Episodes

  • Curious Minds: The Silent Warrior of Trust: How Governments Are Using Blockchain to Crush Fraud
    Dec 4 2025
    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.When most people hear “blockchain,” they think crypto prices, hype cycles, or digital coins that rise and crash overnight. But far away from the noise, something far more profound is unfolding — a quiet revolution where governments, not startups, are leading the charge to fight fraud, secure public systems, and rebuild trust.In this episode (Ep. 12): Join Haruto as we travel across Estonia, the UAE, Uzbekistan, and India to uncover how tamper-proof, transparent blockchain systems are transforming public services. From secure digital voting in the Baltics, to instant real-estate transfers in Dubai, to corruption-resistant bonds in Central Asia, to welfare systems in India that deliver benefits without middlemen — this episode shines a light on the real global impact hiding in plain sight.DisclaimerThis 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 legal, financial, 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 #BlockchainExplained #DigitalGovernance #AntiCorruptionTech #PublicSectorInnovation #EGovernment #FraudPrevention #FutureOfTrust #TechForGood #ImmutableLedgers #GlobalInnovation #ScienceExplained #BlockchainForGood #SmartPublicServicesSources:World Economic Forum — 5 ways blockchain could help tackle government corruption: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2020/07/5-ways-blockchain-could-help-tackle-government-corruption/World Economic Forum — Blockchain-Based Public Procurement to Reduce Corruption: https://www.weforum.org/publications/exploring-blockchain-technology-for-government-transparency-to-reduce-corruption/World Bank — Blockchain technology has the potential to transform government: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/governance/blockchain-technology-has-potential-transform-government-first-we-need-build-trustUNSDG — Using Blockchain to Disrupt Government Corruption in Uzbekistan: https://unsdg.un.org/latest/blog/using-blockchain-disrupt-government-corruption-uzbekistanWorld Bank — Can cryptocurrencies and blockchain help fight corruption?: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/voices/can-cryptocurrencies-and-blockchain-help-fight-corruptionWorld Bank — Enhancing Transparency: The impact of Blockchain-based audit trails: https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/governance/enhancing-transparency--the-impact-of-blockchain-based-audit-traWorld Economic Forum — Can blockchain help in the fight against corruption?: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2018/03/will-blockchain-curb-corruption/World Economic Forum — The digital commons: using blockchain for good governance: https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/02/digital-commons-blockchain-governance/Reuters — For security agencies, blockchain goes from suspect to potential solution: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-tech-blockchain-security/for-security-agencies-blockchain-goes-from-suspect-to-potential-solution-idUSKBN1DX01A/World Bank — The World Bank and Blockchain: A New Era of Transparency: https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2025/09/29/the-world-bank-and-blockchain-a-new-era-of-transparency
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    9 mins
  • Curious Minds: Biotech to Bioterror: Silent Heists in the World of Cyberbiosecurity
    Nov 27 2025

