Curious Minds is where big questions meet everyday curiosity, exploring how science, technology, and imagination shape our world. From kids to grandparents, everyone can find something to spark their mind here.

If you think hacking is just about stolen passwords or leaked emails — think again. Today, the frontier has shifted from computers to cells, from stolen data to stolen DNA.

In this episode (Ep. 11): Join Ashwath on Curious Minds as we dive into the emerging world of cyberbiosecurity where digital breaches collide with biology itself. From the 23andMe data exposure that shook public trust, to academic demonstrations showing how malicious code can hide inside synthetic DNA, this episode unpacks how the “code of life” is becoming the next cybersecurity battlefield.

We’ll explore what experts fear most: how genetic data could be misused, how lab pipelines can be compromised, and how subtle vulnerabilities in DNA ordering systems could open the door to future bioterror risks. But it’s not all doom — we’ll also highlight the scientists, standards bodies, and innovators fighting to secure the biological future.

And here’s the takeaway — as biology moves deeper into the digital realm, protecting it isn’t just a scientific challenge. It’s a human one. From privacy to public health, the stakes have never been higher.

Stay curious, stay vigilant — because when life becomes data, security becomes survival.

Disclaimer:
This episode is crafted with the support of advanced AI tools to ensure clarity, smooth delivery, and an engaging listening experience. All information is drawn from credible, publicly available research, and any discussion of potential risks reflects the current understanding of subject-matter experts. This content is intended for educational and informational use only. It does not provide medical, legal, or policy advice, nor does it express political opinions or seek to influence any election. Listeners are encouraged to explore the referenced sources for further detail.

#CuriousMindsPodcast #Cyberbiosecurity #BiotechRisks #DNAHacking #DigitalBiology #GeneticPrivacy #Bioethics #FutureOfScience #Biosecurity #SyntheticBiology #23andMe #ScienceExplained #TechThreats #InnovationAndEthics #NewFrontiers

Sources

1. MIT Technology Review — Scientists Hack a Computer Using DNA (2017): https://www.technologyreview.com/2017/08/10/150013/scientists-hack-a-computer-using-dna/
2. Bio-IT World — Scientists Hack a Computer Using DNA (2017): https://www.bio-itworld.com/news/2017/08/10/scientists-hack-a-computer-using-dna
3. 23andMe Blog — Addressing Data Security Concerns: https://blog.23andme.com/articles/addressing-data-security-concerns
4. HIPAA Journal — 6.9 Million 23andMe Users Affected by Data Breach: https://www.hipaajournal.com/6-9-million-23andme-users-affected-by-data-breach/
5. UK ICO — 23andMe fined £2.31 million: https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2025/06/23andme-fined-for-failing-to-protect-uk-users-genetic-data/
6. Cyber BGU — This new cyberattack can dupe DNA scientists into creating dangerous viruses and toxins: https://cyber.bgu.ac.il/this-new-cyberattack-can-dupe-dna-scientists-into-creating-dangerous-viruses-and-toxins/

Curious Minds is where big questions meet everyday curiosity—exploring how science, technology, and imagination shape our world. From kids to grandparents, everyone can find something to spark their mind here.

In this episode (Ep. 7): Can living underwater make you biologically younger? Join host Karthik as he explores the incredible story of Dr. Joseph Dituri, a former Navy diver who lived under the sea for 100 days and emerged with signs of reversed aging. Discover how pressure, oxygen, and disciplined science reveal new insights into longevity and what it really means to grow young.

Disclaimer:

This episode is crafted with the support of advanced AI tools to ensure clarity, smooth delivery, and an engaging listening experience. All information is drawn from credible, publicly available research, and any discussion of potential risks reflects the current understanding of subject-matter experts. This content is intended for educational and informational use only. It does not provide medical, legal, or policy advice, nor does it express political opinions or seek to influence any election. Listeners are encouraged to explore the referenced sources for further detail.#underwaterliving, #biologicalage, #telomeres, #longevity, #science, #anti-aging, #CuriousMindsPodcast

Sources:

