Mind-reading Computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford

Mind-reading Computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford

From The Infinite Monkey Cage by BBC Radio 4

November 12, 2025 · 43 min

About this episode

The episode explores the science of brain-computer interfaces with insights from experts and a comedian.

For once, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are on the same wavelength – with thinking caps firmly on, they plug into the science of brain-computer interfaces. Helping them decode the tech are neuroscientist Luke Bashford, biomedical engineer Anne Vanhoestenberghe, and comedian Phil Wang. Together the panel switches on to the possibilities of using implanted and wearable devices to restore movement, speech, sight… or even to decode thoughts themselves. From the ethics of cognitive enhancement to the future of mind-reading and immersive gaming, strap in for this electrifyingly thought-provoking episode. Producer: Melanie Brown Executive Producer: Alexandra Feachem A BBC Studios Production

People in this episode

Hosts: Brian Cox, Robin Ince

Guests: Luke Bashford, Anne Vanhoestenberghe, Phil Wang

Topics covered

  • brain-computer interfaces
  • neuroscience
  • biomedical engineering
  • cognitive enhancement
  • mind-reading
  • immersive gaming

Keywords

  • brain-computer interfaces
  • neuroscience
  • cognitive enhancement
  • mind-reading
  • biomedical engineering
  • immersive gaming

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, BBC Studios

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