Will we be able to programme the human genome like we programme computers? And will we be able to stop ageing or create medicines and vaccines in record time? Geneticist and synthetic biology pioneer Andrew Hessel explains how this field could transform medicine, making it possible not only to diagnose but also to cure diseases in a more effective and personalised way.

Hessel draws parallels between programming a computer and programming a cell, highlighting how the manipulation of genetic code is opening doors to innovative treatments and advances in longevity.

Today, DNA sequencing already plays a crucial role in medicine, but synthetic biology promises to go even further, offering the ability to alter microbes to improve health and slow down natural processes such as ageing.

However, all these advances face ethical challenges. The manipulation of living organisms, especially in humans, raises questions about the limits and responsibilities of using this technology.

Hessel warns of the risks of abusing synthetic biology for financial, political or religious reasons, but believes that the democratisation of these tools can be a positive force for humanity.

More on the topic
Andrew Hessel LinkedIn account
X account (Twitter)
Synthetic Biology: Rewriting Life. Andrew Hessel at NextMed Health
The Futurists: The First Technology with Andrew Hessel
Ted Hesser podcast: Andrew Hessel Programming DNA - The Future of Synthetic Biology
Amy Webb & Andrew Hessel | The Genesis Machine | Talks at Google

The alliance that has ensured peace throughout most of Europe is now at the centre of all attention. «We are in a very dangerous era. The next 25 years will probably be the most challenging NATO has ever had», argues Peter Apps, global affairs columnist for Reuters and author of the book «Deterring Armageddon: a biography of NATO».

In this interview, the expert is convinced that a new world conflict will be triggered by the ambition of countries that want to extend their borders by force of arms.

«I think the world is probably organised enough so that we don't have a third world war by mistake. If we do, it will be because one or more countries have made a really big gamble on attempting to do what Putin has done in Ukraine», he emphasises.

With Europe grappling with the war on Ukrainian soil - and on the verge of affecting NATO member countries - the continent will have to rethink its defence investment. And with Donald Trump in the White House, Europeans will have to be more autonomous in their military decisions.

The future of the relationship between the US and Europe is still unclear. The expert points out that, on the one hand, it is not certain that the Europeans «will do enough to keep the Trump government on their side, to ensure continued US support». On the other hand, it is not known how tolerant the next US president will be if Europe tries to go its own way.

Highlighting the importance of NATO membership for Nordic countries and Turkey, Apps predicts that the current tense environment could persist for 15, 20, or even 30 years, ushering in a kind of new Cold War.

Peter Apps does, however, leave us with a message of hope for the future: «we are clearly in an era of conflict, but common sense will prevail».

More on the topic:
Peter Apps official website
X account (Twitter)
Substack for Peter Apps newsletter
Ted X London
Interview about NATO on Dan Snow's podcast
Interview with Sábado magazine
Interview on the History Hack podcast

Colin Bryar, former vice-president of Amazon and Jeff Bezos' right-hand man, shares the secrets that have transformed Amazon into the world's leading e-commerce company.

In this interview, he discusses the philosophy of putting the customer at the centre of all decisions, the importance of analysing the right data to understand and respond to consumer needs, and the steps that led to the company's continuous innovation. From changes in packaging - prompted by direct customer feedback - to the emergence of Amazon Web Services, which created the cloud computing industry. In addition, he explores how customer prioritisation and the intelligent use of data have shaped the company's success in the digital marketplace.

Bryar also explains how companies can apply these lessons to grow, innovate and solve real problems. In this episode of ‘It's not that simple’, discover the impact of digital transformation, the future of online commerce and the strategies that continue to position Amazon at the forefront of e-commerce and technology.

More on the topic:

Alcott Global interview

Colin Bryar's LinkedIn

Agile Education interview

Q&A from the Think Like Amazon podcast

Commonplace Expertise interview