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Scientists have successfully brought back direwolves, which have been extinct for over 10,000 years. Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal Biosciences, discusses their ambitious roadmap, which includes reviving other extinct species like the woolly mammoth, Tasmanian tiger, and dodo. He emphasizes the potential of artificial wombs, predicting the first mammal birth fully ex utero by the end of 2026, which could revolutionize conservation efforts. Lamm acknowledges skepticism surrounding de-extinction but believes that the scientific achievements should be celebrated. He highlights the team's hard work in mapping ancient DNA and engineering it into the genome of the grey wolf, the closest living relative of the direwolf. The project has garnered significant media attention, with some controversy regarding the classification of the revived species. The conversation touches on the importance of collaboration in entrepreneurship and the need for persistence in pursuing moonshot projects. Lamm emphasizes the role of technology, including CRISPR and advanced sequencing techniques, in making de-extinction feasible. He notes that the editing process is becoming easier as they refine their methods. Lamm also discusses the ethical implications of their work, including the potential for gene drives to manage invasive species. He expresses a commitment to open-sourcing their technology for conservation efforts and collaborating with governments to create biodiversity credits, which could provide financial incentives for protecting endangered species. Looking ahead, Lamm shares that the mammoth is on track for revival by 2028, with the thylacine and dodo also in consideration. He envisions a future where artificial wombs could facilitate the growth of endangered species in controlled environments, ultimately contributing to ecosystem restoration. The overarching goal is to save every species on the planet, leveraging technology to address conservation challenges.

Ben Lamm discusses the ambitious goal of de-extinction, particularly focusing on woolly mammoths and other species, emphasizing that no single company can solve global warming. He explains de-extinction as the process of restoring core genes to create proxy species, using advanced biotechnology. The closest living relative to the mammoth is the Asian elephant, and through genomic analysis, they are isolating genes that define mammoth traits. The team has assembled 54 mammoth genomes to aid in this process. Lamm describes the challenges of obtaining viable ancient DNA, which often comes from well-preserved specimens found in permafrost. He highlights the importance of computational analysis and gene editing technologies, aiming for high efficacy in their edits. The ultimate goal is to create a mammoth-like creature, termed Mammoth 1.0, which will exhibit core mammoth traits. He also discusses the ecological implications of reintroducing species like the mammoth, which could help restore Arctic ecosystems by promoting biodiversity and carbon sequestration. Lamm envisions using artificial womb technology to scale up production and rewilding efforts, collaborating closely with governments and indigenous groups to ensure ethical and effective reintroduction of these species into their natural habitats.

In this episode of the Origins podcast, host Lawrence Krauss interviews George Church, a pioneer in synthetic biology and gene sequencing. Church discusses his journey into genetics, emphasizing his interdisciplinary approach that combines physics, chemistry, and biology. He highlights the potential of CRISPR technology, which his organization has patented, and its implications for genetic modification, including the resurrection of the woolly mammoth to restore ecosystems. Church elaborates on the idea that technological advancements in synthetic biology mirror evolutionary processes, suggesting that engineering and evolution share similarities in trial and error. He argues that the distinction between life and non-life is not binary but exists on a spectrum, with replication being a key characteristic of life. Looking ahead, Church speculates on the future of life in 100 years, suggesting that while our biology may remain unchanged, cultural evolution will likely lead to significant societal transformations. He expresses concerns about the ethical implications of genetic modification and the regulation of emerging technologies, advocating for proactive discussions about their potential impacts. Church also addresses climate change, proposing that engineered organisms could sequester carbon and create sustainable materials, such as smart plastics. He emphasizes the importance of harnessing natural processes to address environmental challenges. Finally, the conversation touches on artificial intelligence, with Church asserting that biological systems may outperform traditional computing methods. He concludes by underscoring the need for scientists to engage with the public to foster understanding and informed decision-making about the future of technology and biology.

