TED Talks Daily

Creating genetically modified people is no longer a science fiction fantasy; it's a likely future scenario. Biologist Paul Knoepfler estimates that within fifteen years, scientists could use the gene editing technology CRISPR to make certain "upgrades" to human embryos -- from altering physical appearances to eliminating the risk of auto-immune diseases. In this thought-provoking talk, Knoepfler readies us for the coming designer baby revolution and its very personal, and unforeseeable, consequences.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Enough with online hate speech, sexual harassment and threats of violence against women and marginalized groups. It's time to take the global crisis of online abuse seriously. In this searching, powerful talk, Ashley Judd recounts her ongoing experience of being terrorized on social media for her unwavering activism and calls on citizens of the internet, the tech community, law enforcement and legislators to recognize the offline harm of online harassment.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jennifer Brea, a filmmaker and TED Fellow, shares her harrowing journey with myalgic encephalomyelitis, a condition often misunderstood by the medical community. She highlights the emotional toll of navigating a complex healthcare system with an invisible illness. Brea discusses the stigma surrounding chronic illnesses, especially for women, and reflects on her mission to document the lives of those affected. Her insights reveal the urgent need for compassion, understanding, and better recognition of patients’ struggles in the quest for treatment.

Alejandro Sánchez Alvarado, a developmental and regeneration biologist, emphasizes the need to broaden our biological research beyond just a handful of species like rats and chickens. He argues that exploring the vast diversity of life, particularly marine ecosystems, holds the key to solving age-old problems like cancer. Alvarado showcases the astonishing regenerative abilities of marine organisms and advocates for studying new species to unlock innovative solutions in science. Embracing the unknown in nature can lead to remarkable discoveries and deepen our understanding of life.

Dan Bricklin changed the world forever when he codeveloped VisiCalc, the first electronic spreadsheet and grandfather of programs you probably use every day like Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Join the software engineer and computing legend as he explores the tangled web of first jobs, daydreams and homework problems that led to his transformational invention.Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nearly every other year the transistors that power silicon computer chip shrink in size by half and double in performance, enabling our devices to become more mobile and accessible. But what happens when these components can't get any smaller? George Tulevski researches the unseen and untapped world of nanomaterials. His current work: developing chemical processes to compel billions of carbon nanotubes to assemble themselves into the patterns needed to build circuits, much the same way natural organisms build intricate, diverse and elegant structures. Could they hold the secret to the next generation of computing?Learn more about our flagship conference happening this April at attend.ted.com/podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this engaging discussion, organizational psychologist Adam Grant explores the three types of workplace personalities: givers, takers, and matchers. He highlights how fostering a culture of generosity can enhance collaboration and productivity. Grant shares strategies to identify and mitigate the impact of self-serving behaviors while promoting helpfulness. He also introduces the concept of 'five-minute favors' as a way to nurture relationships and support givers, ultimately advocating for a supportive environment that prioritizes teamwork over competition.