• "Diving Deep: Dr. Joseph Dituri Sets Record Living Underwater for 100 Days," University of South Florida News, 2023, https://www.usf.edu/news/2023/mission-complete-usfs-dr-deep-sea-resurfaces-after-living-underwater-for-100-days-setting-new-world-record.aspx
• "Man Who Lived Underwater for 100 Days Reveals Epigenetic Age Impact," LAD Bible, 2025, https://www.ladbible.com/news/science/joseph-dituri-lived-underwater-experiment-epigenetic-age-742753-20250418
• "Florida Scientist Resurfaces After Living Underwater for Record 100 Days," PBS NewsHour, 2023, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/florida-scientist-resurfaces-after-living-underwater-for-record-100-days
• "Florida Man Spends Record Time Living Underwater, Aims to Rejuvenate Cells," USA Today, 2023, https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2023/06/09/joseph-dituri-undersea-living-record-100-days/70307599007/
• "Researcher Experiments Living Underwater for 100 Days to Study How High Pressure Impacts Longevity," GreenMatters, 2024, https://www.greenmatters.com/pn/researcher-experiments-living-underwater-for-100-days-to-study-how-high-pressure-impacts-longevity-the-results-are-baffling

Curious Minds is where big questions meet everyday curiosity—exploring how science, technology, and imagination shape our world. From kids to grandparents, everyone can find something to spark their mind here.

In this episode (Ep. 5): Join Prashanth to explore how a 19th-century mathematician’s equations, modern sensors, and artificial intelligence work together to predict and prevent the world’s most dangerous crashes. Discover how science, data, and design quietly protect millions of lives every day.

Disclaimer:

This episode is crafted with the support of advanced AI tools to ensure clarity, smooth delivery, and an engaging listening experience. All information is drawn from credible, publicly available research, and any discussion of potential risks reflects the current understanding of subject-matter experts. This content is intended for educational and informational use only. It does not provide medical, legal, or policy advice, nor does it express political opinions or seek to influence any election. Listeners are encouraged to explore the referenced sources for further detail.

Sources:

1. ​AI-Based Model Can Help Traffic Engineers Predict Future CrashesJohns Hopkins University Researchers, Nature Communications, 2025 https://techxplore.com/news/2025-10-ai-based-traffic-future-sites.html
2. ​Simulation Crash Testing: Enhancing Automotive DesignNeural Concept Blog, 2018 https://www.neuralconcept.com/post/simulation-crash-testing-enhancing-automotive-design
3. ​Nexar’s Open Dataset and Crash Prediction ChallengeNexar Blog, 2025 https://data.getnexar.com/blog/nexars-open-dataset-and-crash-prediction-challenge-pushing-the-boundaries-of-ai-driven-road-safety/
4. ​Augustin-Louis Cauchy - Biography and Mathematical LegacyMacTutor History of Mathematics Archive, University of St Andrews, 2017 https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Cauchy/
5. ​NHTSA Vehicle Safety RatingsNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration, USA, 2025 https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings
6. ​Euro NCAP Safety RatingsEuropean New Car Assessment Programme, Ongoing updates https://www.euroncap.com/en/ratings-rewards/latest-safety-ratings/

Curious Minds is where big questions meet everyday curiosity—exploring how science, technology, and imagination shape our world. From kids to grandparents, everyone can find something to spark their mind here.

In this episode (Ep. 4): Join host Indira on Curious Minds as she takes you on a fascinating journey through five decades of parenting and technology. From cassette lullabies to AI tutors, discover how families worldwide have adapted, the joys and challenges tech brings, and thoughts on balancing screen time and play. Perfect for parents, caregivers, and curious minds alike!

Disclaimer: This episode is crafted with the support of advanced AI tools to ensure clarity, smooth delivery, and an engaging listening experience. All information is drawn from credible, publicly available research, and any discussion of potential risks reflects the current understanding of subject-matter experts. This content is intended for educational and informational use only. It does not provide medical, legal, or policy advice, nor does it express political opinions or seek to influence any election. Listeners are encouraged to explore the referenced sources for further detail.#Parenting,# Technology, #Digital Parenting, #AI Tutors, #Child Development, #Screen Time, #Parenting Trends, #Family Tech, #Mindful Tech Use, #Future of LearningSources:

• “Parenting in the Smartphone Era”, Nesta, 2022https://www.nesta.org.uk/project-updates/parenting-in-the-smartphone-era/
• “The Sisyphean Cycle of Technology Panics”, National Library of Medicine (PMC), 2020https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7477771/
• “How Technology Has Changed Parenting Over Past 20 Years”, Business Insider, 2019https://www.businessinsider.com/how-being-a-parent-has-changed-in-the-last-20-years-2019
• “Evolutionary Trends in the Adoption, Adaptation, and Use of Digital Technology by Parents”, Journal of Medical Internet Research, 2024 https://www.jmir.org/2024/1/e62790/
• “Technology Adoption Curve: 5 Stages of Adoption”, Whatfix, 2025 https://whatfix.com/blog/technology-adoption-curve/