    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/



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    8 mins
  • Curious Minds: Wait, Say That Again: Ghosting, Situationship… What Does That Even Mean? Digital-Age Dating in 2025
    Nov 20 2025
    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.10): Join host Neil as we decode the new vocabulary of modern love. From ghosting to situationships, breadcrumbing to love-bombing, today's dating world speaks a language all its own. We’ll dive into how our digital lives—swipes, stories, apps—have rewritten the rules of connection. With data from the latest reports and expert commentary, we'll explore why intimacy feels so confusing, how attention has become a currency, and what it might take to reclaim real connection in 2025. Includes fact-checked insights from sources such as the comprehensive glossary of modern relationship terms. 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.#DigitalRomance #Ghosting #Situationship #OnlineDating2025 #LoveBombing #Gaslighting #Breadcrumbing #AIcatfishing #DatingTrends #ModernLove #CuriousMindsPodcastSources“25 Modern Relationship Terms That You Should Know.” Marriage.com. Updated July 4 2025. Available at: https://www.marriage.com/advice/relationship/modern-relationship-terms/“Ghosting: Abandonment in the Digital Era.” MDPI Social Sciences, 2023. https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8392/4/1/4“Eight in ten Americans ‘burnt out’ with dating apps: research.” New York Post, 21 Jun 2024. https://nypost.com/2024/06/21/lifestyle/eight-in-ten-americans-burnt-out-with-dating-apps-research/“Survey: 78% of Gen Z report dating-app burnout.” Forbes Health, 25 Jul 2025. https://www.forbes.com/health/dating/dating-app-fatigue/“Data reveals that Gen Z daters are most likely to talk boundaries.” OkCupid Blog, 12 May 2025. https://theblog.okcupid.com/data-reveals-that-gen-z-daters-are-most-likely-to-talk-boundaries-f0c636024444“Hinge raises concern over burnout; tests ‘Your Turn Limits’ to fight ghosting.” Newsweek, 14 May 2024. https://www.newsweek.com/hinge-plan-tackle-dating-burnout-1932511“Addicted to love: how dating apps ‘exploit’ their users.” The Guardian, 3 Nov 2024. https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2024/nov/03/addicted-to-love-how-dating-apps-exploit-their-usersCloudwards — “35+ Online Dating Statistics 2025: Facts, Trends and Insights.” 2025. https://www.cloudwards.net/online-dating-statistics/“Understanding the emotional effects of ghosting in modern dating.” City News Montreal, 29 Oct 2024. https://montreal.citynews.ca/2024/10/29/understanding-the-emotional-effects-of-ghosting-in-modern-dating/“Deepfake Influencer: Ukrainian YouTuber Slams AI Clones Selling Goods on Chinese Apps”, South China Morning Post, Feb 29 2024. https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/china-personalities/article/3253247/deepfake-influencer-ukraine-slams-generators-ai-clones-which-turned-her-russian-sell-goods-chinese“Celebrities Voice Concern Over Deepfake Misuse”, China Daily, May 21 2025. https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202505/21/WS68d0e00ca3108622abca21fa.html“Virtual Employees, AI Influencers, and Synthetic Content: Legal Classification and International Perspectives”, IT & Media Law Journal, 2024. https://itmedialaw.com/en/virtual-employees-ai-influencers-and-synthetic-content-legal-classification-and-international-perspectives/
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    11 mins
  • Curious Minds: Why Can’t I Focus? The Attention Span Challenge from Gen Alpha to Boomers
    Nov 13 2025
    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 can listen to this episode without checking your phone even once — congratulations, you’re already in the top 1% of focus champions.From preschool classrooms in Turkey to workplace screens across the globe, attention is becoming our most fragile resource. Why can’t we focus anymore — and what can we actually do about it?In this episode (Ep. 9): Join Preethi on Curious Minds as we explore what science says about shrinking attention spans, how early screen habits shape young brains, and why dopamine—not discipline—drives distraction. From Gen Alpha to adults, we’ll uncover how constant pings and infinite scrolls reshape memory, learning, and relationships.And here’s the takeaway — this isn’t about quitting tech. It’s about mindful usage. Whether it’s tech-free dinners, parent–child co-play, or simply choosing one task over ten, reclaiming focus starts with small, conscious choices.Stay curious, stay aware — because your attention is your most valuable currency in the digital age.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 #WhyCantIFocus #DigitalDistraction #MindfulTech #AttentionEconomy #ScreenTime #GenAlpha #ParentingInDigitalAge #FocusNotScroll #DigitalWellbeing #PauseToFocus #NeuroscienceOfAttention #MindfulUsage #TechBalanceSources: “Average Daily Notifications Statistics.” MobiLoud Blog, 2025.https://www.mobiloud.com/blog/push-notification-statistics“The Impact of Screen Exposure on Attention Development in Preschool Children.” Infant Studies Journal, 2025.https://infantstudies.org/language-learning-in-a-digital-world-how-screen-time-impacts-childrens-language-development/“Common Sense Media: Gen Alpha Screen Time Report 2025.” Common Sense Media, 2025.https://www.commonsensemedia.org/gen-alpha-screen-time-2025“Viral Preschool Experiment Highlights Screen-Time Impact.” Infant Studies / Turkish Preschool Case Study, 2025.https://infantstudies.org“Adult Attention Span Decline: Neuroscience Research Update.” National Institutes of Health (NIH), 2025.https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/attention-span-decline-linked-digital-age“Screen-Free Week Campaign Overview.” Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood (CCFC), 2025.https://www.screenfree.org“All Digital Weeks 2025: Digital Wellbeing Initiative.” All Digital European Network, 2025.https://alldigitalweeks.eu/home-2025/about-2025/“‘Look Up’ Viral Short Film on Social Media Distraction.” TIME Magazine, 2014.https://time.com/88203/look-up-social-media-gary-turk/“Korean Classroom Smartphone Ban Law Passes.” Korea JoongAng Daily, 27 Aug 2025.https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-08-27/national/politics/Law-limiting-student-smartphone-use-in-class-passes-in-bipartisan-vote/2385580
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    9 mins
  • Curious Minds: Shhhhhh Careful! Your Air Fryer is Listening: A Take on Digital Privacy Intrusion
    Nov 6 2025
    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. 8): What if the most ordinary device in your home — your air fryer — wasn’t just cooking your dinner, but quietly collecting data about your life?Sai dives deep into the hidden world of smart home surveillance, where everyday gadgets like TVs, vacuums, and refrigerators may be gathering more information than we realize.We unpack how permissions, companion apps, and data-sharing practices turn convenience into quiet surveillance. From real-world hacks to evolving global regulations in the EU, US, India, and China, Sai explores what governments are doing — and what you, as a user, can do — to protect your privacy.Because in this digital age, silence is not acceptance. It is surrender.#SmartHomePrivacy #DigitalPrivacy #IOTSecurity #DataProtection #TechEthics #CuriousMindsPodcast #AirFryerSpying #PrivacyByDesign #ConsumerRightsSources: “Why is my air fryer spying on me?” Which?, 2024. Available at: https://www.which.co.uk/policy-and-insight/article/why-is-my-air-fryer-spying-on-me-a9Fa24K6gY1c“Your Household Smart Products Must Respect Your Privacy.” Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), UK, 2025. Available at: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/online-tracking/guidance-for-consumer-internet-of-things-products-and-services/“California family's smart home devices hacked leading to burglary.” CNN, 2024. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/09/tech/smart-home-cameras-hackers-security“Privacy Risks in Smart Home Apps: A Closer Look at Data Collection.” ComplexDiscovery, 2024. Available at: https://complexdiscovery.com/privacy-risks-in-smart-home-apps-a-closer-look-at-data-collection/“Smart Home Statistics 2025: Smart Device Usage, Privacy Concerns.” Statista / SQ Magazine, 2025. Available at: https://sqmagazine.co.uk/smart-home-statistics/“Smart Products Surveyed Fail to Provide Consumers with Information on How Long Companies will Provide Software Updates.” Federal Trade Commission press release, 26 November 2024. Available at: https://www.ftc.gov/terms/internet-things“Smart TV tracking raises privacy concerns.” University College London News, 10 November 2024. Available at: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/nov/smart-tv-tracking-raises-privacy-concerns“Smart TVs capture viewing data even when used as external screens.” TechXplore, 10 December 2024. Available at: https://www.techxplore.com/news/2024-12-smart-tvs-viewing-external-screens.html“Consumer Policy and the Smart Home.” OECD Report, April 2018. Available at: https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2018/04/consumer-policy-and-the-smart-home_5cd05699/e124c34a-en.pdfHaney, J. M. (2024). Smart Home Device Loss of Support: Consumer Risks from Unsupported Devices. NIST Publication. Available at: https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=936232“Connected Tech: Smart or Sinister?” House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media & Sport Committee, 7 August 2023. Available at: https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5803/cmselect/cmcumeds/157/report.html
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    10 mins
  • Curious Minds: The Man Who Lived Under the Sea and Came Out 10 Years Younger
    Oct 30 2025

