The chapter delves into the groundbreaking discovery of fossil chromosomes within a 52,000-year-old mammoth, revolutionizing the study of ancient DNA and offering insights into the genetic structure of prehistoric life. Dr. Erez Aiden explains the significance of this new method, which involves preserving chromosomes as chromo glass through dehydration and cooling. The chapter also explores the potential for chromo glass to preserve DNA for millions of years, opening avenues to uncover ancient biological material from distant epochs and even outer space.
Artificial intelligence is already making a difference in the theatre of war, and more involvement will certainly come. That raises a host of thorny ethical issues. In some cases, scientists just clocked, extinct beasts’ DNA can be extraordinarily well preserved—revealing once-inaccessible biological secrets (10:43). And remembering Pål Enger, who never quite knew why he felt compelled to steal “The Scream” (19:25).
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