In the second episode of Science Forward, the podcast of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board, we speak with Board member Thomas Südhof and synthetic biologist Yensi Flores Bueso about the idea of creating life from mirror versions of the molecules found in nature.

Mirror life does not exist yet, but the science behind it is advancing rapidly. Some researchers believe it could transform medicine. Others warn that creating a self replicating organism unlike anything found on Earth could introduce challenges we are not prepared for.

Could it lead to new treatments for diseases like cancer and diabetes? Could it become one of humanity's greatest biological threats? If we can create mirror life, should we?

Join us as we explore one of the most consequential ideas in modern science, and why many scientists believe the conversation about governance needs to begin now.

Read the Brief on Mirror Life here: https://www.un.org/scientific-advisory-board/en/mirror-life

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In the first episode of Science Forward, the podcast of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board, we speak with Board member Yoshua Bengio and AI policy expert Charlotte Stix about one of the biggest questions of our time: what happens when AI learns to lie?

Can AI manipulate humans? Who should set the rules for powerful AI systems? And can we keep pace with technology? We unpack the growing risks of deceptive AI, why international cooperation matters, and what can still be done to make AI safer, more transparent, and better controlled.

Read the Science Brief on AI Deception here: https://www.un.org/scientific-advisory-board/en/ai-deception

Follow the work of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board through its Science Briefs, newsletter and social channels:

🌐 Website: https://www.un.org/scientific-advisory-board/en

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/un-scientific-advisory-board/

𝕏: https://x.com/ScienceBoard_UN

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UNScientificAdvisoryBoard

Welcome to Science Forward, the podcast of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board.

From AI and biotech to climate and global health, we dive into the biggest questions shaping our future, breaking them down with our leading scientists so anyone can understand. With Adam Day and Julia Bhattacharjee.

Follow the work of the UN Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board through its Science Briefs, newsletter, and social channels:

🌐 Website: ⁠https://www.un.org/scientific-advisory-board/en

💼 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/un-scientific-advisory-board/

𝕏: ⁠https://x.com/ScienceBoard_UN

▶️ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@UNScientificAdvisoryBoard