Science
Biology
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A technological future where our brain waves could be monitored and our thoughts decoded and analyzed — sometimes against our will — is not as far away as we think. But our existing legal protections and conception of human rights around cognitive liberty are trailing innovations in neurotechnology. Brain hacking tools and devices could bring massive benefits, for people s...
Before Covid-19 began spreading across the globe last year, virologist Nathan Wolfe already knew what was becoming abundantly clear: The world was woefully unprepared to prevent the spread of novel viral threats. To prevent similar devastation, he challenges people to imagine a different future where viruses are regularly tracked in groups of individuals—providing a sort o...
![Walter Isaacson](https://aspenideasfestival.imgix.net/null26e75f5d-b948-4dc1-b94d-287131abfdb4/9154502106_981ba6d233_h.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&h=400&mono=7d247d&q=80&rect=200%2C0%2C1067%2C1067&w=400)
![Walter Isaacson](https://aspenideasfestival.imgix.net/null26e75f5d-b948-4dc1-b94d-287131abfdb4/9154502106_981ba6d233_h.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&h=400&q=80&rect=200%2C0%2C1067%2C1067&w=400)
Biographer Walter Isaacson's latest book tells the story of biochemist Jennifer Doudna. She helped develop a controversial tool that has the power to transform the human race. CRISPR can edit genes to cure diseases but can also be used to create designer babies.
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As scientists work to develop a vaccine to battle the coronavirus pandemic, many people question whether the process has been rushed and if the results will be effective and safe. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is responsible for approving new vaccines in this country. FDA commissioner Dr. Stephen Hahn and former FDA commissioner Dr. Peggy Hamburg say the agency use...
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Learn about the latest technological developments in gene editing.
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Psychologist Dan Gilbert reveals what scientists know about the human ability to imagine the future.
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What does it mean to be creative? How can we all tap into creative potential?
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Meditation and mindfulness have gone mainstream. So how do you actually reap their benefits?
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Our brains are getting older, but there's still much to be optimistic about.
![Richard Davidson AIF 2015](https://aspenideasfestival.imgix.net/null3e9787af-6021-4f6a-b289-a26380a52505/19229337859_10e4ace59b_h.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&h=400&mono=b78045&q=80&rect=391%2C0%2C1042%2C1042&w=400)
![Richard Davidson AIF 2015](https://aspenideasfestival.imgix.net/null3e9787af-6021-4f6a-b289-a26380a52505/19229337859_10e4ace59b_h.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&h=400&q=80&rect=391%2C0%2C1042%2C1042&w=400)
Scientific evidence suggests that we can change our brains by transforming our minds and cultivating habits of mind that will improve well-being.
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![Nita Farahany AIF 2014](https://aspenideasfestival.imgix.net/null82fdf8d5-5a2c-4d3a-9d2c-be5fd220979e/14564683204_b115323f3b_h.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=min&fm=jpg&h=400&q=80&rect=112%2C0%2C1067%2C1067&w=400)
The discussion of "designer babies" often revolves around gender or hair color, but the medical debate is far more complicated.