The CEO of Neuralink, Elon Musk, hit the headlines some days ago when the latest neural implants developed by the firm and fitted on a pig’s brain were introduced. Recently, in a private discussion, founder of competitor Kernel, Bryan Johnson, assured me that such implants will be something ordinary in brain surgery within more or less two years!

Whether true or not, one thing is certain: the technology is here and might one day “change humanity”, as the New York Times puts it. All this, taking more broadly the convergence between AI and neurotechnology into consideration, underlines the urgency to address the ethical questions. That is what the OECD is trying to nurture with its Recommendation on Responsible Innovation in Neurotechnology report.

– Olivier Dessibourg, GESDA

Predicting pig movement based on brain signals | Neuralink

Brain-computer interfaces and the future of neurotechnology governance. Today that may sound like fodder for a science fiction movie, but this future may be closer than you think.

Geoengineering is the only solution to our climate calamities. Altering the Earth’s geophysical environment is a moon shot – and it will be the only way to reverse the damage done. It’s time to take it more seriously.

Let’s talk about quantum computing in drug discovery. Digital research chiefs at big pharma firms pool know-how and experience in a precompetitive huddle.

Researchers at EPFL develop new method to print tiny, functional organs. Measuring just a few centimetres across, the mini-tissues look and function almost like their full-sized counterpart, and could allow scientists to study biological processes – and test new treatment approaches.

Gene editing plants and animals could help fight climate change. Editing the genes of plants and animals could help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture and other sectors, according to a report.

Will COVID-19 change our relationship with meat? Sales of plant-based meats have soared during the pandemic as customers shift diets due to growing unease about factory farming and working conditions in meat-packing plants.

The role China's space programme plays in "soft power" and diplomacy. A study by an American think tank looks at space power competition through China’s lens.

Israel – Arab peace accord fuels hope for surge in scientific collaboration. Space, water, food security and archaeology present opportunities for joint research as United Arab Emirates and Bahrain end boycott of Israel.

This selection is proposed by the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator GESDA, working on anticipating cutting-edge science and technological advances to develop innovative and inclusive solutions for the benefit of the planet and its inhabitants.

GESDA, and the reason for anticipation

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