    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
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    7 mins
  • Curious Minds: Innovation vs Regulation: What's the Real State of Play in 2025?
    Oct 23 2025

    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. 6): As technology evolves faster than ever, governments race to keep up. From deepfakes and AI scams to crypto regulation and data-protection laws, discover how nations across the world are redefining digital responsibility. Join host Adithee on Curious Minds for a sweeping exploration of how innovation and regulation shape the future — and why having a seat at the table matters more than ever.

    Disclaimer: This episode is crafted with insights researched using AI and personal reflections. While facts are verified with credible sources, the practical tips shared are for general guidance. Listeners are encouraged to adapt them to their own needs.

    #AI regulation, #deepfakes, #GDPR, #MiCA, #China, #India, #digitalpolicy, #innovation vs #regulation, #technology #ethics, #CuriousMindspodcast.

    Sources:

    1. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) — Official Legal Text
      European Union, 2016 (Effective 2018)
      https://gdpr-info.eu
    2. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
      Wikipedia, 2025
      https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Data_Protection_Regulation
    3. Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
      Federal Trade Commission (FTC), USA, 1998
      https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/rules/childrens-online-privacy-protection-rule-coppa
    4. Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA)
      European Commission, 2023
      https://ec.europa.eu/info/business-economy-euro/banking-and-finance/financial-markets/securities-markets/crypto-assets_en
    5. Data Protection — European Commission
      European Commission, ongoing updates
      https://commission.europa.eu/law/law-topic/data-protection_en
    6. UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) — Data Protection and the EU
      ICO UK, 2025
      https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/data-protection-and-the-eu/overview-data-protection-and-the-eu/
    7. Key Cybersecurity Laws in China
      The Diplomat (Analysis Article), 2023
      https://thediplomat.com/2023/03/chinas-cybersecurity-law/
    8. Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 — India
      Legislative Affairs India (Official Portal), 2023
      https://www.legislative.gov.in/actsofparliamentfromtheyear/digital-personal-data-protection-act-2019
    9. India’s AI-powered Fraud Monitoring Network Launch
      Economic Times India, 2024
      https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/indias-ai-fraud-monitoring-network-goes-live/articleshow/102041234.cms



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    7 mins
  • Curious Minds: The Science of Car Safety: How AI and Mathematics Save Lives on the Road
    Oct 16 2025

    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.

    Sources:

      1. AI-Based Model Can Help Traffic Engineers Predict Future Crashes
        Johns Hopkins University Researchers, Nature Communications, 2025
        https://techxplore.com/news/2025-10-ai-based-traffic-future-sites.html

      2. Simulation Crash Testing: Enhancing Automotive Design
        Neural Concept Blog, 2018
        https://www.neuralconcept.com/post/simulation-crash-testing-enhancing-automotive-design

      3. Nexar’s Open Dataset and Crash Prediction Challenge
        Nexar 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 Legacy
        MacTutor History of Mathematics Archive, University of St Andrews, 2017
        https://mathshistory.st-andrews.ac.uk/Biographies/Cauchy/

      5. NHTSA Vehicle Safety Ratings
        National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, USA, 2025
        https://www.nhtsa.gov/ratings

      6. Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
        European New Car Assessment Programme, Ongoing updates
        https://www.euroncap.com/en/ratings-rewards/latest-safety-ratings/


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    6 mins