Joe Rogan and Forrest Galante discuss Galante's book "Still Alive" and his experiences with wildlife. They delve into Galante's television show, "Mysterious Creatures," where he investigates cryptids like the Ozark howler and the red wolf. Galante explains that the howler's sightings coincided with the decline of red wolves, suggesting that the howler may be a misidentified wolf howling for communication. They also discuss the Thylacine, or Tasmanian tiger, and the possibility of its existence in Papua New Guinea, where it could thrive without competition from dingoes. Galante shares his experiences searching for the Thylacine, including credible sightings from biologists. He emphasizes the challenges of surveying remote areas and the need for local knowledge and support. Rogan and Galante compare the elusive nature of the Thylacine to mountain lions, which are often unseen despite their populations. The conversation shifts to cryptids, including the Orang Pendek, and the fascination with humanoid creatures. They discuss the existence of various human-like species in history, such as Homo floresiensis, and how cultural perceptions shape beliefs about cryptids. Rogan mentions the potential for ancient memories of creatures like Bigfoot to persist in folklore. They explore the idea of de-extinction, particularly the woolly mammoth, and the implications of reintroducing such species to combat climate change. Galante explains the science behind using CRISPR technology to create mammoths from Indian elephant DNA and the potential ecological benefits of restoring megafauna to the Arctic tundra. The discussion also touches on the impact of human activity on wildlife, including the overpopulation of black bears in areas like New Jersey and the consequences of monoculture agriculture in places like Borneo. Galante shares his experiences with a mother black bear and her cub that have been raiding his chickens, highlighting the challenges of human-wildlife interactions. They conclude by discussing the importance of connecting with nature and the need for radical conservation efforts to address the ongoing decline of wildlife populations. Galante emphasizes that while there are successful conservation stories, the overall trend is concerning, and innovative approaches are necessary to ensure the survival of various species.

In this a16z podcast episode, renowned scientist George Church discusses his groundbreaking work in genome sequencing and editing, particularly CRISPR technology. Joined by Jorge Conde, Church reflects on the implications of recent CRISPR developments, including the controversial creation of CRISPR babies in China, which aimed to provide resistance to HIV by knocking out the CCR5 gene. He emphasizes the ethical considerations surrounding germline editing and the need for regulatory oversight. Church also highlights the potential of whole genome sequencing for preventive medicine, advocating for lower costs and better privacy protections to encourage wider adoption. He shares insights from the Personal Genome Project, which aimed to educate participants about the risks and benefits of sharing genomic data. Looking ahead, Church envisions advancements in three-dimensional molecular mapping and increased genome editing capabilities, while pondering the future of de-extinction efforts, such as creating mammoth hybrids. The conversation underscores the intersection of science, ethics, and societal impact in genetic research.

The essence of being human is problem-solving, particularly in addressing challenges like disease and climate change through collaboration with microbes. Jennifer Doudna discusses CRISPR, a technology derived from bacteria that allows precise DNA editing in living organisms. This innovation has already cured diseases like sickle cell and created resilient rice plants. The next step is precision microbiome editing, which targets entire microbial communities linked to health and environmental issues. By combining CRISPR with metagenomics, scientists can modify microbiomes to reduce methane emissions and combat diseases like asthma. This collaboration with nature aims to create transformative solutions for health and the planet.

On This Past Weekend, the outdoorsman Forrest Galante walks Theo Von through a life stitched to wildlife. Born on the edge of Africa in Zimbabwe, he grew up on a family flower farm and safaris, watching habitats shrink as villages and farms crept closer. He recalls gunfights, neighbor killings, and a country in upheaval during Mugabe’s land reforms that finally pushed his family to leave. The early chaos seeded a lifelong mission: to protect wild spaces, wildlife, and the fragile links between them. Growing up, he wandered the bush with a naturalist’s instinct and a field scientist’s questions. He describes habitat encroachment as the quiet culprit behind thinning herds: villages cutting trees, fields replacing forests, and elephants slipping away from former ranges. In the late 1990s, Zimbabwe’s reform campaigns and political violence forced his family to relocate to the United States, where welfare and unfamiliar rules replaced the open skies of Africa. Yet the pull of wildlife never left him; he pursued biology and a life built around sea, savanna, and species in peril. His current work blends entertainment with urgent science. On Animals on Drugs, he explores bears, hippos, and other wildlife ingesting human substances, from cocaine hippos in Colombia to meth-tainted water sources in the U.S. He recounts the Colombia project with the Coronar group: chemically sterilizing hippos and relocating offspring to balance ecosystems, using bulas traps and Gonocon darts to sterilize juveniles, then surgically sterilizing adults by nighttime, a process sometimes lasting hours with a thirty-person team under hot, tense conditions. The aim is nonlethal control rather than eradication. Another throughline is Extinct or Alive, where discoveries on Fernandina Island reshaped the gamespace of conservation. The Fern tortoise, 114 years unseen, is the centerpiece of one season, alongside other species recovered from ‘lost to science’ status after two months of fieldwork. He describes Colossal Biosciences’ de-extinction efforts, including dire wolves, mammoth-related concepts, and the idea of restoring ecological balance by reintroducing species to their niches. He stresses collaboration with governments and communities to avoid privatizing genetics, while acknowledging hopeful possibilities for ecosystems and human culture alike.

