Wells
Geneticist Spencer Wells takes us through the emerging world of personal DNA testing, explaining how we can trace our ancestry, explore our genetic makeup, and understand how this data could revolutionize health care and self-discovery.
6. “Meet Spot, the robot dog that can run, hop, and open doors” by Marc Raibert
Marc Raibert, founder of Boston Dynamics, introduces Spot, the agile, intelligent, and adaptable robot dog where in this talk, Raibert showcases Spot’s impressive capabilities and discusses how robots will play a crucial role in the future of human assistance, from disaster relief to construction.
7. “What we’ll learn about the brain in the next century” by Sam Rodriques
Neuroscientist Sam Rodriques explores the untapped potential of brain science. He outlines some of the boldest frontiers for discovery in neuroscience, including ways to store and upload memories and possibly even explore the relationship between the brain and consciousness.
8. “The electric rise and fall of Nikola Tesla” by Marc Seifer
Biographer Marc Seifer chronicles the life of Nikola Tesla, the visionary inventor behind alternating current (AC) and many other revolutionary technologies as he offers a compelling narrative about how Tesla’s ideas, once ridiculed, have transformed the modern world and inspired countless inventors.
9. “The astonishing potential of synthetic biology” by Drew Endy
Synthetic biologist Drew Endy explains how we can redesign living organisms to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems, and from bioengineering new forms of life to creating sustainable materials, this talk highlights how synthetic biology could revolutionize industries and healthcare.
10. ”The next outbreak? We’re not ready” by Bill Gates
In this prescient talk, Bill Gates discusses the likelihood of a global pandemic and highlights the world’s unpreparedness to tackle such an event. He outlines the steps that need to be taken to mitigate the damage of a future pandemic, many of which came to light during the COVID-19 crisis, showcasing the importance of scientific foresight.
These TED Talks on science and technology offer a window into the incredible advancements shaping our future. Whether it’s the exploration of the cosmos, understanding our own DNA, or pushing the boundaries of robotics and synthetic biology, each of these talks reflects humanity’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and innovation. Watching these thought-provoking talks will inspire you to ponder the limitless possibilities that science and technology hold for shaping our world.