866: Bringing Back Extinct Animals like the Woolly Mammoth and Dodo Bird

The Intersection of De-Extinction and Technological Innovation

A key focus of the episode is the groundbreaking work by a company called Colossal Biosciences, which aims to bring extinct animals back to life, such as the woolly mammoth and dodo bird. Through advanced biotechnology, they map the genomes of these extinct species and compare them to closely related living species, utilizing CRISPR gene editing to modify cells. These modified cells are then implanted into surrogate mothers, creating an avenue not just for de-extinction but also for innovations like artificial womb technology. The ambition behind this endeavor highlights the potential for significant commercial applications across various industries, showcasing how big dreams can lead to meaningful advancements in technology and conservation efforts.