In this episode of "Moonshots and Mindsets," Peter Diamandis interviews Ben Lamm, CEO of Colossal, a pioneering de-extinction company. Colossal's mission is to bring back extinct species, starting with the woolly mammoth, by restoring lost genes rather than cloning. Lamm shares that the company has raised $225 million at a $1.5 billion valuation in just two years, highlighting the importance of a strong CEO in driving moonshot projects. Colossal aims to not only revive iconic species but also develop technologies for healthcare and conservation. The company is focused on understanding the genetic differences between the woolly mammoth and its closest living relative, the Asian elephant, to identify key genes responsible for mammoth traits. Lamm emphasizes the collaborative effort required, involving a network of scientists and advisors, including George Church, a leading figure in synthetic biology. The conversation touches on the environmental implications of reviving the woolly mammoth, as their reintroduction could help combat climate change by restoring Arctic ecosystems. Lamm explains that the company is also exploring the de-extinction of the thylacine and the dodo, with timelines for these projects varying based on gestation periods and genetic challenges. Colossal's business model includes creating spin-off technologies that can be applied beyond de-extinction, as well as partnerships for educational content and government contracts aimed at biodiversity restoration. Lamm discusses the ethical considerations surrounding de-extinction, advocating for transparency and collaboration with critics to ensure responsible use of technology. The episode concludes with Lamm expressing a vision for sustainable underwater cities as a potential future X Prize, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions to global challenges.

In this episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," Joe Rogan speaks with Beth Shapiro, a scientist specializing in ancient DNA and paleogenomics. Shapiro discusses her transition from broadcast journalism to science, driven by her fascination with geology and human history. She emphasizes the importance of innovation in science and critiques the scarcity mindset prevalent in academia, which stifles creativity and collaboration. Shapiro shares her experiences working with ancient DNA, including her work at Colossal, a company focused on de-extinction efforts, such as bringing back the woolly mammoth and direwolves. She explains the challenges of extracting and analyzing ancient DNA, which is often degraded and contaminated. The conversation touches on the ethical implications of de-extinction and the potential benefits of using genetic engineering to preserve endangered species. They discuss the complexities of species classification and the ongoing debates within the scientific community regarding the manipulation of genetics. Shapiro highlights the importance of understanding the consequences of reintroducing species into ecosystems, citing examples like the Florida panther and the challenges faced by ranchers due to reintroduced predators. Rogan and Shapiro also delve into the fascinating history of extinct animals, including the short-faced bear and the Irish elk, and the potential for future discoveries in paleontology. They explore the idea of using advanced technologies, such as CRISPR, for medical advancements and conservation efforts, while acknowledging the risks and ethical considerations involved. Throughout the conversation, Shapiro emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to science, advocating for responsible innovation that considers both ecological and societal impacts. The episode concludes with a discussion about the future of genetic research and the exciting possibilities it holds for understanding and preserving biodiversity.

Joe Rogan hosts Ben Lamm, CEO and cofounder of Colossal Biosciences, the first de-extinction and species preservation company, likening their work to real-life Jurassic Park. Lamm shares his journey into synthetic biology, sparked by conversations with George Church, a pioneer in the field, particularly regarding the revival of mammoths. Colossal's initial focus was on mammoths due to their ecological significance and the advanced research already conducted on them. The process of de-extinction involves extracting ancient DNA, which is often fragmented and degraded, and mapping it to the genome of the closest living relative, the Asian elephant. Lamm explains that mammoths and Asian elephants share 99.6% of their DNA, and he discusses the challenges of reconstructing the mammoth genome using AI and genetic engineering techniques like CRISPR. He highlights the importance of understanding the ecological impact of reintroducing extinct species, citing the potential benefits of mammoths in Arctic ecosystems. Lamm also discusses the broader implications of synthetic biology, including the potential to engineer traits in living species, such as creating disease-resistant animals. He shares insights into the ethical considerations surrounding genetic engineering and the public's perception of such technologies. The conversation touches on the challenges of balancing innovation with safety and ethical concerns, particularly in the context of human applications. Colossal is also working on projects involving other extinct species, such as the Tasmanian tiger and the dodo, and Lamm emphasizes the importance of collaboration with indigenous groups and conservationists to ensure responsible rewilding efforts. He mentions the company's commitment to open-source technology for conservation, allowing others to benefit from their research. The discussion shifts to the potential for future advancements in genetic engineering, including the use of artificial wombs for endangered species and the implications of human genetic modification. Lamm expresses optimism about the future of synthetic biology, emphasizing the need for thoughtful regulation and ethical considerations as the field evolves. Throughout the conversation, Rogan and Lamm explore the intersection of technology, ethics, and the natural world, reflecting on humanity's role in shaping the future of life on Earth. Lamm concludes by highlighting the excitement and responsibility that comes with pioneering work in de-extinction and conservation, urging a balanced approach to innovation and environmental stewardship.